Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men after skin cancer according to the American Cancer Society. This is a significant data point for men as the prostate is an important organ that sits below the bladder, and its function is to produce semen.
Although there are not, as of yet, any definitive ways to absolutely prevent prostate cancer, you can reduce your risks. Keep reading to learn 3 prostate cancer tips that you need to know.
Maintain an Overall Healthy Lifestyle
What exactly does this mean? If you are honest with yourself, you already know if you do or don’t fit into this category. Someone living an overall healthy lifestyle would be someone who does not smoke and only drinks alcohol in moderation or not at all. They would maintain a healthy weight with a BMI of between 18.5 to 27.5.
Exercise would be a part of your daily life. At least 30 minutes of exercise every day would be the minimum, which could include walking, biking, swimming, or running.
Researchers at Harvard conducted a study looking at long term lifestyle data and the risk of cancer. They concluded that those who maintained an overall healthy lifestyle had lower rates of cancer and cancer deaths.
Lose at Least 11 or More Pounds
This single act can help to drastically reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. As weight increases, insulin sensitivity is reduced. Those who are overweight, diabetic or even pre-diabetic have extra insulin in their body. Insulin stimulates tumors and their growth whereas exercise and a lower BMI can increase insulin sensitivity with less circulating in the body to cause problems.
Pick a Smart Diet Plan
Cutting down on red meats, fatty foods, and dairy is the place to start. No one is saying you can never have another steak in your life, just limit the number of times per month that you do.
Eat more green, leafy vegetables and colorful fruits. A serving of two and a half cups a day is best. Tomatoes specifically are recommended by the The American Institute For Cancer Research as one of the foods that fights cancer because they contain an antioxidant called lycopene.
Include some Vitamin D in your diet or just get out in the sunlight a little. Wear sunscreen of course, but enjoy the outdoors and exercise, no matter your age!
Add Vitamin D to your diet plan, but be warned that Vitamin D supplements do NOT provide the same level of protection as natural sources. Canned tuna, egg yolks, shrimp, and mushrooms are loaded with Vitamin D. Consider having pasta with tomato sauce and mushrooms frequently, and skip the pizza.
Learn The Risks NOT In Your Control
Certain risks for prostate cancer are not within your control. They include the following:
- Advancing age
- Family history of colon cancer specifically in a father or brother
- If you are African American
- Having been exposed to Agent Orange as a veteran
What you can control is your lifestyle, so make it a healthy one! Contact Southland Urology to schedule a consultation to learn more about these kinds of healthy habits and how they can help you prevent prostate cancer.
As always, if you have any further questions, call (714) 870-5970 to contact one of our locations or request an appointment online.