According to the American Cancer Society, more than 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While there’s no proven prostate cancer prevention strategy, you may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by making healthy choices, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet. Check out these 7 ways to keep your prostate healthy as you age:
Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Men who are obese — a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher — may have an increased risk of prostate cancer. If you are overweight or obese, work on losing weight. You can do this by reducing the number of calories you eat each day and increasing the amount of exercise you do. If you have a healthy weight, work to maintain it by exercising most days of the week and choosing a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava and papaya contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale also are good choices. Eating more fruits and vegetables also tends to make you have less room for other foods, such as high-fat foods.
Let your doctor know if you have a family history of prostate cancer. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease. For those with a very high risk of prostate cancer, there may be other options for risk reduction, such as medications. If you think you have a high risk of prostate cancer, discuss it with your doctor.
Reduce the amount of dairy products you eat each day. In studies, men who ate the most dairy products — such as milk, cheese and yogurt — each day had the highest risk of prostate cancer. However, study results have been mixed, and the risk associated with dairy products is thought to be small.
Don't smoke.
Eat more selenium-rich foods such as wheat germ, tuna, herring and other seafood and shellfish, beef liver, kidney, eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, mushrooms, garlic and onions. Selenium reduces risk of prostate cancer.
Get a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam annually, beginning at age 50. Men at high risk, such as African American men or men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should begin testing at age 45.
Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms include:
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Difficulty in having an erection
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above. Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, men will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause.
