What are the main causes of prostate cancer?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Prostate cancer develops from a combination of factors, including genetics, age, family history, and lifestyle influences such as diet, physical activity, and weight. While some risk factors like inherited gene mutations and advancing age cannot be changed, others—like nutrition and exercise habits—can be managed to potentially lower your risk.

If you're noticing symptoms or have concerns about your prostate health, understanding what's happening in your body is the critical first step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes based on your unique situation and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's a conversation with your doctor or further testing. Don't guess when clarity is just a few clicks away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn likely causes of prostate cancer Discover if symptoms suggest prostate cancer See whether your symptoms need evaluation Find OTC options for symptom relief Find a prostate cancer specialist near you Understand medically valid home remedies for symptoms Find out if it could be prostate cancer

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Explanation

Prostate cancer is a complex disease with several contributing factors. Genetic Factors: Some people inherit genes that increase their risk of prostate cancer. If a father or brother has had it, the risk is higher. Age: The chance of getting prostate cancer increases as men get older, especially after age 50. Lifestyle Factors:

Diet: Eating a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products might increase the risk.
Exercise: Regular physical activity may lower the risk.

These factors, along with other environmental influences, can all play a role in the development of prostate cancer. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and if you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, consider using a free symptom checker before discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Chan JM, Stampfer MJ, & Giovannucci EL. (1998). What causes prostate cancer? A brief summary of the .... Seminars in cancer biology, 9870033.
Bashir MN. (2015). Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP, 26225642.
Wilson KM, & Mucci LA. (2019). Diet and Lifestyle in Prostate Cancer. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 31900902.

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