Anyone with a prostate can develop prostate cancer, but some people have a higher risk than others. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop prostate cancer.
Find out more about your risk
Read the information below about factors that can affect your risk of prostate cancer. You can also use Prostate Cancer UK’s Your Risk Checker for a quick, personalised assessment.
Age
Age is one of the most important risk factors for prostate cancer. The risk increases as you get older, and prostate cancer mainly affects people over 50. In the UK, prostate cancer is most common in men aged 75 to 79.
Current Cancer Research UK estimates suggest that around 1 in 6 UK males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Your individual risk depends on several factors and cannot be predicted from this figure alone.
Read Cancer Research UK information about prostate cancer risks and causes.
Family history
Your risk may be higher if a close relative has had prostate cancer, particularly if more than one close relative has been affected or a relative was diagnosed when they were younger than 60.
Family histories of some other cancers, including breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, can also be relevant because some cancers can be linked through inherited gene changes.
Inherited genes
A small proportion of prostate cancers are associated with inherited gene changes. One of the best understood is a change in the BRCA2 gene. Research suggests that people with a faulty BRCA2 gene have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and may also be more likely to develop faster-growing disease.
If you are concerned about a strong family history of prostate, breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer, speak to your GP or specialist team. They can advise whether further assessment or genetic counselling may be appropriate.
Black men and prostate cancer
Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities. Prostate Cancer UK estimates that around 1 in 4 Black men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
The reasons for this increased risk are not yet fully understood. If you are a Black man, particularly if you are aged 45 or over, it is worth discussing your individual risk with your GP even if you do not have symptoms.
Read Prostate Cancer UK information for Black men.
What should I do if I am concerned about my risk?
Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. If you are concerned because of your age, ethnicity, family history or another risk factor, speak to your GP. They can discuss your individual risk and whether further investigation, including a PSA blood test, may be appropriate.
Read NHS information about prostate cancer risk.
This information is intended to help you understand prostate cancer risk and does not replace advice from your GP, urologist or specialist cancer team.