Prostate Health - Health Plus Digest

Prostate cancer can affect men of any age, but it most commonly affects men over the age of forty. A man can have prostate cancer and not be aware of it because it does not produce symptoms in the early stages and grows slowly.

There are certain factors that will put a man at higher risk for developing prostate cancer. Some of these factors can be changed while others can’t. Age is one risk factor that increases a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer. When a man reaches fifty, the risk of him developing prostate cancer increases dramatically.

Race is another factor that can’t be changed. African American men are at a much higher risk for getting prostate cancer than any other race. Genetics play a part in prostate cancer. If other men in the family have had prostate cancer, the risk of you developing it is much higher.

There are changes that you can make that will help lower your risk of prostate cancer. Making these changes will also help to lower your risk of other cancers as well.

Diet plays an important part in prostate cancer prevention. Studies have shown that the number of deaths from prostate cancer is the highest in countries whose fat intake is the highest. To help lower your risk of prostate cancer, it is important that you cut down on the fat in your diet.

Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet has been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Studies are not conclusive on the specific elements found in various fruits and vegetables that help prevent prostate cancer. One study did find that a group of men who ate twenty eight or more servings of fruits and vegetable per week had a lower rate of prostate cancer than those men that ate only fourteen servings per week.

Diets rich in omega three fatty acids have been proven to reduce the risk of developing cancer. These types of fatty acids can be found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring.

Eating soy products and legumes might help to prevent prostate cancer. They contain phytoestrogens that are plant based chemicals. These chemicals mimic the effects of natural estrogen produced by the body. It is theorized that estrogen will help to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Being obese increases your risk for all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. If you are obese it is important that you take the necessary steps to lose weight. Follow a healthy diet and begin a regular exercise regimen.

Studies have shown that drinking green tea will reduce your risk for developing cancer. Green tea contains several important antioxidants that have been proven to fight off cancer cells. (1)

Preventing prostate cancer is as easy as taking good care of yourself. Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep will go a long way in reducing your risk of developing prostate cancer.

References:

(1) American Association for Cancer Research: Green Tea Reduced Inflammation, May Inhibit Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018121956.htm

Resources:

MayoClinic: Prostate Gland Enlargement

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-health/MC00046_D

Science Daily: Prostate Health

http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/prostate_health/

Wexner Medical Center: Prostate Health

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/prostate_health/Pages/index.aspx

Harvard Health Publications: Prostate Health

http://www.health.harvard.edu/topic/prostate-health