Age is the most significant risk factor – the older you are, the greater the risk. More than half of all prostate cancers diagnosed are in men over 70. It is quite rare in men under 50.
Family history - If your father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk is up to twice as high compared to a man with no family history of the disease.
There might also be a higher chance of developing the disease if you have a relative who was under 60 when he was diagnosed.
Ethnic background - prostate cancer is more common in men with an African ethnicity and dark skin or mixed race men than white or Asian men.
Diet might affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. Research suggests a high intake of dairy products might increase your risk. There is also some evidence that an ingredient in tomatoes and soy products – lycopene – might lower the risk of prostate cancer developing.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that the Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator cannot be 100% accurate at predicting the presence or absence of prostate cancer. It is designed to help calculate your risk, not give a definitive diagnosis.
Risk Calculator 1 provides a more general risk calculation based on age, family history and any urinary symptoms. It will help you decide whether to go for further tests.
If you know your PSA level then you can use Risk Calculator 2. While knowing your PSA level is helpful, the decision to have a PSA test has to be taken seriously after weighing up all factors and discussing the implications with your GP or hospital doctor.
It is possible that prostate cancer will not be found even if you have an elevated PSA. However, it may be present even if your PSA level is low.
When the result of the first two calculators are known, your doctor may want to take further tests, including using the six more specialised risk calculators. If you have doubts or questions about your health, you should always contact your GP or hospital doctor. This is particularly important if you have questions which arise from the use of one or more of the prostate cancer risk calculators.
It cannot be ruled out that the way the Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator is used, or the indications given by it, are interpreted in a manner that is not appropriate. The creators of the Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator do not accept any responsibility in any respect.