When Dr. Carlton McGregor, MD, was diagnosed with prostate cancer  in fall 2024 he decided to raise awareness of the disease by telling other people about it. Family history is one of the risk factors for prostate cancer-Dr. McGregor's father also had this disease. Learn more about the risk factors for prostate cancer by reading the article below.

Q: What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

A: I think the key risk factor is family history. It's the most important reason why men should be screened for prostate cancer because many diseases can be passed to you from your relatives. Also, older men are at increased risk-prostate cancer is most common in men over 65. Some people say that if you are on a high-fat diet, you might be at greater risk, but there is not a big link. Men who are obese and diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have a more serious disease that is more difficult to treat.

Q: Are men of color at higher risk for prostate cancer?

A: Yes, they are a higher risk group. They are at risk for a greater likelihood of prostate cancer. Also, their outcome is much worse, which is why they need to be tested. But, most black men or women in this country are at increased risk for any cancer with worse outcomes.

Q: Do you know why black men are at higher risk?

A: It is not clear why this is. Oftentimes, it's an issue of presentation because the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer don't occur right away. It could also be an issue of denial, but I think that the late presentation of cancer is more important. Since the cancer doesn't typically have symptoms in its early stages, it is important to get screened for prostate cancer to know if you have it or not.

To read more about prostate cancer, Dr. McGregor recommends visiting the Mayo Clinic Prostate Cancer website

Harlem Word is a series of interviews with Harlem health experts, written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.