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What Helps to Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease that has received a large amount of media attention over the last decade. Typically diagnosed in men older than 50, there have been countless articles about scientific studies and the controversy of early screening. Contradictory experiments have not been able to prove the positive or negative effects of such foods as tomatoes and such practices as ejaculatory frequency. As is such, the best method to prevent prostate cancer is to lead a healthier lifestyle.

  1. Regular Exercise

    • A regular exercise routine is one of the most important factors for fighting or preventing prostate cancer. Between 30 and 60 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, when coupled with a healthy diet, has been found to lower the occurrence of the hormone IGF-1, a tumor stimulant, in the bloodstream. This exercise can also be linked to the shrinking and eventual death of cancer cells. You should always consult your physician before beginning an exercise plan.

    Improved Diet

    • There are certain fruits and vegetables that have been found to have an effect on the prevention of cancer. Apples, which contain the chemical Quecetin, may reduce the size of tumors and prevent prostate cancer. Apricots have also been found to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Other cancer preventative foods are beans, broccoli, flaxseed, nuts (brazil, walnuts, almonds), spinach and watermelon. These foods must be consumed whole or cooked, a multivitamin containing similar nutrients will not have the same effect as the foods themselves.

    Reduced Stress

    • A high-stress lifestyle has been found to inflame diseases like prostate cancer and there are several steps that can be taken to calm your life. Talk openly to your friends and family about your fears of prostate cancer. Create time in your day for relaxation in the form of meditation or visualization, even if it's just a couple of minutes a day. Most importantly, keep a positive attitude even if you fear you are at risk for the disease.

    Early Detection

    • The best prevention for prostate cancer is to detect the disease early. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests or digital rectal exams are recommended from the age of 50 onward. If you know that you have a family history of prostate cancer or if you are African-American, you should get checked from the age of 40 onward. Ask your doctor when you should begin getting tested.

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