What increases the risk of prostate cancer?

Some people have a greater risk of prostate cancer. They may be more likely to benefit from prostate cancer screening. Knowing the risk factors for prostate cancer can help you determine if or when you want to begin prostate cancer screening. The main risk factors include:

• Older age. After age 50, the chance of having prostate cancer goes up.
• Race. For reasons that aren't well understood, Black people have a higher risk of developing and dying of prostate cancer.
• Family history. Risk is higher among people with a parent, sibling or other close family member with prostate cancer.
• Inherited DNA changes. Certain DNA changes are associated with prostate cancer. Your healthcare team might recommend genetic testing if you have a strong family history of cancer or if a blood relative has been diagnosed with certain DNA changes.