Cancer can affect anyone, but some things can increase your risk. These include:
- Age – Most cancers are more common in people over 50.
- Lifestyle – Smoking, alcohol, lack of physical activity, and poor diet can raise your risk.
- Family history – Some cancers can run in families, so it’s important to know your relatives’ health history.
- Environmental exposures – Things like sun exposure or working with certain chemicals may increase risk.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. But if you're a Black man, your risk is higher than average—and it’s important to know why.
The Facts: Why Race Matters
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- 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed as White men.
- Prostate cancer in Black men often appears at a younger age and may grow more quickly.
- Doctors and researchers are still learning why this happens. It may be linked to genetics, lifestyle, and healthcare access. But what’s clear is this: knowing your risk and getting checked early can make all the difference.
Knowing your personal risk can help you make choices about screening and lifestyle changes.
Listen to Your Body
Many cancers don’t have obvious symptoms early on—but some warning signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Changes in your skin, moles, or new lumps
- Persistent cough, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding or changes in bathroom habits
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor.
