However, research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for prostate cancer:

• Age over 65: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of getting prostate cancer increases as you get older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are over 65. This disease is less common in men under 50. However, in Arkansas, the premature death rate from prostate cancer is up by 65% and men are more likely to die from the disease than women are from breast cancer. (Arkansas Central Cancer Registry)
• Family history: Your risk is higher if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer.
• Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than European-American or Hispanic/Latino men. It's less common among Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaskan Native men. In Arkansas, African-American men are 55% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 176% more likely to die from it than European-American men. (Arkansas Central Cancer Registry)
• Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk of prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
• Certain genome changes: Researchers have found specific regions on certain chromosomes that are linked to the risk of prostate cancer. According to recent studies, if a man has a genetic change in one or more of these regions, the risk of prostate cancer may be increased.

The risk increases with the number of genetic changes that are found. Also, other studies have shown an elevated risk of prostate cancer among men with changes in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Having a risk factor doesn't mean that a man will develop prostate cancer. Most men who have risk factors never develop aggressive disease.

Diet and exercise can are also factors in prostate cancer. There is evidence that a diet higher in fat, especially animal fat, may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Scientists recommend whole fruits, vegetables and grains; decreasing dairy products and charred (grilled meats).