How to Reduce Your Risks for Prostate Cancer

Keeping one's prostate healthy is very important, especially for men over the age of fifty. Prostate cancer has become the most common cancer among men over the age of fifty, and is now the number two cancer killer among all men in the United States. While no evidence proves that prostate cancer can be prevented, following these steps can help reduce your risk.

Instructions

1. 

   See your doctor and get tested. There are two methods of screening available: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, and the digital rectal exam. All men fifty years of age and older should see their doctor and be tested for prostate cancer on an annual basis.

2. 

   Convert to a low-fat diet. Switching to a diet consisting mainly of fruits, vegetables and grains may result in a significant reduction of one's risk for prostate cancer (Five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day). Such a diet will also help reduce the risks of other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Also, don't overeat: keep your portions moderate-sized, and your calorie intake under control.

3. 

   Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Many antioxidants help protect the body against damage linked to disease, including cancer. Lycopenes in particular have linked to reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Polyphenols, antioxidants found in green tea, may also help prevent cancer as well as other health problems.

4. 

   Add foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Studies have shown that Omega-3's can inhibit invasion of the body by cancer cells, and may reduce the threat of metastasis. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon and other fatty fish, as well as cold water fish such as tuna, trout, striped bass, herring and sardines. They are also available in supplement capsules.

5. 

   Lose some weight and/or maintain a healthy body weight. A study published in 2003 found that prostate cancer death rates increased drastically with increases in BMI (Body Mass Index) among men.

6. 

   Do not smoke or use tobacco products, and if you do use, please stop. While smoking and tobacco use have not been linked to prostate cancer, studies have found that smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk for cancer that spreads at a faster rate as well as other more aggressive diseases.

7. 

   Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will reduce not only your risk for prostate cancer, but your risks for many other types of cancer as well.

Resources

• WebMD
• NMDOH Cancer Programs
• Mayo Clinic