What is your risk of prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer Risk Factor Quiz

Take this quiz to learn about what can affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. While we don't know the exact causes of cancer, there are trends that men with prostate cancer share.

  1. How old are you?
    The older you are, the greater your chance of developing prostate cancer. If you are a man under 55, you have a less than 10% chance of having prostate cancer. In your 60s, your risk of developing prostate cancer can be over 30%.
     
    It is a good idea to get screened for any prostate problems as soon as you reach the age of 50. You may wish to start screening earlier if you have risk factors like a family history of prostate cancer.
     
  2. Are you overweight?
    Calculate your body mass index (BMI): BMI = body weight (kg) ÷ height² (m) (Example: if you weigh 150 lbs (68 kg) and are 5'8" (1.73 m) tall, divide 68 by (1.73 × 1.73), or 2.99, to make 22.74.)
    If you are overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI 30 or higher), you you may be at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer compared to at a normal weight. That stands true for most types of cancer. As well, your body needs energy to fight off diseases and illnesses. An overweight body requires more of your body's resources to maintain itself in a normal state. That results in less energy for anything else.
      
  3. Have any men in your family had prostate cancer?
    Scientific studies have linked a specific gene to prostate cancer; if you carry that gene, you may be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk may be even higher if you have a male first-degree relative on either side of your family who was diagnosed before the age of 65. A family history of other cancers, including breast cancer, can also increase your risk of prostate cancer.
     
  4. What is your ethnic background?
    Men of African or Caribbean descent have the highest percentage of prostate cancer incidence, followed by Caucasians. Asian and Indigenous people have the lowest risk. Why do we see these differences? Genetics and environment may explain it, at least in part, along with lifestyle differences and diet.
       
  5. Do you eat the following foods regularly?
    While food alone will not cure prostate cancer, you should take a look at your diet to see if you are getting enough of the following foods:
     
    Foods rich in lycopene may help to lower your risk of developing prostate cancer. Lycopene is found in guava, papaya, red grapefruit, watermelon, tomatoes, tomato products, ketchup and vegetable cocktails.
     
    Soy products are rich in naturally-occurring estrogen compounds that can help to counter the effects of testosterone and may help lower your risk of developing prostate cancer. Soy products can include soy beverages, tofu, and soybeans.
     
    Avoid foods that are high in animal fats - they have been associated with increasing the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
     
  6. Do you drink coffee?
    There's some research to suggest that your daily cup of java can decrease your risk of developing severe prostate cancers. While it's best not to overdo it, both regular and decaffeinated coffee might yield benefits in addition to kickstarting your morning routine.
     
  7. Do you use painkillers such as ASA or ibuprofen?
    If you are taking painkillers such as ASA or ibuprofen, you may actually be helping to keep prostate cancer under control. Speak to your doctor if you are thinking of taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Prostate-Cancer-One-Mans-Story