Risk Management & Treatment > Screening and Risk Reduction > By Cancer Type > Prostate > Factors That Affect Risk
Factors that affect cancer risk
Every man is at risk for cancer and the risk increases with age. A man in the general population has about a 12 percent lifetime risk of developing cancer. This means that 12 out of every 100 men will get cancer in their lifetime.
African-American men have a higher lifetime risk for cancer and a higher risk for younger-onset cancer than men of other races and ethnicities.
Genes with inherited mutations linked to cancer risk
Inherited mutations in the genes listed below have also been linked to an increased risk for cancer. Note: the exact risk for some of the genes listed have not been well established.
*In addition to increasing lifetime risk for cancer, and and HOXB13 also increase risk for more aggressive, disease.
** More research is needed to confirm a link between cancer and an inherited mutation in this gene.
Find Experts
Urologists are experts who specialize in care of the bladder, urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Ideally, experts recommend that men at high risk for cancer receive their screening from urologists trained in care for high-risk people. If you already have a urologist, find out if they regularly see high-risk patients and if they are familiar with screening recommendations. The following resources can help you find a urologist in your area.
- The Urology Care Foundation has a tool which allows you to search for urologists in your area.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
updated: 12/26/2022