Why Do I Have UTIs So Frequently?
One UTI is bad enough — recurrent UTIs are the stuff of nightmares. Here, we explain why you keep getting UTIs and how to make them stop.
Why Are Men So Susceptible to Prostate Cancer?
No one wants to think they could be at an increased risk for cancer, but knowing your health status is one of the best ways to make sure the disease doesn’t develop under the radar.
Here, our experts at Golden Gate Urology in Berkeley, California, highlight the lifestyle and genetic factors that increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Risk factors for prostate cancer
A risk factor is anything about your lifestyle or genetics that increases your chance of getting a certain disease — in this case, prostate cancer.
Some risk factors you can control (e.g., smoking and tobacco use); others are hardwired into your DNA or aren’t changeable (e.g., your age and family medical history).
But even having several risk factors doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a cancer diagnosis. Some men with prostate cancer don’t have a single risk factor. However, we do want those most at risk to be extra vigilant.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common risk factors associated with prostate cancer.
Older age
Prostate cancer is uncommon in men under 40, but your chances skyrocket once you hit 50. Around 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men over 65.
Race and ethnicity
Men of African ancestry are the most likely to develop prostate cancer, and they tend to be younger when they receive their diagnosis.
Family history
Prostate cancer can run in families, which suggests a genetic factor. If your brother or father had or has prostate cancer, your chance of receiving a diagnosis more than doubles. The risk is even higher if you have several family members with prostate cancer.
Note that prostate cancer can develop with or without a family history.
Gene changes
Genetic mutations may be to blame for increased cancer risk, a significant factor in up to 10% of prostate cancers.
Other potential risk factors
Poor diet, obesity, smoking, chemical exposure, inflammation of the prostate gland, sexually transmitted infections, and vasectomies are other risk factors for prostate cancer. Researchers remain unsure of the extent of their effects.
For that reason, we encourage men to live healthy lifestyles, maintain healthy weights, and avoid exposure to toxins as much as possible.
You think you’re at risk — now what?
Your first line of defense against prostate cancer is a simple screening test. We offer two screening tests: a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen test. We also have tests to uncover underlying genetic mutations.
If you have risk factors but your test is negative, we recommend regular screenings to ensure we catch changes as early as possible.
If we detect prostate cancer, we use ultrasound, prostate biopsy, MRI fusion, and/or PET-CT scans to assess the aggressiveness of your cancer and see if it’s spread.
Advanced technology allows us to predict the behavior of your prostate cancer and create an effective, proactive treatment plan.
The best news is that prostate cancer is treatable, especially if caught early. We have a robotic prostatectomy specialist and radiation oncologist on-site to give you state-of-the-art care in our office. Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Active surveillance
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Cryosurgery
- Chemotherapy
- Robotic prostatectomy
If you’re concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, don’t delay getting tested. Our specialists walk you through the screening process and outline an action plan. Call our friendly staff at 510-255-0013 or schedule your consultation online today.
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