What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Me Avoid Prostate Cancer?

One of the most common cancer in the males worldwide, prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men after skin cancer worldwide.

“The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in India, partly owing to the widespread availability of screening test PSA and increasing awareness among older men,” says Dr Subhash Chandra Bose Inturi, Consultant Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology Hyderabad

Risks to develop prostate cancer 

Their are many reasons that could lead to the development of prostate cancer, however according to Dr Inturi, aging, genetic, ethnicity are the three main risk factors that contribute to the diseas.

All of the above factors cannot be altered. There is no proven preventive strategy for prostate cancer. But few lifestyle changes and healthy choices help to reduce the risk. Dr Inturi suggests:-

• Ensure to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is the most important modifiable risk factor. Fat cells produce pro-inflammatory factors, promoting the progression of the cancer to a more aggressive form.
• Regular exercise helps to reduce inflammation in addition to improving immune function.
• Stop smoking and restrict alcohol intake.
• Cut down on foods with high sugars, saturated fats , and processed and fried meat.

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Studies showed a favourable effect of tomato intake( mainly cooked) and antioxidant lycopene.
• Soy containing phytoestrogens, and isoflavones reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintain healthy vitamin D levels.