Major risk factors for prostate cancer, such as your age, race, or family history can't be changed. However, there are many things that men can do to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer. It is believed the major risk factor is diet. Certain foods cause oxidative damage to DNA. The following list highlights some examples of how to reduce your risk of prostate cancer:
- Eat fewer calories or exercise more so that you maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit fats from red meat and dairy products.
- Watch your calcium intake. Do not take supplemental doses above the recommended daily allowance. Some calcium is OK, but avoid taking more than 1,500 mg of calcium a day.
- Eat more fish. Fish may protect against prostate cancer because they have “good fat”.
- Avoid trans fatty acids.
- Try to incorporate cooked tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) into many of your weekly meals.
- Avoid smoking.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Seek medical treatment for stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and depression. Treating these conditions may save your life. It will also improve your survival chances if you do get prostate cancer.
- Avoid too many supplements with megavitamins. Too many vitamins, especially folate, may help a cancer grow. If you follow a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils you may not need a multivitamin. Ask your doctor about herbal supplements as some may harm you.
References
Can prostate cancer be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Updated August 1, 2019. Accessed December 11, 2019.
Prostate cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/prostate-cancer . Updated October 16, 2018. Accessed December 11, 2019.