Cancer that affects the prostate gland is known as prostate cancer. The prostate is a small gland in the lower abdomen that is responsible for the production of semen. This is a slow-growing cancer that can be treated and cured if detected in time. Unfortunately, there are very few prominent symptoms. Hence, men above the age of 50 are advised to undergo annual prostate cancer screenings. Men who meet the criteria for the top risk factors for prostate cancer can start these screenings at an earlier age.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear. However, some of the top risk factors for prostate cancer have been identified. Luckily, it is not necessary for every man with these risk factors to develop cancer. At the same time, there have been cases where none of the risk factors were present but cancer still developed.

You could consider yourself to be at a high risk for prostate cancer if you:

• Are over the age of 50 years
  Around 80% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed amongst men over the age of 65 years
• Have a close family member who has suffered from prostate cancer or breast cancer
  20% of all prostate cancer cases develop as a result of common familial genes and lifestyle factors. Prostate cancer may also be hereditary.
• Carry the BRCA2 gene
  This is the gene associated with breast cancer
• Are of American-African descent
  People with this ethnicity have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer
• Are overweight or obese
  Obesity is one of the most common links amongst all prostate cancer patients

If you have one or more of the top risk factors for prostate cancer, it is advisable to watch out for signs that could indicate the development of this condition. In the early stages, symptoms are negligible. Some of the symptoms that may become apparent as the disease progresses are:

• Bloody urine
• Blood in the semen
• Difficulty urinating
• Weak flow of urine
• Increased need to urinate frequently
• Difficulty starting and stopping urination
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Painful ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction and difficulty maintaining erections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite

Once the cancer spreads or metastasizes to other organs in the body, it could cause pain in the chest, back ad pelvic region. If it affects the spinal cord, there may also be a loss of feeling in the bladder and legs.

Being aware of the top risk factors for prostate cancer makes diagnosing it easier. Since the cause of this condition is not known, preventing it is very difficult. Managing your diet and lifestyle can help reduce risks such as obesity. If you meet any of these risk criteria, do not take it lightly but schedule annual check-ups. Screening can be in the form of a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigens or a digital rectal examination. Like other types of cancer, prostate cancer is easiest to treat in its early stages.