I've been waking up 2-3 times a night to urinate , prostate cancer has affected men in my family as they age but i'm only 24 what could this be?

Many possibilities. : Need to be evaluated by your md/urologist. Can be anything from kidney problems, prostatitis/enlarged prostate, due to many and varied causes, as well as excessive fluid intake prior to going to bed. The list goes on to include bladder problems as well as endocrine abnormalities, etc., etc., etc.

Not prostate cancer: Nocturia, which is getting up to urinate more than 2 to 3 times per night, can because by many things. True, in an older man is often due to enlargement of the prostate. In a young man such as yourself, it is most likely due to dietary factors such as caffeine or alcohol containing beverages or simply the amount of fluid taken in the evening.