What Lifestyle Factors Can Contribute to Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer in the U.S. Most people want to do whatever they can to reduce their risk of developing it. Some of the risk factors can’t be changed. But there are some things that you can do to decrease the chance of getting prostate cancer. Let’s take a look at what the science says about each risk factor and what steps you can take to lower your risk.

What are the biggest risk factors of prostate cancer?

The biggest risk factors for developing prostate cancer are things that can’t be changed: age, race, and genetics. But early prostate cancer is easier to treat, so there’s still action you can take to keep yourself healthy.

• Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop prostate cancer. Only 10% of prostate cancers happen in people younger than 65 years old. If you are over 65 years old, talk to your healthcare provider about screening for prostate cancer. And learn the symptoms of prostate cancer. If you have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away.

• Genetics: If people in your family have a history of certain types of cancer, you could be at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. If you have certain genetic mutations, you could also be at higher risk. Learn about your family’s history of cancer, and let your healthcare provider know if there’s a history of cancer in your family. This information could change the way your healthcare provider decides to screen you for prostate cancer.

• Race: Black males are almost twice as likely to get prostate cancer as white males. They’re also more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Scientists haven’t identified a genetic reason for this. Unequal access to healthcare and insurance are reasons for this disparity. If you don’t have insurance, learn more about low-cost care so you can make sure you have access to a yearly physical. Find a primary care provider so you can be sure that all your screening tests are followed up. 

What are some of the risk factors for cancer that can be changed?

There are several things you can do to help decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. 

1. Stop smoking

Smoking is linked to the development of aggressive prostate cancer. Studies show that people who smoke have a 10% to 30% increased chance of getting aggressive prostate cancer, which is more difficult to treat than low-risk prostate cancer. If you stop smoking, you can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. There are treatment options available to help you quit smoking. You can also talk to a healthcare provider about how to stop smoking. 

2. Eat a healthy diet

Many studies have looked at the effects of diet on developing prostate cancer. Here’s what we know so far:

• Animal fat: Diets high in animal fats can increase the risk of prostate cancer because of the high amounts of alpha-linoleic acid in these foods. Try to limit the amount of meat and other animal products you eat, especially those high in saturated fats like sausage, bacon, and cheese. You don’t have to completely remove these items from your diet, but you can choose from healthy options and eat them in recommended amounts. 

• Vegetables: Some studies show that diets low in vegetables can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Some newer studies also show that diets higher in lycopene, which is in tomatoes and tomato products, can decrease the risk of prostate cancer. There’s also some evidence that soy products can decrease prostate cancer risk — though this evidence isn’t as strong as other evidence about diet. Overall, the data supports that diets higher in vegetables can help reduce prostate cancer risks. Eating vegetables has other health benefits, too — so look for ways to increase your daily vegetable intake. 

3. Keep an eye on body fat distribution

There’s some evidence that increased body fat can raise the risk of developing prostate cancer. This is thought to be due in part to the increased circulation of the hormone insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

There’s a link between prostate cancer recurrence and weight. So if you’ve already been diagnosed with prostate cancer there are steps you can take. Those with a prostate cancer diagnosis are encouraged to stay active and eat a healthy diet to help manage their weight and avoid excessive weight gain. 

4. Consume alcohol in moderation

It’s not clear if alcohol intake increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Some studies show that heavy alcohol use does increase the risk. One study showed that men who had more than 1 drink per month had a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared with men who had less than 1 drink per month or drank no alcohol at all. Another study showed that drinking red wine even lessened the risk of developing prostate cancer. Overall, the evidence around alcohol use and prostate cancer risk is inconclusive. But since excessive alcohol use can lead to other health conditions, it’s a good idea to follow guidelines regarding alcohol intake.

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Written by:

Ronald W. Dworkin, MD, PhD

Ronald W. Dworkin, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist who has been practicing anesthesiology in a community hospital for 30 years. He has taught in the honors program at George Washington University for over 10 years and works as a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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