Odds of Prostate Cancer

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer affects men more than any other form of cancer in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 190,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. The odds of being diagnosed with prostate cancer can increase depending on age, ethnicity, family history and prostate health.

Odds

• According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Nearly 18 percent of the American male population will suffer from the disease. When caught early, the survival rate for men with prostate cancer is higher than many other forms of cancer.

Age

• Age is the biggest factor in prostate cancer odds. Prostate cancer in men younger than 40 is uncommon. Each year thereafter, the risks increase. Almost all prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States is in men 65 or older.

Ethnicity

• Prostate cancer is more prevalent in African-American men followed by Caucasian men. Hispanics, Native Americans and Asian Americans are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Family History

• Prostate cancer tends to run in families. Individuals who have a sibling, father, son or other close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to have early screenings.

Prostate Health

• Men who have a history of problems or changes to the prostate, such as enlarged prostate, may be more likely to contract the disease.