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Causes of prostate cancer

Who is more likely to get prostate cancer

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age and mostly affects men over 50 years old.

Anyone with a prostate can get it.

You may have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer if:

  • you're over 50 years old
  • you're from a Black ethnic background
  • you have a history of prostate cancer in your family
  • a close relative has had breast cancer or ovarian cancer because prostate cancer is sometimes caused by the same inherited genes

Important

Speak to a GP if you're worried about your prostate cancer risk, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of prostate cancer do not always appear until the cancer has grown or spread.

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2025
Next review due: 31 July 2028