After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the type most common among American men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the majority, prostate cancer is not fatal.
The American Cancer Society estimate that males with prostate cancer have a 5-year survival rate of 99 percent.
Prostate cancer can still carry serious consequences for quality of life and may be life-threatening.
In this article, we describe several natural steps a person can take to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Can you prevent prostate cancer?
It is not possible to prevent prostate cancer, but it is possible to reduce a person’s risk.
Most natural methods of reducing this risk are safe if a person follows a doctor’s instructions and has no allergic response.
Incorporate these methods into a broader care plan, and speak with a doctor beforehand.
The best ways to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer are to make positive changes involving diet and exercise, according to the American Cancer Society.
If a person tries to reduce their risk in other ways, these are less likely to be effective without a healthful diet and exercise program.
Processed tomatoes, including all cooked and canned varieties, contain a compound called lycopene.
Some studies suggest that this compound may reduce the risk of cancers, especially those of the prostate, lung, and stomach.
A review from 2016 found that increased tomato consumption resulted in a reduced risk of prostate cancer, though the authors note that more research is needed.
Grapefruit, watermelon, and apricots also contain lycopene.
Coffee
In 2016, researchers published a review of 105 studies that considered the effects of coffee on cancer risk.
They concluded that coffee and its antioxidant capabilities may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and some other types of the disease.
Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Age. Approximately 60 percent of all prostate cancer diagnoses occur in males aged 65 or older.
- Genetics. The highest rates of prostate cancer in the U.S. occur in African-American men, followed by men who are Caucasian, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander, respectively.
- Diet. A diet rich in fat and low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk of prostate cancer.
- Environment. Exposure to some industrial chemicals also increases this risk.
- Family history. If a father or brother has had prostate cancer, a person has more than twice the risk of developing it.
Get regular testing
A lifestyle that includes exercise and a healthful diet can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
However, attending regular checkups and screenings is still the best way to handle this risk.
Speak with a doctor before trying natural or alternative ways to prevent cancer.
Takeaway
While it is not possible to prevent prostate cancer, some lifestyle changes and natural compounds may reduce a person’s risk.
Anyone concerned about their prostate cancer risk should attend regular checkups and screenings.
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