Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Conditions and factors that can increase prostate cancer risk

All men are at risk for prostate cancer. The most common risk factor is age. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer.

Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer.

Some men are at increased risk for prostate cancer. You have a higher risk of getting or dying from prostate cancer if you are African American or prostate cancer runs in your family.

Risk among Black and African American men

Compared to other men, Black and African American men are more likely to:

• Get prostate cancer.
• Get prostate cancer at a younger age.
• Have a more advanced stage of prostate cancer when it's found.
• Die from prostate cancer.

Having a family history of prostate cancer or genetic risk factors

You may have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer that is caused by inherited genetic changes if:

• You have a first-degree relative (father, son, or brother) who has had prostate cancer. This includes family members on both your mother's and father's sides of the family, going back three generations.
• Members of your family have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer.

Talk to your doctor about your family's health history of cancer. For more information, visit Family Health History and Cancer.

More information

• Prostate Cancer Prevention (National Cancer Institute)
• Genetics of Prostate Cancer (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version (National Cancer Institute)

Fact sheets

Facts About Prostate Cancer provides an overview of symptoms, screening, and treatment options for general audiences, African American men, and Hispanic or Latino men.