● Age. Prostate cancer is rare before age 40 years; however, incidence rates begin increasing rapidly after age 50 years. The median age at diagnosis is 66 years.

● Ethnicity. African American men have the highest incidence and mortality rates from prostate cancer in the United States and among the highest in the world. Compared to white men, a higher percentage of African American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 50 years. They are also more likely to present with an advanced-stage cancer, even after adjusting for access to care.

● Family history. Genetics appear to play an important role in prostate cancer risk. For men with one affected first-degree relative, namely, a father or brother, risk of developing prostate cancer increases twofold; for men with two or three affected first-degree relatives, risk increases 5- to 11-fold. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations also appear to confer increased risk of prostate cancer.

● Other risk factors. Although the evidence is less convincing, other potential risk factors include Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam veterans, diets high in animal fat, obesity, and cigarette smoking. However, BPH, a common finding in older men, is not a risk factor for prostate cancer.

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