Is Prostate Cancer preventable?

We recently examined the Prostate gland, Prostate cancer, its risk factors and common symptoms seen in patients with the disease. This begs the questions: Is prostate cancer preventable? If so, what are the measures that could be taken to keep the disease away and increase life expectancy?

In our last discussion, we saw a number of risk factors. Some of which we have no control over (age, race and genetic predisposition) and others can be very well influenced by our everyday health choices. So taking charge of your diet and lifestyle choices can help reduce your chances of coming down with the disease.

So, there are a number of measures that can be put into practice. First involves diet modification in terms of our feeding choices. They include:

• Cut down on consumption of unhealthy trans and saturated fats especially dairy products (e.g. full cream milk and cheese.) and replace with omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, seeds, etc.
• Tomatoes have been studied to contain lycopene, an antioxidant known to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells, it is therefore a wise choice for everyday consumption.
• More of green vegetables should also be incorporated into your square meals. Additional servings of fruits and vegetables should be considered for desserts and snacks.
• Soy and green tea have been recently studied to help reduce risk for prostate cancer also.
• Grilled or fried meat especially the popular Suya meat should be avoided as much as possible. Fishes are excellent substitutes.

We learned from our previous discussion that obesity meaning having a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than or equal to 30 often makes prostate cancer more aggressive, so reduction in calories consumption and regular exercise should help keep your weight in check. You do not have to hit the gym before you are able to exercise, taking long walks where you would have normally commuted to and taking the stairs instead of the elevator are basic physically exerting tasks to help burn calories.

There have been theories postulated that ejaculation helps clear the body of toxins and other inflammation inducing substances. A couple of studies have also shown that men with higher ejaculation frequency were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. So, stay sexually active.

Lastly, avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption, your body would be grateful for it.

With the information provided here, if followed and put into practice, you are sure to remain healthier even as you age and significantly reduce your risk for prostate cancer.

For more information and enquiries, you can reach us on our Contact us page.