1. Know Your Risk
While there may be no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, you should know whether you are at high risk. Men who have several close family members with prostate cancer fall into the highest risk category. A diagnosis in a brother more than doubles your risk. As for ethnicity, African-American men are at the greatest risk for developing prostate cancer, while Asian men are the least likely. Men who fall into high-risk categories should have regular checkups from the age of 40. Men with no family history of prostate trouble should begin testing at age 50. While these risks cannot be changed, a high-fat diet, lack of exercise and general obesity are also contributing factors that should be avoided if you fall into one of the high-risk groups.
2. Eat a Diet Rich in Vegetables
Cultures that rely on meat and dairy products as dietary staples, as opposed to rice, soy and vegetables, have a higher occurrence of prostate cancer. Keeping that in mind, you should modify your diet to increase the amount of vegetables and soy you eat. Leafy greens, such as spinach or Romaine lettuce and colorful vegetables, such as red peppers, carrots and sweet potatoes offer the most benefits. Cut up some baked tofu to mix in with your dinner veggies and you've created a healthful side dish with little effort. Also, cut down on saturated fats, processed foods and refined sugars. Switch to whole-grain breads without added sugar and whole-wheat pasta, and you've built a solid diet foundation.
3. Start Exercising Regularly
While you change your diet, start exercising. Thirty minutes a day of walking, running or swimming may help you prevent prostate problems, since obesity has been linked to prostate cancer. Not only will the aerobic exercise help you lose weight, but it will also boost your energy and make you feel healthier all over.
4. Keep Up With Studies
Studies pop up all the time with new ways to help prevent prostate cancer. Keep your eye on the results, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk groups. Recent findings suggest that erectile dysfunction drugs, pomegranate juice, green tea, flaxseed oil, vitamin E and selenium may help prevent or cure prostate cancer. Before starting any complementary therapies, however, speak to your physician, as there is a chance that supplements can interfere with your prescribed medications.
