As per health researchers and medical professionals, the exact cause for prostate cancer remains a mystery. However, there are some strong indicators that are known to influence the onset of this cancer. On a very basic level, prostate cancer commences by fluctuations caused in the DNA of normal prostate cells. DNA is the chemical in the cells that make our genes, and it controls how our cells function. Cancer is caused by DNA mutations that can kill tumor suppressor genes. This causes the cells to grow out of control.

Here are the indicators of prostate cancer:

1. Inherited gene mutations
There are certain gene mutations that travel from generation to generation, found in all cells of the body. Gene changes caused by inheritance play a role in prostate cancers. Inherited mutated genes are one of the top risk factors for prostate cancer. These genes causing hereditary prostate cancer are:

• BRCA1 & BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes and unreleased proteins that help repair damaged DNA cells. They also destroy those cells that cannot be repaired. Inherited mutations of these genes commonly cause breast and ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
• CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, and RAD51D are genes that assist in making proteins that act as suppressors by regulating cell division. Any mutations in these DNA repair genes can also cause prostate cancer.
• DNA mismatch repair genes like MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 work to fix mistakes in DNA during cell division. Cells make new divisions of their DNA frequently. Inherited mutations of any of these genes lead to colorectal or prostate cancer.
• Ribonuclease L (RNase L) is critical in destroying tumor RNA cells. Individuals who inherit these genes will have abnormal cell growth that increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.
• HOXB13 is very important to produce protein, regulate other genes, and develop the prostate gland. Any mutations in this gene enhance the risk of developing prostate cancer at a younger age. However, this mutation is very rare.

2. Acquired gene mutations
Popular among the top risk factors for prostate cancer, the mutation is not transferred to the next generation. However, changes in the original mutated cells cause prostate cancer. These mutations develop during a man’s lifetime instead of inheritance. Whenever a cell divides, it copies its DNA. Sometimes an error can occur, leading to the formation of a defective DNA. The cause is unknown and may be influenced by factors like diet and hormone levels. In short, the faster prostate cells grow and divide, the greater the chances of mutations.

3. Androgens
A high level of androgens like testosterone or insulin-like growth factors increases the likelihood of prostate cancer.

Assessing the top risk factors for prostate cancer includes lifestyle and environmental changes. Geographical conditions and other lesser-known factors can influence the growth of the prostate gland, leading to prostate cancer. Hence, it’s very important to take an all-round view following complete research before evaluating the risk.