Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is a common type of cancer that affects many men in India and across the world. It usually grows slowly without causing serious harm, but in some cases, it may grow aggressively and quickly and even spread outside of the prostate. 

Cultivating a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer and related health complications. This article explains the risk factors and symptoms of Prostate Cancer and the easy lifestyle changes for Prostate Cancer prevention. 

What is Prostate Cancer? 

The prostate is a small gland present in the male reproductive system that facilitates the transportation and protection of sperm. 

Prostate Cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the cells of the male prostate. The cells in the prostate may experience a change in their DNA, which causes them to multiply at a faster rate without dying. 

Prostate Cancer usually only affects men. Women may experience an extremely rare kind of Prostate Cancer, which develops in the Skene’s glands. However, the chances are really low. 

What are the Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer? 

Individuals belonging to certain demographics have a higher likelihood of developing the condition:

1. Older-aged people, especially over 50 years old
2. People with a family history of Prostate or Breast Cancer
3. People suffering from obesity
4. Black people or people with African ancestry

What are the Causes of Prostate Cancer? 

The exact Prostate Cancer causes are not yet known. 

Prostate Cancer begins when the DNA of cells in the prostate begins to change, and the cells start multiplying abnormally fast and form a tumour. Over time, the tumour may break off in parts and spread to other parts of the body. 

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer? 

Prostate Cancer mostly does not cause symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

1. Pain or burning sensation while urinating
2. Weak urine flow
3. Frequent urge to pee, particularly at night
4. Loss of bladder or bowel control
5. Erectile dysfunction
6. Painful ejaculation
7. Blood in urine or semen
8. Pain in the lower back, hip, or chest

How Can You Avoid Prostate Cancer?

Certain Prostate Cancer risk factors cannot be avoided, such as the age, genetics, and ethnicity of a person. 

However, individuals can make certain healthy changes to their lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, which help to reduce the chances of Prostate Cancer.

Here’s how to reduce risk of Prostate Cancer with some small but essential lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare professionals:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a good diet is key to preventing not just Prostate Cancer but various other diseases as well.  

Improve one’s daily diet by making small changes such as consuming green tea and eating more fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables. Foods such as cooked tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help in preventing Prostate Cancer.

Avoid food products such as charred meat and foods rich in trans and saturated fats. 

Increase Vitamin D intake through Vitamin D-rich foods, such as wild salmon and cod liver oil or Vitamin D supplements. Daily 10-minute sun exposure is also a good source of Vitamin D.

2. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise along with an improved diet can help maintain a healthy weight while preventing obesity, a risk factor for Prostate Cancer.

Exercise can improve immune function and reduce inflammation, both of which can help reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer.

Increase physical activity in daily life, such as by going for daily walks and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Try to schedule daily exercise time to stay physically active.

3. Avoid Smoking

Individuals who smoke regularly may have a higher risk of suffering from Prostate Cancer. People who smoke also experience higher chances of the cancer spreading beyond their prostate and into other parts of the body. 

Take measures to quit smoking. Consult a healthcare professional for the best ways to quit the habit if needed. 

Prostate Cancer is a serious disease but also treatable, especially if caught early on. Upon noticing symptoms of Prostate Cancer, consult a healthcare professional and book a Prostate-Specific Antigen Test at Dr Lal PathLabs. 

FAQs 

1. What age is most likely to develop Prostate Cancer? 

Older individuals experience greater Prostate Cancer risk. People aged 50 to 70 are the most likely to develop Prostate Cancer, with about 60% of cases occurring in people above the age of 65. 

2. Does Prostate Cancer only affect men?

Prostate Cancer almost exclusively affects men as it develops in the prostate, an organ in the male reproductive system. Women may experience a type of female Prostate Cancer that develops in the Skene’s glands; however, it is extremely rare. 

3. How to reduce PSA levels?

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein linked with the likelihood of Prostate Cancer. Foods such as chicken, fish, tomatoes, eggs, and green tea can help in reducing PSA levels and avoiding Prostate Cancer.