Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland – a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum – start to grow uncontrollably.

With early detection and treatment, prostate cancer can often be cured. However, prevention is always better than cure, and there are a number of things that men can do to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at prostate cancer and explore some of the ways in which men can decrease their risk of developing this disease.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Like many forms of cancer, the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood. However, a number of risk factors have been identified. These include:.

Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older. The majority of cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 50.
Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in men of other races.
Diet: A diet high in red meat, animal fats, and dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity: Obese men may be more likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, however, men may experience the following:.

Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious, conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

There are a number of tests that can be used to diagnose prostate cancer:.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): During a DRE, a doctor will feel the prostate gland through the rectum to check for any abnormalities.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test measures the amount of PSA – a protein produced by the prostate – in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Biopsy: If a DRE or PSA test suggests that prostate cancer may be present, a biopsy may be performed. During a biopsy, a small sample of prostate tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be undertaken to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

While the risk factors for prostate cancer cannot be changed – for example, a man cannot change his age or his family history – there are a number of lifestyle changes that men can make to decrease their risk of developing this disease:.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can go a long way towards reducing your risk of prostate cancer. Some tips to keep in mind include:.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Choose whole grains over processed grains
Limit your intake of red and processed meats
Choose low-fat dairy products
Choose healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise – such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming – most days of the week.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to reduce this risk.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. If you smoke, quitting can help to reduce your risk, as well as improve your overall health.

Consider Supplementation

Some studies have suggested that certain supplements may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. These include:.

Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Lycopene
Selenium

However, it’s important to note that the evidence for these supplements is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed before they can be recommended as a preventative measure for prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common disease that affects many men. While the risk factors for prostate cancer cannot be changed, there are a number of things that men can do to decrease their risk of developing this disease.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and considering supplementation may all help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. If you experience any symptoms of prostate cancer, or if you have any concerns about your prostate health, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.