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Prostate cancer is ranked as the second most prevalent cancer in the United States, with 1 out of 8 men being diagnosed with said cancer during their lifetime.
Outside the US, prostate cancer is also the most frequent cancer in 48 other countries, including Sweden, Chile, and Venezuela.
With the older generation making up 6 out of 10 of the cases, there’s an increased risk for men in their 60s in developing prostate cancer.
While prostate cancer is a serious disease, the chances of death are relatively slim compared to other aggressive forms of cancer. Today, there are 3.1 million Americans who’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer that still are alive today.
Nonetheless, it’s always best to prevent the development of any diseases with the proper lifestyle and diet changes. And this is especially true if you fall under the demographic at most risk.
Here are six tips that you can implement to maintain a healthy prostate.
1. Drink Green Tea
Green tea has been linked to the prevention of various types of cancers including prostate cancer.
Studies have shown that there are properties in green tea—specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—that help inhibit the development and progression of prostate cancer cells.
Aside from that, studies have also claimed that drinking green tea helps men manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, both conditions that worsen prostate health.
If you want a safe and easy drink that won’t require too much effort to source, green tea is an excellent liquid to promote good prostate health.
However, it’s important to drink a caffeine-free variant of green tea. Regular caffeine consumption has been shown to increase the odds of acquiring urinary incontinence by up to 72%. If you already have symptoms and pain due to prostate problems, caffeine can worsen these symptoms.
Therefore, it’s vital to make a conscious effort to reduce the intake of soft drinks and coffee if you want to promote prostate cancer prevention.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise isn’t just beneficial for your physical wellbeing. It also helps you develop a healthy weight, relieve stress, and manage symptoms associated with prostate cancer.
Moderate exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, and biking can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. It does this by helping you attain improved metabolism and better muscle mass.
This is beneficial because being sedentary for prolonged periods of time can increase your chances of developing a larger prostate, which can lead to the development of frustrating urinary symptoms.
So, whether you’re going out for a run or participating in a local spin class, make sure you exercise regularly to reduce your prostate cancer risk.
3. Get Screened for Prostate Cancer
Even if you eat the right diet, commit to positive lifestyle changes, and perform regular exercise, it’s still possible to develop prostate cancer.
In fact, age is an independent risk factor for prostate cancer. Although all men are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease after reaching their 40s, there’s a large spike in diagnoses between 50 and 60 years old.
Fortunately, routine screening can help detect any abnormal growths in the prostate gland that might be indicative of the development of prostate cancer.
Various medically-approved testing methods can catch abnormal prostate growth, such as:
- The digital rectal exam
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
Since prostate cancer isn’t commonly diagnosed until it reaches the advanced stages, doctors recommend getting screened regularly for early detection.
Visit the doctor yearly after 40 for a prostate checkup.
4. Limit Dairy Intake
According to research published in the International Journal of Cancer, men who consumed three or more servings of dairy products each day had a 141% higher chance of dying from prostate cancer than those who consumed less than one serving.
This is because studies have shown that dairy products contain the hormone IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor 1), which closely resembles the structure of the human IGF-I. The presence of this hormone inhibits the growth of human IGF-I levels, which can contribute to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
So to prevent the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the mortality rate, it’s advisable to limit your dairy intake and partake in a more healthy diet. Replace it with water instead, or try calcium-enriched foods that are low in fat, sugar, and dairy.
5. Get Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Usually, men experience a gradual decline in the amount of testosterone their body produces as they age. Testosterone is a vital hormone that is responsible for regulating energy levels, sperm production, bone health, and sexual function.
Testosterone is vital for prostate cancer prevention because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of suffering from an enlarged prostate.
To make sure your body maintains healthy levels of testosterone, speak to your doctor about getting tested for low T levels. If you’re found to be deficient, your doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy or lifestyle remedies.
6. Eat a Balanced Diet
Incorporating a healthy, well-balanced diet can go a long way in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
This is because studies have shown that men who follow a low-fat and high omega-3 fatty acid diet usually experience reduced inflammatory markers and slowed prostate growth when exposed to carcinogens.
To reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, focus on including fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also consider including healthy foods, such as:
- Olives
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Salmon
Not only are they low in calories and promote healthy weight, but they also have high nutrient density, are fiber-rich, and contain antioxidants that can help prevent the development of cancer.
In addition to eating healthy foods, keep in mind that obesity and excessive alcohol intake can contribute to the development of prostate cancer.
Takeaways For Senior Males About Prostate Health
Older men have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer because the disease tends to develop more frequently in older adults.
But with a healthy lifestyle and regular screening, you can prevent or detect it early and treat it properly if necessary.
By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can take control of your prostate health and significantly reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
But for the best advice, visit a sexual health doctor to assess your prostate health, as well as overall physical and sexual health.
The medical professionals at Precise Men’s Medical Center in Cleveland specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, premature ejaculation, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
