2022 Update on Prostate Cancer Epidemiology and Risk Factors: A Systematic Review
May 2023
in “
European Urology
”
TLDR Prostate cancer is common, but risk can be reduced by avoiding smoking, unhealthy diet, inactivity, certain medications, and risky jobs.
This systematic review on prostate cancer (PCa) epidemiology and risk factors highlights the complexity of PCa risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies and further research. Nonmodifiable risk factors include age, family history, and genetic predispositions, such as mutations in BRCA2 and HOXB13 genes. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, smoking, and dietary habits, with evidence suggesting that a Mediterranean or vegetarian diet and regular physical activity may offer protective benefits. The review also notes significant racial and geographic disparities in PCa incidence and mortality, particularly affecting Black men. Screening techniques like MRI and biomarkers are improving detection, while certain medications and dietary components show potential in reducing PCa risk. The review underscores the importance of considering both genetic predispositions and modifiable lifestyle factors in PCa risk assessment and prevention strategies.
