As a Black man, you’ve probably heard of prostate cancer. Perhaps you have family or friends who have it or battled it. Maybe you even know people who have unfortunately died from it.
But did you know that one out of every six Black men will develop this cancer in their lifetime? Or that your chances of getting diagnosed are nearly two times greater than that of white men?
While the symptoms of prostate cancer may be easy to pinpoint – difficulty urinating, pain when urinating, constant urinating – knowing the risk factors is not always easy.
Here are six rare risk factors you should know.
1. Too Much Milk!
Some studies have indicated that excessive calcium, as found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and some greens, may actually be linked to higher rates of prostate cancer. Researchers find that too much calcium can weaken the benefits of Vitamin D in your body, which may be a critical vitamin for controlling the development and spread of prostate cancer.
Studies also indicate that excessive calcium may increase the PSA levels in your body. PSA is a protein made by your prostate, and when levels are very high, something is up!
2. Environmental Toxins
A job is a job, and sometimes you’ve gotta do what you gotta do. But did you know that certain toxins and chemicals in your work environment may be significantly increasing your risk of prostate cancer?
According to Johns Hopkins researchers, firefighters and farmers may be at greater risk due to their exposure to combustion products and agricultural products. So, if you find yourself in these professions, be sure to get screened regularly, limit exposure, and wear personal protective equipment where necessary.
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3. Cigarette Smoking
Heavy smoker? Social smoker? Just like to take a drag on occasion when you’re stressed or in the mood? Whatever your habit, research shows that kicking the habit is probably a good idea. The research is in pretty strong agreement on this one. In one major literature review, smokers had over a 40 percent greater risk of death due to prostate cancer than non-smokers. Interestingly, smoking doesn’t seem to increase your chances of non-lethal prostate cancer, only the more serious, aggressive form.
4. Lack of Veggies
Speaking of low-grade and high-grade cancer, those hearty greens may play a major role in your prostate health. Broccoli in particular seems to be especially effective at fighting aggressive prostate cancer. Of course, this may also have to do with the fact that men who don’t consume vegetables may be more unhealthy in general. Studies have found that a lack of vegetables and an excess of processed meats is a double whammy
While there are a lotta factors to consider, one thing’s certain: diet is key. Because prostate treatment outcomes are far worse for obese men, slimming down is critical. If you haven’t been motivated to shed some pounds, now’s the time!
5. Being Tall
You’re probably thinking, “being tall is linked to prostate cancer?” How?? While not conclusive by any means, more and more research is indicating a connection. Although height is not linked to the overall risk of prostate cancer, it is linked to increased risks of developing advanced prostate cancer and dying from prostate cancer. According to Johns Hopkins, for every 4-inch increase in height, men show a roughly 19 percent increase in high-grade diagnosis and death.
RELATED: Prostate Cancer 101: What Black Men Need To Know Now
6. Gene Mutation
Now that you have an idea of the lifestyle and environmental risk factors, here’s a doozy. Just like with height, genetics play a role in your chance of getting the disease. As the Prostate Cancer Foundation finds, prostate cancer is the single most heritable cancer. In other words, nearly 60 percent of it is caused by genetic variables. If you have a close family relative with it, you’re twice as likely to get it yourself; if you have two close relatives, you’re four times as likely.
Researchers believe this is caused by mutations in genes such as the BRCA2. Men with this mutation may also be at greater risk for pancreatic and breast cancer.
As a Black man just doing your thing and living life, the simplest way to prevent prostate cancer is to know your risks. If it’s in your family, you can get genetically tested with a simple blood sample or saliva swab. You should also start getting routine PSA screens at age 40 and then continuing at least once per year until you’re 70.
Other than that, do all the normal things you’ve heard a million times before. Eat right, exercise, sleep well, and make sure to get Vitamin D from the sun! When caught early, the five-year survival rate is above 99 percent, and many men live long, fulfilling lives with a diagnosis.
