Causes and symptoms of prostate cancer at a young age

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that often occurs in men, especially elderly men (elderly) or over the age of 65. However, prostate cancer can also occur in men who are younger or under 50 years. So, what are the causes and symptoms of prostate cancer at a young age? Is there a way to prevent it?

How common is prostate cancer in young men?

Prostate cancer is closely related to elderly disease. The reason is, the risk of this disease increases with age. In fact, the American Cancer Society says, six out of ten cases of prostate cancer are found in men aged over 65 years.

However, prostate cancer can also occur in younger men.

According to a study published in the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, one percent of all prostate cancer cases are younger patients, that is, under 50 years of age. The average of these patients was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma type prostate cancer.

In fact, another study in 2019 showed that the number of prostate cancer sufferers continues to increase in adolescents and young adults in various countries. Cases have been increasing steadily, at about two percent per year, since 1990 across the 15-40 year age group.

However, cases of prostate cancer in young men are still very rare. Out of 100,000 men under the age of 35, only 0.2 have prostate cancer, while at the age of 70, the average case could be 800 out of 100,000 people.

Although rare, prostate cancer at a young age still needs to be watched out for. Moreover, several cases of prostate cancer in young men were found in an advanced stage of prostate cancer.

Causes of prostate cancer at a young age

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in the prostate gland. This abnormal cell growth is generally caused by genetic mutations that can be inherited from parents or that develop on their own (not offspring).

However, the cause of prostate cancer at a young age is not certain. Researchers suspect prostate cancer can be found in young men because the tumors in it develop rapidly.

While other allegations are due to the increased awareness of men to screen for prostate cancer, such as the PSA test, earlier. However, several other factors are also said to play a role in growing cancer cells in the prostate gland. These factors, namely:

1. Heredity or family history

One of the causes of prostate cancer that may occur, namely genetic mutations that are passed down from the family. In young men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the genetic mutation HOXB13 is generally found, which is obtained from parents.

However, cases of this genetic mutation are very rare, so cases of prostate cancer at a younger age are rare.

2. Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle

Overweight or obesity often causes various health problems. In prostate cancer, obesity is said to increase the risk of developing aggressive or advanced prostate cancer.

In young people, obesity is common. This is generally associated with a poor lifestyle, such as lack of movement or unhealthy eating patterns.

Apart from those mentioned above, several other factors are also said to be the cause of prostate cancer at a young age, such as HPV infection, or exposure to substances from the environment.

Symptoms of prostate cancer at a young age

Prostate cancer patients who are younger or under 50 years of age show less early symptoms. However, in some cases, the symptoms of prostate cancer may be mild and get worse gradually.

Some of the symptoms that may be felt, such as pain in the lower abdomen, weakened urine flow, or frequent urination at night (nocturia). These symptoms are generally the same as those that occur in elderly prostate cancer patients.

In addition to symptoms, PSA levels, the likelihood of life, stage, and type of prostate cancer treatment at a young age are generally the same. Consult a doctor if you feel certain symptoms in your prostate.

How to prevent prostate cancer at a young age?

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer while still young is as dangerous as it is in older people. Therefore, you need to make efforts to prevent prostate cancer as early as possible to avoid this disease. Some of the preventive measures you can take from now on, namely: