The prostate gland is approximately one inch in length and located between a man's bladder and rectum. The urethra runs through the gland, which is why enlargement of the prostate or prostate cancer causes difficulty with urination.
Cancer of the prostate gland is very common, and is the most common malignant non-skin cancer in men, according to the American Cancer Society. Although scientists have discovered several risk factors for prostate cancer, such as old age, family history and African-American race, they have not yet determined the cause of the disease.
Step 1
Avoid getting a sexually transmitted disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia cause prostate inflammation, which is a major risk factor for prostate cancer. Since the infections can eventually lead to prostate cancer, practicing safe sex is a good first step toward preventing prostate cancer.
Step 2
Maintain a healthy diet. According to the American Cancer Society, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily decreases the risk of getting prostate cancer later in life. Specifically, fruits and vegetables that are rich in lycopenes, such as tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon are the most likely to prevent future prostate cancer.
Step 3
Take daily vitamin E. Once you have established a healthy diet, adding supplements with vitamin E may prevent prostate cancer. According to the "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine," vitamin E is an antioxidant that when taken regularly may decrease the cell DNA damage that ultimately leads to prostate cancer.
Step 4
Take preventative medications. Specific hormones called androgens tell the prostate gland to grow, and these hormones may be partially responsible for people developing prostate cancer. Medications that block the actions of the hormones, such as finasteride, may prevent prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Since the majority of prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65, and since those medications commonly cause decreased libido, physicians usually recommend them as a last resort for prostate prevention at older ages.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Contraceptives
- Vitamins
References
- American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Cancer
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2004
