Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men, as about 13 out of every 100 American men will develop the disease in their lifetime, and 2 to 3 men will die from it. Men must be aware of the risk factors associated with prostate cancer, as this knowledge can assist them in making the right decisions about their health.
Apart from the natural risk of acquiring this disease, there is also the risk of a doctor's misdiagnosis (due to imperfections or testing errors). It's important to understand such occurrences and know what compensation you may receive when this happens to you or someone you know.
At the Porter Law Group, our team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers is dedicated to assisting and guiding individuals affected by medical errors.
Think You Might Be a Victim of Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis?
Contact us to understand your legal options (free consultation).
Risk Factors Beyond Your Control
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, and knowing them can help you take proactive steps toward early detection and prevention.
Age
The risk of prostate cancer rises sharply with age. But the specific age at which the risk increases varies depending on race and family history.
| Risk Factor | Age of Increased Risk |
| White men with no family history of prostate cancer | 50 years old |
| Black men or with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer | 40 years old |
About two-thirds of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older. However, the disease becomes less aggressive, especially after age 70.
Family History
Having a family history of prostate cancer or certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. Consider the following:
Blood relatives
If a close blood relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk may be higher. The risk increases further if multiple family members have been affected.
Genetic mutations
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are primarily associated with women's breast and ovarian cancer risk. However, men with mutations in these genes also have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It is important to note that people inherit an increased risk of cancer, not the disease itself. Not all people who inherit variants in these genes will develop cancer.
Ancestry
According to the National Cancer Institute, certain racial and ethnic groups are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer:
| Race/Ethnicity | Incidence Rate (cases per 100,000 men) |
| Black | 186.1 cases |
| White | 110.7 cases |
| Asian or Pacific Islander | 60.9 cases |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 91.9 cases |
| Hispanic or Latino | 90.9 cases |
As you can see, the risk of developing prostate cancer is higher among Black individuals. They also have elevated mortality rates compared to other ethnic groups in the US.
| Race/Ethnicity | Mortality Rate (per 100,000 men) |
| Black | 37.9 |
| White | 17.9 |
| Asian or Pacific Islander | 8.7 |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 22.5 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 15.4 |
Prostate cancer risk is likely multifactorial and may be due to biological factors, access to health care, and other social determinants of health. It's important to discuss your family history with your healthcare provider to determine if you may benefit from genetic counseling or testing.
Factors Within Your Control
Even though you cannot control some of the aforementioned risk factors, you can take charge of your lifestyle to potentially minimize your risk of getting prostate cancer. Here are some areas where you can make positive changes:
Diet
According to the American Cancer Society, men who consume a lot of dairy products may have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer. This also includes food or supplements with a lot of calcium. However, the link between the two is still an ongoing research.
To reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer, you may want to adjust your diet based on the following:
| Vegetable | Include cooked tomatoes (with olive oil) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower) in your weekly meals. These contain antioxidants that remove harmful free radicals, which can damage healthy cells. |
| Fat and Protein | Avoid processed meats with nitrates and charred meat. Instead, choose fish, lean poultry, and plant-based proteins like nuts and beans. |
| Vitamins | Obtain vitamins from a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains rather than supplements (except for vitamin D, consult your doctor prior to taking them). |
These dietary changes, along with regular exercise, stress management, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, can help you take a proactive stance in protecting your prostate health.
Obesity
Men with obesity have a lower risk of getting a low-grade (slower-growing) form of the disease, but a higher risk of getting more aggressive (faster-growing) prostate cancer.
Given the increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer associated with obesity, men need to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. Losing excess weight and preventing weight gain as you age can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer and many other health problems.
Risk of Getting Misdiagnosed With Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is not immune to the risk of misdiagnosis. When medical practitioners make mistakes or fail to follow the appropriate diagnostic procedures, patients may suffer serious consequences. These are evident in a recent study concluding that nearly 800,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled each year due to diagnostic errors.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a prostate cancer misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Pain & suffering
- Permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
At the Porter Law Group, we understand the profound impact that a prostate cancer misdiagnosis can have on patients and their families. We have a proven track record of success, having secured millions* of dollars in compensation for our clients.
If you suspect that you or a loved one have been the victim of a prostate cancer misdiagnosis, contact our legal team as soon as possible.
Get Compensation After a Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis
Our seasoned medical malpractice lawyers can always lend their hand.
Speak to a Prostate Cancer Lawyer Today
Medical errors allow cancer to progress – making the disease more difficult to battle for affected patients. Negligent doctors can be held liable for medical malpractice.
At the Porter Law Group, we take pride in helping families rebuild from unfavorable circumstances. If you have any questions regarding cancer misdiagnosis or errors, please reach out for a no-obligation, free consultation.
We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don't have to pay anything unless we win. You may also contact us at 833PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule an appointment.
