Prostate Cancer Prevention: What Can You Control?
Cancer is a terrifying word for both men and women alike. Men must be especially careful to protect themselves against the risks of prostate cancer. Some risks are controllable, while others are uncontrollable and present themselves at birth. Read below for the uncontrollable risk factors of prostate cancer, as well as different ways to incorporate diet and prescription drugs into prostate cancer prevention. There are unfortunately several things that may affect your chances and risk of developing prostate cancer. No measure of prostate cancer prevention can really alter these uncontrollable risk factors. The three main risk factors are genetics, race, and age. In general, males who have family members who have developed prostate cancer have a greater risk of developing the disease themselves. In addition, African American males also have an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Finally, as men approach and cross the 50 year-old age hump, the risk of developing prostate cancer also increases.
Increasing Prostate Cancer Prevention with Your Diet
One of the most essential aspects of prostate cancer prevention is diet and nutrition. According to recent studies, men should be especially careful with the intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. It is believed that the amount of calories ingested from fat grams relates proportionately to the risk of developing prostate cancer. Also, it is important for men to reduce their intake of salt and sugar. Purchasing low-sodium foods and using sweeteners such as Splenda, Equal or Sweet-n-Low are all ways of decreasing these in the diet. Alcohol should also only be consumed in moderation.
In addition, prostate cancer prevention means eating more fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that men who ate twenty eight servings of vegetables per week reduced their chances of developing prostate cancer. Also, men should increase their weekly intake of fish, specifically those that contain a large amount of fatty acids such as mackerel, salmon and herring.
Nutrients, Minerals and Drugs for Prostate Cancer Prevention
Diet and nutrition are not the only ways to increase prostate cancer prevention; there are also nutrients, minerals, vitamins and prescriptions that are used to prevent prostate cancer. These minerals and vitamins include selenium, a mineral, and vitamin E. In addition, Proscar is often prescribed to treat enlarge prostate, while duasteride has also been shown to aid in prostate cancer prevention. Studies are also investigating the affect of anti-inflammatory drugs on prostate cancer prevention.