Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer
Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Prostate Cancer | Resource Guide
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of prostate cancer :
Get Screened Regularly
Because prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms in its early stages, the best way to detect it is through routine visits to your doctor for a digital rectal exam and PSA test . Prostate cancer incidence increases with age, so screening becomes even more important as you age.
Watch Your Diet
Studies have found an association between diets high in fat and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Also, eating foods rich in lycopene seems to lower a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene is a phytochemical that is found in certain fruits and vegetables , like grapefruits and tomatoes. Also, lycopene supplements are available at drug and health food stores, but their efficacy is uncertain.
Selenium was previously thought to reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer. But, researchers have shown that the mineral does not lower cancer risk. *¹
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Choose exercises you enjoy and make them a regular part of your day. Strive to maintain an exercise program that keeps you fit and at a healthy weight. For many people, this includes walking or participating in another aerobic activity for 30 minutes per day. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
References
Detailed guide: prostate cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/ . Accessed October 9, 2008.
Prostate cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate . Accessed October 9, 2008.
*¹1/13/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Lippman SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. 2009;301:39-51. Epub 2008 Dec 9.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.