How does prostate cancer develop?

It is still not entirely clear why men develop prostate cancer. Factors that increase the risk include advancing age, certain dietary habits and a family history of the disease. Testosterone and frequent sexual intercourse, on the other hand, have no effect on the risk of developing the disease.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate undergo abnormal changes and begin to divide uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can develop into a tumour. As the cancer progresses, cancer cells may also invade surrounding tissue or spread throughout the body, forming secondary tumours (metastases).

What causes prostate cancer?
The exact causes of prostate cancer are still not fully understood. However, there are various factors that can increase the risk. These include, in particular, advancing age, certain lifestyle habits and genetic factors.

Age as the most significant risk factor
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age. The condition mainly affects older men and is rarely diagnosed in younger men.

The impact of lifestyle and diet
Lifestyle also plays a role. An unbalanced diet, being overweight and a lack of exercise can increase the risk. Conversely, a healthy diet, regular exercise and a healthy weight help to prevent it.

Genetic predisposition
A family history of the disease can also increase the risk. If close male relatives, such as a father or brother, have had prostate cancer, there is a higher risk of developing the disease – often at a younger age.

The role of inflammation and genetic changes
Recent studies suggest that inflammatory processes in the body, as well as certain genetic changes, may play a role in the development of prostate cancer. However, the exact mechanisms have not yet been fully understood.

What does not pose a risk
It was previously thought that testosterone or frequent sexual intercourse increased the risk. These assumptions are now considered to have been disproved. However, testosterone can influence the growth of an existing tumour.