Prostate cancer prevention

Although the medical community has made progress in discovering and cataloging risk factors for prostate cancer, exact prevention measures remains somewhat elusive. While we know that age, gender and family history are the biggest risk factors, these are unavoidable and unchangeable.

And so, the prevention recommendations for prostate cancer are similar to any other form of cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight can make an impact on your likelihood to develop cancer
• Avoid large amounts of dairy, red meat and alcohol
• Eat plenty of Omega-3 rich fish, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and soy
• Drink antioxidant green tea and avoid “over-supplementing” with multi-vitamins, which can “fuel” cancerous cells
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke sources, whenever possible
• Relax and enjoy life; constant high-stress situations can lower your immune system’s ability to fight disease

Although living a healthy lifestyle and eating right are good for you, they will not eliminate your risk of prostate cancer, nor will they cure you by themselves if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer. If you are age 50 or over, if you are age 40 or over and African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, you need more than a good diet.

Detection & diagnosis

Physicians at Advocate use a number of tests to screen men at high risk or those suspected of having prostate cancer. Annual screenings by your primary care physician are the first line of defense against prostate cancer. Learn more about screenings and diagnosis.

Cancer genetic counseling

About 5 to 10% of all prostate cancers diagnosed are hereditary. A man with a father or brother who has been diagnosed is twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as a man with no family history of the disease.

Recent studies have also begun to identify inherited gene changes that may increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer, though there is not current genetic testing available. But, if you have a strong family history of the disease, our genetic cancer counselors can address any concerns and help you manage your risk.