How To Reduce The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Although you can't guarantee you will never get prostate cancer, there are lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk or at least improve the chances of undergoing a successful treatment. Knowing what these are an important part of your personal health plan.
Eat well
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet affects many parts of your health and well being, and preventing prostate cancer is another benefit. A high-fat diet may contribute to cancer risk. Instead, opt for a low-fat diet and try to derive what fats you do eat from plants rather than animal sources – including dairy. Overall, increased vegetable intake and lower fat and processed food intake is probably the best choice you can make for your health.
Avoid obesity
If you are currently overweight, then bringing down your weight into a healthy range as soon as possible can lower your cancer risk, as well as risks for other related health problems such as heart disease. A combination of the above healthy food choices and exercise are key to losing the extra pounds. A sedentary lifestyle increases your cancer risk overall, especially if you already have other risk factors.
Know the symptoms
Early detection is another key when it comes to cancer prevention. Catching prostate cancer early or in the "pre-cancerous" stage improves the chances of making a full recovery. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include the urge urinate but being unable to do so, frequent urination, uncontrollable urine "dribbling," and difficulty urinating. These can indicate an enlarged prostate, which doesn't necessarily mean that it is cancer – yet. Prompt treatment is necessary if you experience any of these symptoms. Keep in mind that urinary problems don't always indicate cancer, but it is vital that you have the prostate ruled out as the cause.
Get checked
When you begin prostate checks and how often you have them performed depends on a few factors. If you are considered high risk, generally because of genetic factors, early screening may be key. This is especially true if other men in your family have developed prostate cancer at a younger age, generally before 40. Beginning regular screenings in your 20s is not a bad idea in this case. For healthy men with a low risk, regular screenings generally begin after age 40 but discuss with your doctor to determine the best screening intervals for your health.
Contact a doctor or oncologist for more help. You can also check out a website like http://swoncology.net/ for more information and assistance.
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