What causes prostate cancer?

    Researchedby:
    Mike Murray

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo, Zia Poonja
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    The precise causes of prostate cancer are unclear, but they involve changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell, which are either inherited or acquired throughout life. Several genes have been linked to prostate cancer (e.g., TMPRSS2-ERG, SPOP, FOXA1, BRCA1, BRCA2).[1] Additionally, the risk of prostate cancer is approximately doubled in men who are Black or have a first-degree relative with prostate cancer compared to the general population.[2] Acquired gene mutations are the result of errors in the DNA replication process, which occur at random or via the influence of other factors (e.g., diet, hormone levels, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals).[3]

    References

    1. ^Sandhu S, Moore CM, Chiong E, Beltran H, Bristow RG, Williams SGProstate cancer.Lancet.(2021-09-18)
    2. ^Leslie SW, Soon-Sutton TL, Sajjad H, Siref LEProstate CancerStatPearls.(2022-07)
    3. ^American Cancer SocietyWhat Causes Prostate Cancer?