The presence of prostate cancer in men is quite surprising. It is estimated that up to 25% of men in their 30 have the microscopic, latent cancer cells already in their prostate. These do not form a health risk at this time if they are treated however the numbers increase as men age. By the time men reach their 50’s 40-50% of men in this age group have these microscopic cells in their body. For some men these cells will pose no health risk and will remain dormant. In other men the can grow and cause discomfort and even death. Prostate cancer cells can often grow at alarmingly fast rates and metastasize to other organs.

Prostate Cancer is a serious cause for concern. It is the second most common cancer found in men with skin cancer being the most common. It is also the second deadliest form of cancer in men with lung cancer being number one. It is estimates that a new case of prostate cancer is diagnosed every two minutes with over of a million new cases being reported in the United States alone. It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime with approximately 3% of these cases being deadly.

Age is the most important risk factor in prostate cancer. In fact some doctors believe that all men would develop the condition if they were to live long enough. As a man ages his risk of getting the disease increases. Men under 40 represent the lowest risk group with 0.01 percent of the cases being reported in this age bracket. However, by the time men reach the age bracket of 60-79, their chances increase exponentially to 15%. If there is no family history of the disease then the numbers do improve. Men with one relative afflicted with the disease are twice as likely to contract prostate cancer as someone with no family history. Men with two relatives afflicted with the disease run 5 times the chance while those with 3 or more relatives are said to be virtually assured of coming down with the disease at some point in their lives.

Despite the scary statistics there are several things a man can do to reduce his risk of prostate cancer despite his family history. Getting regular check up is the most important and easiest method of preventing the disease. As with many forms of cancer, prostate cancer responds very well to treatment when caught early. As a man ages the check ups should become more frequent. Eating a nutritious diet is a key factor in fighting prostate cancer. Including fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes will insure that the body gets plenty of cancer fighting properties. Exercise is also effective in the fight against prostate cancer. Exercise increases the heart rate which oxygenates the blood. It also increases circulation bringing newly oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues. By knowing the facts about prostate cancer and taking preventative measures, a man can greatly reduce his risk of contacting the disease.

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Make sure you eat enough vitamin C, E, Zinc and Beta Carotene. These substances can be found in abundance in beans, tofu and walnuts. Fish is also an excellent source and in addition brings omega 3 oils. Doctors recommend a regular intake of these substances for their infection and immune building properties. Vitamin C and Omega 3 oils have also been linked with cancer prevention as well as other health benefits. You doctor should be consulted as to how much Beta Carotene and Vitamin C are recommended. 3 servings of fish per week is usually sufficient to gain an appropriate amount of omega 3 oils.

Pumpkin seeds are a favorite treat around Halloween for children. Many are surprised to hear that this salty snack that used to drive the blood pressures up can actually provide some good, natural health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are rich in Zinc. They also contain phytosterols which protect the prostate. For good prostate health doctors recommend eating 1-2 teaspoons per day. The salt content can always be cut if you’re preparing them yourself. Health food stores will sell them in salted and unsalted varieties. Pumpkin seeds taste great and can help insure good health for the future.

Eating tomatoes can reduce your chances of prostate cancer and BHP. Tomatoes get their red color from a substance called lycopene. Lycopene has proven effective in the fight against all forms of cancer and in treating BHP. Eating 2-3 tomatoes per day will give the body a sufficient supply of lycopene. Those that are not fans of fresh tomatoes can still get near the same effect from tomato based sauces. Pasta sauces, tomato soups and even ketchup will still have enough lycopene left to achieve the needed health benefits.

Most of us aware of the potential dangers that cigarettes pose to overall health. Cancer is just one of the many health afflictions that this addiction can bring. Quitting the habit even after many years as a smoker can improve health leaps and bounds. Kicking the cigarette habit also has specific benefits for the prostate. BHP symptoms start to reduce when one quits smoking. The chances of contracting cancer also drop when one puts the cigarettes away. Circulation improves as well keeping a fresh supply of blood and oxygen to the tissues and organs. This as well helps reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Enjoy sexual relations. Although certain precautions should be observed it is actually healthy for the prostate and the overall health of the body to enjoy sex. Reaching orgasm released several endorphins throughout the body which bring numerous health benefits. They range from simply feeling good to reducing severe pain. In terms of prostate cancer specifically ejaculating semen has a therapeutic effect on the prostate; it provides exercise and also improves circulation. Sex is something that we all can enjoy and there is no real danger of overdosing as there is with medicine and even herbal remedies. Provided you protect yourself from other possible dangers there is no reason you shouldn’t fully enjoy sexual relations and reap the benefits.

Difficulty urinating is a sign that you may have prostate cancer. Many times men will feel the urge to urinate and nothing comes out. Other problems are a disrupted stream or difficulty in stopping the flow of urine. Having this symptom doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer but it should be looked at.

Pain while urinating is also a sign of possible prostate cancer. It can also be a sign of other more benign prostate problems such as prostatitus or BHP. Swelling of the prostate gland or tumors could be pressing on the urethra, causing the pain. The worst thing one can do is ignore this problem. Medical attention should be sought quickly.

Having to urinate frequently in the middle of the night is another sign. It is also one of the signs that goes unnoticed until after one is diagnosed.

Blood in the urine is another possible symptom. It doesn’t present itself very often but if noticed the first trip should be to a doctor. The mount of blood does not have to be great. This again does not necessarily mean one has cancer. Several urinary tract infections can cause bleeding. However it needs to be checked as soon as possible.

Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection is another possible symptom. Tumors can disrupt the blood flow to the penis making sexual relations difficult. This can be very frustrating should it occur and is something men find very difficult to discuss. Female partners need to be supportive and encourage their male partners to seek medical attention. Again, this could be a symptom of something more benign.

Blood in the semen is also a possible symptom of prostate cancer. As with urine it doesn’t present too often and does not have to be a large amount of blood. Often times it is just enough to turn the semen a pinkish color. This is another area where the female partner can be of assistance. Again sensitivity and support are crucial.

Chronic constipation and intestinal problems can be another symptom. Severe pain in the intestinal areas that continues on despite dietary changes should be looked at by a doctor. It can be a symptom of prostate cancer as well as colon cancer.

Frequent pain in the lower back, hips and thighs can be a more worrisome sign. When prostate cancer has spread thee are the general areas is first travels. If the pain is persistent and feels like a deep dull ache then this could be cause for concern. Seek medical attention immediately.

Leaking or dribbling urine are another of the more worrisome signs. Again they are some of the more embarrassing and men find them difficult to discuss. Should you notice your partner taking longer trips in the bathroom or the smell of urine on clothing then suggesting a visit to a doctor is recommended. This could be a benign condition but better safe than sorry.

If you’re over 50. Unfortunately the risk goes up with age and men over 50 need to be checked over regularly. Men who are over 50 and have any of the above symptoms should be extra concerned.

Most men know they have a prostate but they don’t know what it is or its purpose. The prostate is a gland. Its purpose is to make seminal fluid which mixes with sperm to make semen.

Another commonly asked question about the prostate is what it looks like. The prostate gland is roughly the size of a walnut. It is located just below the bladder between the penis and the anus. When prostate problems occur, urination can become difficult. Prostate problems can lead to the glad swelling. In severe cases it can swell to the size of a plum bringing major discomfort.

Knowing you if your prostate is healthy is effective in fighting prostate problems and prostate cancer. One of the easiest ways to determine prostate health is from the stream of urine. If urination isn’t a problem and the stream is steady and healthy then this is a good sign. Difficulty urinating and frequent urination during the nighttime hours are signs that you should see a doctor.

A mans age is definitely a factor. The chances of catching prostate cancer grow as a man gets older. Men in their 50’s should be checked regularly with men aged 70-74 being the largest diagnosed age group. It is estimated that 1 in 25 men will die from prostate cancer each year.

Having a regular PSA test is one effective preventative measure. The PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. PSA is produced in the prostate gland. A high level of PSA doesn’t not always indicate prostate cancer. In fact 3 out of 4 cases are usually another benign condition such as Prostatitus or BHP. However the higher the level of PSA the greater likelihood cancer could develop.

Genetics can play a role in prostate cancer. If there is a family history of the disease especially if it is a brother, father or grandfather then you doctor should be told. Those with a family history are far more likely to develop the disease.

Men of the Mediterranean region of the world have the lowest incidences of prostate cancer in the world. Many believe it is due to their diets. Eating healthy fats such as omega 3 fish oils 3 times per week, as well as brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables can actually reduce your chances of cancer and improve overall body health.

Maintain a healthy weight. There are links between obesity and cancer. In men weight tends to gather in the stomach region which increases their risk of cancer. Exercising regularly keeps the pounds away as well as having its own cancer fighting properties.

Drinking healthy fluids can help reduce the risks of prostate cancer. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day brings several health benefits. It dilutes the urine keeping the infection rate low. It also flushed the kidneys keeping impurities away. Drinking green tea is also helpful in the fight against prostate cancer. Green tea is full of antioxidants which help reduce the chances of cancer cells developing. Men in China and Japan drink green tea regularly and have a very low amount of prostate cancer cases.

Lead an active life. Activity helps burn calories and balances the hormone levels in the body. Doctors claim that it is never too late. Men that have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer have been known to increase their chances of survival and life expectancy by implementing exercise.

A common myth is that prostate cancer is only found in elderly men. While it is true that older men do have a greater risk of contracting the disease men of all ages are at risk. Men from ages 70-74 present the greatest number of new prostate cancer cases. However every year the numbers increase for men in their 40’s and 50’s. Regular exams are the most effective preventative measure because prostate cancer does respond well to treatment when detected early.

Having no symptoms of prostate cancer does not necessarily mean that you don’t have it. New detection methods can detect the cancerous cells before symptoms begin to show. The opposite is also true however. Should you start showing symptom of prostate cancer it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have it. The vast majority of prostate symptoms indicate other more benign problems such as BHP or prostatitus.

another myth is that the death rates are low for prostate cancer victims. Currently there is no cure for prostate cancer but there are effective treatments. Although prostate cancer does respond well to treatment it remains the second most deadly form of cancer in men.

The PSA test is one method of testing for prostate cancer. The level of PSA present in the prostate is detected. The test is an indicator of prostate cancer but is far from fool proof. There have been incidents where men with low levels of PSA have developed prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy is the only 100 percent accurate test for prostate cancer.

Just as low levels of PSA don’t necessarily mean that you are free and clear of prostate cancer, a high PSA count doesn’t automatically mean that you have it. High PSA levels can be indicative of BHP and prostatitus. In fact 3 out of 4 cases of high PSA are usually attributed to something other than prostate cancer.

Some believe that vasectomies increase a man’s chances of contracting prostate cancer. There is currently no medical evidence to support this theory.

There are those that believe prostate cancer can be spread from one person to another. Cancer is not contagious and prostate cancer only occurs in men. There is evidence to support a family connection to the disease. Men who have a history of it in their families are urged to have regular check ups and tests.

Some fear prostate cancer treatments believing they bring about incontinence and impotence. These are possible side effects but they do not always occur. Prostate cancer treatments have improved greatly over the years with some actually improving sexual performance.

The PSA test can be effective in detecting prostate cancer but unfortunately some men develop a false sense of security when there results are favorable. Some men will not have further testing which is dangerous. Follow your doctor’s instructions and have further testing if it is recommended.

]]> http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/top-10-prostate-cancer-myths.html/feed 0 http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/top-10-home-remedies-to-prevent-prostate-cancer.html http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/top-10-home-remedies-to-prevent-prostate-cancer.html#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:26:59 +0000 admin http://prostatecancer.diabetesfaq.org/?p=77 Prostate cancer is the second most form of cancer found in men. It is also the second most deadly with lung cancer being the first. Although in previous years the number of cases was on the rise it seems now that the number of newly reported cases of prostate cancer has stabilized. Early detection and preventative measures have been credited with this progress. Many are unaware of some very simple preventative measures that men can take many from their very own homes,

Try eating pumpkin seeds. While pumpkin seeds will likely not cure prostate cancer they can help reduce inflammation and provide relief for other prostate problems. Currently in Germany, doctors use pumpkin seeds to treat enlarged prostates and the urination problems that can occur as a result. The pumpkin seeds are natural diuretics that help flush the system and are full of zinc that keeps the immune system healthy. Eating pumpkin seeds fresh with no salt is the most recommended method of taking them. It is possible however to make a tea with the seeds as the main ingredient. Simply take a handful of seeds and crush them. Place in a 1 pint jar and add boiling water. Strain and drink.

Use corn silk. This method had been used by Amish men for generations to reduce the swelling and discomfort from enlarged prostates. When corn is ready simply remove the silk. 1 serving requires approximately 6 ears of corn. These can be used immediately or dried for future use. Boil the silk in 1 quart of water, strain and drink. 3 cups per week is recommended for the maximum benefit.

Eat 2-3 servings per week of fish. Fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna are packed full of omega 3 oils. These have been proven beneficial for the prevention of cancer and tumor growth. If you’re not a fan of fish then eating flaxseed can give the same effect.

Try to incorporate Soya into your diet. Easting soy based products is highly nutritious and gives the body several cancer fighting properties. Soya products contain properties that help limit the production of testosterone. Testosterone is believed to aggravate prostate cancer cell growth. Soya can also limit the growth of capillaries that surround tumors slowing their blood supply.

Eat tomatoes! Tomatoes are full of a substance called lycopene which is a known cancer fighter. Tomatoes can be eaten fresh or in the form of sauces and salsas.

Drink a pint of watermelon seed tea per day. This is another time honored Amish tradition for bladder and prostate problems. As you eat watermelon save the seeds. Once you have accumulated 1/8th of a cup, boil them in 1 pint of water. Doing this everyday for 10 days will keep the bladder and prostate clean and free of infection.

Use palmetto extract. The extract from the berries helps improve the flow of urine. It works by altering hormone levels and reducing the prostate gland. Palmetto can be purchased in most health food stores.

Take stinging nettle capsules. Stinging nettles have several health properties. They are very rich in iron and can stop testosterone from binding to cancerous cells. Taking is capsule form is recommended as these plants do burn when they come into contact with the skin.

Limit the in take of alcohol. Alcohol is full of sugars which can cause weight gain. There are direct links between obesity and cancer. Beer also can raise the levels of prolactin which can enlarge the prostate.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. This dilutes the urine which keeps the urinary tract and prostate free of infection. This also flushes the system free of impurities which reduces the chances of developing cancer.

When people hear the word cancer immediately minds wander to chemotherapy and the horrible side effects that accompany it. Actually, Chemotherapy is only one treatment option. There are several others that are far less evasive and may stop the cancer from growing. External beam radiation treatment is one option. External beam radiation treatment involves using radiation from high powered x-rays to kill the cancer cells. One drawback is that some healthy tissue can be affected in the process. Computers are used to gain the most accuracy. They work to focus the radiation where the most good will be accomplished and the least of amount of damage done to healthy tissues. When a patient undergoes External beam radiation treatment it is usually given 5 days per week for up to 8 weeks. Each individual session only lasts 10 minutes at the most. The treatment is painless but some side effects can occur. The patient may experience problems with urination, loose stools and blood in the urine. This however will pass quite quickly.

Radioactive seed implants are another form of prostate cancer treatment. In this procedure, needles are actually used to place tiny radioactive seeds inside the prostate. The procedure takes about 2 hours and is performed under anesthetic. The advantage to this treatment is that the radiation delivered is far more powerful than in external beam radiation. Up to 100 seeds can be placed in at one time with all the radiation leaving the body after about 1 year. The seeds implants are done over a time frame of a few months. There are some negative sides to the seed implants. Patients may experience urinary problems. Sometimes drugs and catheters are required to help the patient urinate regularly and without pain. Some patients also experience trouble achieving erection while this procedure is ongoing.

Hormone therapy is another treatment option available to sufferers of prostate cancer. The male body creates testosterone naturally. However this hormone can actually aggravate cancer cells and cause them to grow. Hormone therapy helps to limit the production of testosterone so the cells won’t grow. Hormone therapy is usually an option for later stages of cancer. It slows the growth and even shrinks the size of tumors. Hormone therapy is administered through various drug combinations both limiting testosterone and keeping testosterone from reaching cells. Unfortunately cancer cells can learn to live without Testosterone so treatment is temporary. The side effects can include nausea, lack of sex drive and weight gain.

Surgery is another option for patients with prostate cancer. This involves removing the prostate through the abdomen. This is a viable option if the cancer has not spread past the prostate. Problems with bladder control and erectile dysfunction are common side effects with this type of surgery. However these side effects usually correct themselves soon after the procedure.

]]> http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/top-5-treatments-for-prostate-cancer.html/feed 0 http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/5-reasons-for-a-prostate-massage.html http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/5-reasons-for-a-prostate-massage.html#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:26:59 +0000 admin http://prostatecancer.diabetesfaq.org/?p=79 Men that suffer from prostate problems or difficulty in sex might benefit from a prostate massage. The massage stimulates the prostate by gentle finger motions. It is a perfectly healthy activity and with time and practice can be administered safely by non-medical personnel. The treatment can provide many benefits from prostate relief to heightened sexual pleasure. Some make claims of a revitalized sex life and healthy functioning prostate with regular massages. Caution does need to be administered. The prostate is a very sensitive gland and too much pressure can cause pain. Extra care also needs to be given if the massage is being used to relieve swelling or discomfort of infection. The area will likely be extra sensitive under these circumstances. However, with practice there is no reason why this technique cannot be self administered.

The prostate massage has been known to help men overcome impotence. The prostate helps create seminal fluid and massaging the prostate helps stimulate activity. With increased seminal fluid incidences of impotence will begin to drop. Massaging the prostate has been said to heighten overall sexual pleasure so regular massages can aid tremendously in helping a man overcome impotence.

Regular prostate massages can help induce orgasms and stimulate ejaculation. Some claim the orgasms reached when prostate massage is involved are highly intense. When the prostate is stimulated, the blood and seminal fluid increase in their flow. This increases flow of fluids also can help to improve sexual function overall. The fresh blood supplies and nutrients help keep the reproductive system healthy and functioning well. The prostate is known as the male G-spot and if massaged correctly very intense levels of orgasm has been reached.

Regular prostate massages can help improve erectile problems. Sometimes men suffer from restricted blood flow in the pelvic area which can directly effect the male reproductive system. Health conditions, age and injury can all be contributing factors in erectile dysfunction. The massage will help improve the flow of blood as well as nutrients and reduce incidences of erectile dysfunction. It isn’t uncommon for a full and active sex life to be restored with the help of prostate massages.

Regular prostate massages can help relieve the symptoms of prostatitus. Prostatitus is a condition where bacteria grown within the tiny sacs in the prostate gland. This can cause swelling, discomfort and can be quite painful. It is possible for the bacteria to leave the prostate gland on its own however if the prostate gland swells to much the bacteria can become trapped. This can cause the prostate to swell even more. It can also cause intense pain and cause the man to experience problems urinating if the condition persists. Although caution needs to be exercised a prostate massage can help relieve this condition. The massage will help stimulate the release of fluids helping it to shrink in size. It will also help a fresh blood supply enter the prostate and help release the trapped bacteria.

]]> http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/5-reasons-for-a-prostate-massage.html/feed 0 http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/10-treatment-strategies-for-prostate-cancer.html http://www.checktheprostate.com/prostate-cancer-by-the-numbers/10-treatment-strategies-for-prostate-cancer.html#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:26:59 +0000 admin http://prostatecancer.diabetesfaq.org/?p=86 When a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer is made, a man has several treatment options to consider. The course of treatment that is chosen usually depends on the stage of the disease and, in some cases, the age of the patient. Today, there are many more options for treatment including:

Chemotherapy: This is probably the most well known and commonly used courses of treatment. Chemotherapy has been around for a long time and has been successful in treating many different cancers. Chemotherapy medicines use chemicals that basically kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. But chemotherapy comes with many side effects that can have a serious impact on a man’s quality of life including nausea, exhaustion and sleep problems. Just remember, though, that no two people ever react to medications the same way so while one man may experience these side effects, it is possible that another may not or not so much that his quality of life has been greatly affected.

Radiation: Radiation therapy involves exposing and killing the cancer cells with the use of radiation. There are a few different types of radiation therapy that can be used. External beam radiation therapy relies on CT scans and MRIs so that the highest dose of radiation can attack the cells at their exact location. Brachytherapy uses tiny metal pellets that contain iodine or palladium and are then inserted into the prostate so that they can kill off the cancer cells over a period of time.

Cryosurgery: This more modern technique uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. Such extreme cold forms ice crystals inside the cells and then tears them apart. Cryosurgery can only be used when the cancer is localized and the tumor is larger than one centimeter. This form of treatment is considered minimally invasive.

Proton Therapy: This type of therapy uses beams of protons to irradiate diseased tissue. The charged particles that are emitted by the beams damage the cancer cell’s DNA which makes it much harder for them to reproduce. Cancer cells cannot easily repair damaged DNA making this type of therapy effective for treating Prostate Cancer.

Prostatectomy: In this procedure, either all or part of the prostate gland is surgically removed. There are many different options for this type of surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), open prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, radical retropubic prostatectomy and transurethral plasmakinetic vaporization prostatectomy (TUPVP).

Hormonal Therapy: Also known as androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), this type of treatment stops the production of testosterone that is often the main source of growth in Prostate Cancer cells. Unfortunately, hormonal therapy can have some unpleasant side effects including erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, anemia, hot flashes and decreased sexual desire.

Orchiectomy: This treatment option is a more permanent way to stop the production of testosterone by removing its source “the testicles. Although highly effective, many men choose not to opt for this course of treatment as it is irreversible.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Unlike cryotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound uses extreme heat to kill off cancer cells through a probe that is inserted through the rectum to the targeted area. This technique is still in the experimental stages in the United States, but has found significant success in Europe.

Biologic Therapy: In this course of treatment, the patient’s own immune system is used to fight the cancer. Substances that are made by the body are used to build the body’s defense system against the cancer.

Watchful Waiting: Though it may not sound like much, sometimes the best course of treatment (depending on the patient and severity of the disease) is none at all. Particularly in older men with other health problems, this course of treatment is used to monitor symptoms for any changes.

In choosing a course of treatment, many men look at the side effects that go with the treatment. In many cases, the side effects of treatment can be more severe than the disease it is trying to fight. A doctor will always advise the man on the best course of treatment for his individual situation.

Lower Cholesterol: A recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins found that men with low cholesterol (lower than 200), cut their risk of developing high grade Prostate Cancer by almost 60%. This promising news, however, is only with regards to high grade Prostate Cancer and not all levels of the disease.

Exercise: Although still being debated, research has begun into determining a man’s physical activity level in relation to developing Prostate Cancer. Recently, a small research study found that men who exercised vigorously and regularly had a 65% lower risk of prostate cancer to men who did not. Larger studies are needed, but these initial findings are promising.

Diet: While there is no diet solely targeted for preventing Prostate Cancer, there are dietary guidelines that, if followed, can give men a better chance of possibly reducing the chances of getting the disease. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is an excellent place to start. These foods contain many vitamins and minerals and have been found to lower the risk of several cancers. Reducing the amount of fat in one’s diet is also helpful.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight: There is no direct connection between obesity and prostate cancer. However, obesity does affect hormone levels in the body which may lead to an increased risk of developing Prostate Cancer. And men who are at a healthy weight fare better than those that don’t if there is a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

Finasteride: A study by the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial showed that there were fewer instances of Prostate Cancer in a group of men taking finasteride compared with a group that did not. Finasteride blocks the enzymes that change testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which may have a role in the development of Prostate Cancer.

Folate: A ten-year study showed that folate plays a role in reducing the risk of Prostate Cancer development. Folate is commonly found in green vegetables, beans, lentils, liver, whole grain breads and cereals, orange juice and yeast. It is a nutrient in vitamin B that helps to make red blood cells. Currently, combining folate with the vitamin B12 is being studied as a way to prevent and treat cancer.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Commonly found in fish, this heart healthy fat also packs a punch in reducing cancer risk. A publication in the US Journal of Clinical Cancer Research explained that eating fish packed with omega-3 could reverse inherited Prostate Cancer genes.

Sex: A clean prostate means a healthy prostate. Sex is one of the ways in which the prostate gets cleaned out. However, some experts disagree on whether regular sex can, in fact, provide some prevention against Prostate Cancer.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS): A protein known as COX-2 is suspected of causing Prostate Cancer cells to spread. NSAIDs suppress COX-2. Right now the research is based on animal studies, but the promising results are leading to studies with humans.

Proscar: In fifteen clinical trials, 18,000 men over the age of 55 were given either Proscar or a placebo once a day for one to seven years. The men in the Proscar group were 25% less likely to develop Prostate Cancer. Proscar is a drug that lowers DHT levels.

These are only a few of the possible ways of preventing Prostate Cancer. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that taking any of the above preventative measures will ward off Prostate Cancer completely, but it is certainly worth the effort if it means even lowering the risk slightly.