How to Lower Your Risk for Prostate Cancer

Can a healthy diet and exercise can help prevent prostate cancer?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know the risk factors:
   · Age: risk increases after age 50.
   · Race: Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-Americans. African-American men are also more likely to develop it at an earlier age.
   · Diet: high-fat diets may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
   · Family history: There seems to be a genetic component. If your father or brother has/had prostate cancer, your risk is much higher.
   · Unsafe sex: Sexually-transmitted diseases and multiple sex partners may increase the risk.

2. Eat healthy:
   The American Cancer Society recommends changes to diet and regular exercise as key ways to prevent prostate cancer.
   
   Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Bread, cereal, grain products, rice, pasta and beans are also recommended. Men also should limit their intake of meat, dairy and other high-fat foods.
   
   Try to exercise at least one-half hour each day, if you're in good health. Talk to your doctor about exercise options if you have health problems or limitations.

3. Have regular exams. If you have one or more risk factors for prostate cancer, be sure to let your doctor know.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Cancer Society says that nearly one-third of the half million cancer deaths in the U.S. annually are due to dietary factors.
• This article is presented for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.