Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in men over the age of 50. Understanding and reducing the risks associated with this form of cancer can help prevent it.
Understanding the risk factors is helpful to understanding how prostate cancer can be prevented.The risk factors contributing to the development of disease include age, race, nationality, diet, and physical activity.Men who are over the age of 50 have an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.There is a 70% chance that the disease will be diagnosed in men over the age of 65.African American men have a 60% probability of developing prostate cancer.Caucasian and Hispanic men have an equal likelihood of developing the disease, although their probability is less than that for African Americans.Asian men are least likely to develop prostate cancer.Prostate cancer is more predominant in Northern American and Northwestern European countries.This is probably due to the increased consumption of red meat and fatty-rich diets.Men in these countries also tend towards a trend of obesity and lack of exercise.Familial history of cancer may also put men at higher risk than those without this history.These risk factors are inter-related:the tendency of one risk increases the likelihood of another.
The DRE involves a physical examination by a medical doctor.This examination will detect prostate cancer that is apparent on the bottom and the sides of the prostate.This method is not as reliable since small tumors or other abnormalities on different surfaces can be missed.
The PSA test measures for a protein, prostate specific antigen, that is specific to the prostate.High levels of this protein in the bloodstream are indicative of prostate problems.A measurement below 4.0 nanograms per milliliter is normal.Any measurements above this amount are considered to be abnormal.
Diet has a huge impact on the development or prevention of prostate cancer.A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables can greatly reduce the likelihood of disease.At least five servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed.Bread, cereals, rice, pasta, beans, or any soluble dietary fiber are also beneficial.Although research has proven inconclusive, it has generally been accepted that vegetables and fruits rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon, are helpful towards the prevention of prostate cancer.Lycopene is an antioxidant that may lower the risk towards cancer.Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, watercress, onions, garlic, and many others in these families all contribute towards reducing the risk for cancer.Soy products such as genistein may interfere with enzymatic processes in the cancer cell growth cycle that contribute to its demise.Increased consumption of fish and sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been seen to decrease cancer risk as well.
Physical activity and exercise are important to the well-being of an individual.As well as contributing to a healthy lifestyle, physical activity can play a role in preventing the development of prostate cancer.Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, according to researchers at Stanford University, can modulate hormone levels, enhance immunity, and reduce oxidative stress.Oxidative processes contribute to the development of cancer.Reducing this factor therefore reduces the probabilities that prostate disease will develop.
Vitamin supplements may also play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer, although most research studies into this method are again inconclusive.Consumption of at least 50 milligrams of Vitamin E can lower a person's risk of prostate cancer.Soy and selenium have observed to produce similar results.Increases in Vitamin A consumption, however, has been observed to increase the risk towards prostate cancer.It should be noted that individuals should seek medical guidance on any vitamin supplements they decide to take.
Medications can help halt the progress and treat prostate cancer.Prostate cells proliferate with increasing male hormone levels in the body.Medications that can halt or diminish these hormones may help prevent further cell proliferation.Research studies have shown that Finasteride, or Proscar, can prevent the production of the male hormone androgen.Proscar is used to treat men with a condition known as benign prostate hyperplasia, which is the enlargement of the prostate.As with any medication taken, consult a medical specialist to discuss the benefits and effects the medication may have.
Other factors that affect prostate cancer risk include smoking and alcohol.Avoiding alcohol and eliminating smoking helps to eliminate these risks.Masturbating and massaging the prostate have also been mentioned in studies as reducing the appearance of prostate cancer.
Prevention of prostate cancer involves adopting healthy lifestyle changes.Increased exercise, fruit and vegetable consumption, and screening can contribute to an extension in life, and improve health in more ways than can be imagined.
