Which risk factors increase the risk of prostate cancer and how can one protect themselves from it?
March 12, 2022 | 90,00 EUR | answered by Jan Schulz
Dear Doctor,
My name is Albrecht Völker, and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my health. Recently, a friend in my circle was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that has made me very anxious. I wonder if I also have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and what I can do to protect myself from it.
I am 56 years old and lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. I eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and attend regular check-ups. However, I have heard that there are certain risk factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, I would like to learn more about what those factors are and if there are ways to minimize them.
I am also interested in knowing if there are specific early detection methods that could help me identify and treat prostate cancer in a timely manner. I am very worried that the disease could develop unnoticed and that I may not be able to do anything about it in time.
I would greatly appreciate your expertise and advice on this matter. Please provide me with information on what risk factors could increase my personal risk for prostate cancer and what I can do to protect myself as best as possible. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Albrecht Völker
Dear Mr. Völker,
Thank you for your message and your trust. It is understandable that you are concerned about your personal risk for prostate cancer after hearing about a friend's diagnosis. I am happy to provide you with some information on this.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, especially in older age. There are various risk factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, genetic predisposition, family history, and ethnic origin. Men over 50 generally have a higher risk of prostate cancer than younger men. Genetic factors also play a role, so a family history of the disease can increase the risk. People of African descent also have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
A healthy lifestyle, like the one you lead, can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption can help minimize the risk. It is also important to undergo regular screenings to detect changes early.
There are various methods for early detection of prostate cancer. The most well-known method is the PSA test, which measures the PSA level in the blood. An elevated PSA level may indicate prostate cancer and further tests such as a tissue biopsy may be necessary. However, there is ongoing debate about the usefulness of the PSA test, as it is not always conclusive and can lead to overdiagnosis. Therefore, it is important to discuss the pros and cons of the PSA test with your doctor and make an informed decision together.
Overall, it is important to stay informed about your health, watch out for warning signs, and take active measures to minimize your risk of prostate cancer. I recommend talking to your primary care physician about your concerns and developing an individual prevention and early detection strategy together.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need support, please feel free to reach out. Stay healthy and all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Jan Schulz
