Prostate Cancer

Cause

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but experts believe that your age and family history (genetics) may have something to do with your chances of getting the disease. Eating a high-fat diet may add to your chances of getting it.²

The prostate usually gets larger as you age. Having an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) is very common among older men and does not increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. However, an enlarged prostate is sometimes caused by prostate cancer instead of BPH.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Ralph Poore	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
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