[Risk factors in carcinoma of the prostate]

The authors review risk factors of prostate carcinoma. Generally accepted factors include advanced age; some work confirms a familial incidence of the condition. When the incidence is evaluated by race, the highest prevalence is described in American negroes and the lowest prevalence in the Japanese. The higher prevalence in northern areas and lower prevalence in southern areas is explained by the effect of ultraviolet radiation. It is generally accepted that prostate carcinoma depends on androgens; the dependence on sexual activity is evaluated in relation to the higher androgen concentration and the higher risk of infection. As to dietary factors the condition is promoted by fats; the higher prevalence in smokers can be explained by the cadmium and nickel content of cigarettes. With regard to occupation, brain workers are affected more frequently; as to occupational carcinogens cadmium and nickel are quoted most frequently.