Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Although the causes of prostate cancer| are still unknown, there are some factors that increase a man's chance of developing the disease.
Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50, but your risk of developing it increases as you get older.
Men who have close relatives (a father, brother, grandfather or uncle) who have had prostate cancer are slightly more likely to develop it themselves. It's thought that a man's risk of developing prostate cancer is more likely if:
African-American and African-Caribbean men seem to be more at risk than other ethnic groups.
It's thought that a diet high in animal fat (including dairy products) and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of prostate cancer. A high intake of calcium (such as from dairy foods) may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Tomatoes and tomato products such as ketchup may help to protect against prostate cancer. This may be because they contain high levels of the substance lycopene.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.