Early conversations lead to earlier detection—and better outcomes.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause harm, others can be aggressive and life-threatening. Understanding who is at risk and why allows men to make informed decisions about screening, lifestyle, and when to seek medical advice.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer affects men across the world:
Australia: Over 20,000 men are diagnosed each year
New Zealand: Approximately 4,000 new cases annually
United States: More than 300,000 men are diagnosed every year
Overall, about 1 in 8 men will develop clinically significant prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Understanding the main risk factors
Age – the strongest risk factor
Prostate cancer is closely linked to aging.
It is extremely rare in men under 40
Slightly more common in men in their 40s
The majority of cases (around 60%) occur in men over the age of 65
As men get older, prostate cells are more likely to develop genetic changes that can lead to cancer. This is why screening discussions usually begin later in life, particularly for men with other risk factors.
Family history – when prostate cancer runs in families
A family history significantly increases risk.
No family history: ~1 in 7–8 lifetime risk
One first-degree relative (father or brother): ~1 in 3
Two first-degree relatives: ~1 in 2
Three or more relatives: risk approaches certainty
Men with a strong family history often develop prostate cancer earlier and may develop more aggressive disease. These men should discuss earlier PSA testing with their doctor.
Genetic factors
Certain inherited gene mutations increase prostate cancer risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
These genes are more commonly discussed in relation to breast cancer, but they are also linked to:
Higher prostate cancer risk
Earlier onset of disease
More aggressive cancers
If your family has a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or prostate cancer, genetic counselling may be appropriate.
Ethnicity and prostate cancer
Risk differs across ethnic groups:
African-American men
~60% higher risk than Caucasian men
More likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer
Tend to be diagnosed at a younger age
Asian and Hispanic men
Lower overall risk
Cancer tends to be diagnosed later and is often less aggressive
The reasons for these differences are likely a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
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Diet, nutrition, and prostate cancer
What is considered a “higher-risk” diet?
Research suggests higher risk in men who consume:
High amounts of red meat
Large quantities of full-fat dairy products
Diets high in saturated fats
Some studies show men on high-fat diets have a 10–20% increased risk of developing prostate cancer and a higher chance of aggressive disease.
Foods that may reduce risk
Although no diet can guarantee prevention, certain foods are associated with lower risk:
Fruits and vegetables, particularly:
Tomatoes (rich in lycopene)
Leafy greens
Vitamin D
Adequate sun exposure or supplementation may be beneficial
Plant-based foods
May reduce inflammation and improve overall health
Lifestyle and prostate health
A healthy lifestyle supports prostate health and reduces cancer risk:
Regular exercise
Walking, swimming, cycling, or resistance training
Maintaining a healthy weight
Obesity is linked with more aggressive prostate cancer
Reducing alcohol intake
Avoiding smoking
These habits also reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other cancers.
Screening and early detection
Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Difficulty urinating
Weak urine stream
Frequent urination at night
Blood in urine or semen
Screening typically involves:
PSA blood test
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
The decision to screen should be made after discussion with your doctor, particularly if you have risk factors such as family history or genetic predisposition.
When should you speak to your doctor?
You should consider seeing your GP or urologist if:
You are over 50 years old
You are over 40 with a family history
You have urinary symptoms
You are concerned about prostate cancer risk
Early conversations lead to earlier detection—and better outcomes.
Key takeaway
While some risk factors such as age and genetics cannot be changed, many lifestyle factors can be modified. Awareness, regular check-ups, and healthy choices play a powerful role in reducing risk and detecting prostate cancer early.
Take care of your prostate health—it’s an investment in your future.