Prostate cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA of normal prostate cells, which lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. These DNA changes can be inherited from a parent or acquired during a man's lifetime

Key causes and risk factors include:

• Genetic mutations: Changes in genes that control cell growth, division, and death can cause cells to grow uncontrollably. These include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes

. Some inherited gene mutations linked to prostate cancer are in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, RAD51, and others

• Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk. Some cases are hereditary due to inherited gene mutations, but most prostate cancers occur without a family history

• Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50, with older age being a major risk factor

• Race and ethnicity: Black men in the United States have a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other races

• Other factors: Obesity, hormone levels (such as androgens/testosterone), and possibly insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may influence risk, though evidence is not fully consistent

In summary, prostate cancer arises primarily from genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell regulation, influenced by inherited genes, age, race, and other factors. The exact cause in many cases remains unclear, but these risk factors are well established