Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men, and there were over a million new cases recorded globally in 2018. As this type of cancer becomes more common, more research is done in an attempt to understand it’s causes. The causes of prostate cancer are complex, but current findings do indicate that there are some lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of being affected, and the severity of the type of prostate cancer.
Lifestyle Factors That Have Been Proven to Be Linked to Prostate Cancer
Eating habits
Many studies have already highlighted the link between poor nutrition and diet, and an increased risk of getting various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Early research focusing specifically on prostate cancer and diet has found a relationship between the consumption of excessive amounts of red meat and dairy products that are high in fat, and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Although this is a promising start to finding out why some men get prostate cancer, further research must be conducted to establish direct links between prostate cancer and poor diet.
Obesity
Simply being overweight will not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. But some studies have shown that overweight people that do have prostate cancer are at higher risk of contracting particularly aggressive forms. These more aggressive types of cancer are less likely to respond to treatment, and more likely to result in death.
Lack of exercise
Not engaging in frequent physical activity is also known to have an adverse effect on rates of other forms of cancer – the less exercise you do, the greater the chances are of contracting colon or endometrial cancer. Further research needs to be done to prove the relationship between physical activity and prostate cancer specifically. But it should be noted that a lack of exercise is often related to obesity and, sometimes poor diet as well. Therefore a sedentary lifestyle is a factor that can cause an increased risk of prostate cancer, even though it might not be a direct causal relationship.
Smoking
A systematic review of literature has indicated a positive relationship between smoking, and prostate cancer. This research found that smokers were more likely to experience more aggressive prostate cancer, and that smokers were less receptive to treatment, and more likely to die from the cancer.
Lifestyle factors that don’t cause prostate cancer
Research has also found that there are a number of lifestyle factors that might increase the risk of other forms of cancer, but have no relation to rates of prostate cancer whatsoever. These include having a vasectomy, sexual preference, and rate of alcohol consumption
Is prostate cancer caused solely by lifestyle factors?
While there is clear evidence to indicate a relationship between prostate cancer and lifestyle factors, it’s important to note that this is only part of a wider picture. There are also many causal factors that are beyond the control of individuals, that contribute to increased risk of prostate cancer.
Approximately 20% of all cases of prostate cancer come with family history. This is partially due to genetics, but also due to the fact that family members might share certain unhealthy lifestyle factors that lead to prostate cancer. African American men have the highest risk of contracting the cancer in the United States, and this risk is almost double the risk for white men. They are also more likely to develop the disease at a younger age.
Prostate cancer is complex, with many risk factors
It’s important to remember that prostate cancer is usually caused by a number of different factors, very rarely just a single one. This is part of the reason why current research is unable to identify strong links, although there are some factors that can increase your risk. It currently appears as though lifestyle factors only play a small part in the risk of developing prostate cancer, but they can also affect the severity of the disease, and it’s responsiveness to treatment.
Lifestyle and Prostate Cancer
Despite the lack of total certainty surrounding lifestyle factors and prostate cancer, there is still evidence that men can and should make certain lifestyle changes. Not only will this decrease their risk of prostate cancer, but it can reduce the chances of getting other cancers, and improve their overall health as well.