Prostate Cancer Facts

July 1, 2024 

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Wesley Yip, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Prostate cancer accounts for about 15% of all new U.S. cancer cases, affecting one in eight men. This type of cancer is the third-most common cancer in the United States, and it's the second-most common type of cancer affecting men, after skin cancer.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate start growing abnormally and uncontrollably.

The prostate is a walnut-shaped organ that contributes fluid to semen and helps expel semen during ejaculation.

Almost all prostate cancer types are adenocarcinomas (which originate from the glandular cells of the prostate) and most are slow growing. However, these tumors may cause prostate cancer symptoms that require timely interventions, such as restricting urine flow or sexual function.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate mutate (change) and begin to grow uncontrollably. These new cells can then form a cancerous tumor. 

The risk for developing prostate cancer may be higher in people who have certain environmental and inherited risk factors.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors are things that can increase your risk of developing cancer. Some risk factors for prostate cancer may include those listed below.

Family history: People who have a brother or father with prostate cancer face a higher risk of the disease.

Diet: Studies suggest that men who consume a diet high in dairy products may have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Age: Approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 65.

Race and ethnicity: African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than other races.

Exposure to certain chemicals: Some studies indicate that exposure to arsenic, Agent Orange or some chemicals involved in firefighting may raise prostate cancer risk.

Is Prostate Cancer Genetic?

Some hereditary gene mutations, which are passed on from parents to children, may raise the risk for developing prostate cancer. Research suggests that up to 10% of prostate cancer diagnoses may be caused by gene mutations.

The most common mutations related to prostate cancer are the BRCA1 (breast cancer 1) or BRCA 2 (breast cancer 2) genes or having Lynch syndrome, which is also referred to as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Mutations to other genes, such as PALB2, CHEK2 and ATM, may also increase the risk for developing prostate cancer.