Ryne Sandberg dies after metastatic prostate cancer battle: What is it and who is at risk
He wasn't just a star on the field he was one of the most respected players in baseball history.
Back in January 2024, Sandberg revealed he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He went through chemotherapy and radiation and by August, there was a moment of hope—he shared that he was cancer-free. But sadly, that didn't last.
On December 10, he shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that the cancer had come back and spread to other organs.
Even then, Ryne stayed positive and focused on spending meaningful time with his loved ones.
What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
It's prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body. That could mean the bones, lymph nodes, liver, or even lungs. It's also called advanced or stage 4 prostate cancer. It's more serious and tougher to treat than early-stage prostate cancer.
Possible symptoms include:
Unexplained weight loss
Pain or burning while peeing
Blood in urine or semen (less common)
Nausea, vomiting
Worsening pain—especially in bones, if it's spread there
Who's most at risk for metastatic prostate cancer?
Like with most health conditions, some people are at higher risk than others when it comes to metastatic prostate cancer.
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Let's break down the main risk factors you should know about.
Age is a big one. Prostate cancer becomes much more common as men get older—especially after age 50. Most cases are found in men aged 65 and up, which is why doctors encourage regular checkups starting in your 50s or even earlier if you're high risk.
Race and ethnicity matter, too. Black men, especially in the U.S., face a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Not only are they more likely to be diagnosed, but the disease also tends to be more aggressive and more advanced by the time it's caught. That makes early detection even more important in this group.
Family history plays a big role. If your dad, brother, or son has had prostate cancer, your risk goes up. Certain inherited gene mutations—like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which you might've heard about in connection with breast cancer—can also increase your chances.
Obesity is another factor. Being overweight doesn't just increase your general health risks—it can also make prostate cancer more aggressive. Obese men are also more likely to experience a recurrence of cancer after treatment.
Smoking might be part of the picture, too. While it's not the biggest risk factor, some studies suggest that men who smoke may have a higher chance of developing advanced prostate cancer or having it come back after treatment.
Then there are genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome or BRCA mutations. If these run in your family, they could bump up your risk as well.
Chemical exposure is one of the lesser-known risks. Men who've had high exposure to pesticides or certain industrial chemicals like cadmium may have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer, though more research is still being done.
Missing regular screenings is a major problem. If you skip those routine PSA tests or doctor visits, prostate cancer may not be caught until it's already advanced.
There are also some additional factors being studied—like diets super high in calcium, taller height, higher birth weight, and a lack of exercise. The evidence isn't rock solid yet, but it's worth keeping in mind.
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