An Introduction to Prostate Cancer
Many people who ask how to prevent prostate cancer are often disappointed. The grim truth is that there is no proven way to prevent it from developing. It can be caused by many factors, and the existing study data on prevention is very conflicting.
The prostate is a small gland (about the size of a walnut) that rests just below the bladder. It is responsible for producing semen and has a direct effect on urinary function. Only men have prostate glands, which is why prostate cancer affects only males.
While there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, you should still know some natural methods that may reduce your risk of developing this insidious condition. If you have ever wondered how to prevent prostate cancer, you owe it to yourself to read the rest of this article.
The Basics of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is just like any other type of cancer. It occurs when the body starts to produce abnormal cells that multiply at an alarming and uncontrollable rate. These blood cells damage the body and organ tissues. Prostate cancer is much the same. Over time, the abnormal blood cells can overwhelm the prostate, cause it to swell, and eventually erode at the gland’s tissue.
Prostate cancer can be fatal. It is estimated that one man dies from cancer every 15 minutes. That is a rate of about 93 deaths caused by prostate cancer every day. It is no wonder every man wants to know how to prevent prostate cancer.
However, prostate cancer can be treated, and some believe that it can be avoided altogether. Prostate cancer isn’t always fatal – especially when detected early. That’s why it’s crucial to keep up with prostate exams as you get older.
The only surefire method on how to prevent prostate cancer seems to be to stop aging. And since that’s impossible, you have to be extra careful and vigilant. That’s because prostate cancer primarily affects men over the age of 60.
It is recommended that men should have their first prostate exam around the age of 50. However, if you display certain prostate cancer risk factors, you should have your first prostate exam around the age of 40.
What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer
One of the things you need to know about prostate cancer is its risk factors. Identifying prostate cancer risk factors early can save your life. This is a very crucial step.
Certain lifestyles, habits, and diets can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Some prostate cancer risk factors include:
- Obesity – While obesity has not been officially deemed one of the prostate cancer risk factors, several researchers have observed links between obesity and the men who get diagnosed with the disease.
- Age – Age seems to be the most reliable of all the prostate cancer risk factors. More than half of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States are 65 years or older.
- Cases in the Family – There is strong evidence to suggest that prostate cancer is hereditary. When evaluating your prostate cancer risk factors, be sure to account for any family history of the disease.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
Evaluating your prostate cancer risk factors isn’t enough. While there is some debate whether men should undergo a prostate screening when they exhibit no symptoms, early diagnosis is still the best way to minimize fatality. Prostate cancer diagnosis entails:
- Screening – Before your doctor can recommend hormone therapy for prostate cancer or other treatments, a screening may be required. It can include a rectal exam. Your doctor will do a physical assessment of your prostate.
- MRI – An MRI will allow your doctor to get a better visual of your prostate and its condition. This can help determine whether a tissue sample is required or whether a treatment like a hormone therapy for prostate cancer is called for.
- Tissue Sample – In some cases, a tissue sample may be required to determine whether or not cancer cells are present or if treatments like hormone therapy for prostate cancer would be helpful.
15 Tips to Prevent Prostate Cancer Naturally
1. Eat Red
Naturally, red foods like tomatoes are high in an antioxidant called lycopene, which may prevent prostate cancer naturally.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
While no definitive link exists between diet and prostate cancer, fruits and vegetables have been proven to break down carcinogens, which can cause cancer.
3. Green Tea
Drinking green tea may also be a way to prevent prostate cancer naturally because it is rich is in isoflavones, which may prevent advanced cases of prostate cancer.
4. Avoid Fatty Foods
A study conducted in 2018 found that there may be a link between high-fat diets and prostate cancer[1].
5. Quit Smoking
If you have had prostate cancer in the past but beat it, smoking can increase your risk of a resurgence.
6. Get Exercise
One of the ways you can prevent prostate cancer naturally is by getting enough exercise to keep your weight in check. That’s because obesity has been observed in many men with prostate cancer.
7. Try Legumes
Although foods like legumes have been linked with lower prostate cancer risk, it is still unclear exactly which nutrients make them useful to prevent prostate cancer naturally.
8. Cut Down on Dairy
Men who eat a lot of dairies every day exhibit a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
9. Try Tofu
The isoflavones that are so abundant in tofu make it a viable way to prevent prostate cancer naturally.
10. Go Japanese
Prostate cancer may be less prevalent in Japanese men because of the prevalence of miso in their diet. Miso is also rich in isoflavones that may help to prevent prostate cancer naturally.
11. Eat Fish
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to decreased risk of prostate cancer. Eating fish is one of the ways you may avoid unnatural prevention treatments like hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
12. Try Coffee
Coffee may also help prevent prostate cancer because it is rich in antioxidants that help to avoid cancer cell development.
13. Avoid Frying
Studies appear to reveal a link between fried foods and prostate cancer. The high heat used when frying may alter DNA, leaving you more susceptible to cancer cells.
14. Avoid Carbs
Excessive carbs may increase your risk of prostate cancer by elevating your body’s glycemic load.
15. See your Doctor
By far, the best way to prevent prostate cancer is to see your doctor regularly.
Prostate Cancer FAQs
Kegel exercises are often recommended before and after prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate cancer usually spreads very slowly and usually stays within the prostate gland. This is why hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a choice of many oncologists.
There may be several causes, but age seems to be the most prevalent precursor.
Some supplements contain nutrients like isoflavones and lycopene, which may help prevent prostate cell growth and help you avoid unnatural treatments like hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
One such supplement is called Prostara. While there have been numerous Prostara reviews that claim that it benefited the health of multiple users’ prostate glands, you may need other methods to help you prevent the disease.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cause of prostate cancer. There are only a handful of treatments that have worked to control it as well, including hormone therapy for prostate cancer. There is hope, however.
