Do you know these 5 simple ways to prevent prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer affects a lot of men. Here are some foods that you should eat to cut risk.

By: Agencies | | Updated: June 10, 2014 11:15 am

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Simple modifications in food habits, including adopting a diet rich in cereals, fish and green leafy vegetables, can drastically reduce chances of prostate cancer, considered to be one of the most common cancers among men. Also Read - Vitamin D levels in blood can predict future health risks in ageing men

The month of september has been dedicated to creating awareness about prostate cancer. The sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among males, it is linked to family history of the disease and age. Doctors said research also indicates that a diet rich in red meat and high-fat dairy products predisposes men to the risk of this cancer. ‘High fatty diet and red meat are the main causes of prostate cancer,’ P K Julka, Head of the Department Oncology All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), told IANS. Also Read - Chinese man loses half his liver after eating undercooked fish: 7 foods that you should never eat raw

Roughly the size of a walnut, it is through the prostate that the urethra – the tube carrying urine and semen out of the body – goes through. Besides producing a fluid that forms part of the semen and protects the sperm, the prostate gland also plays a role in urine control.

Look out for the symptoms

Early symptoms vary from man to man. One should look for frequent, difficult or painful urination, not being able to urinate, blood in the urine, painful ejaculation or frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If you notice one or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is best to see a doctor.

You can prevent prostate cancer with some of these simple lifestyle changes:

1. Avoid red meat

Julka said men with higher consumption of fatty products have been found to be more prone to getting prostate cancer. He suggests low-fat diet that restricts red meat, oils and dairy products such as milk and cheese. (Read: Top 10 food habits to prevent cancer)

2. Drink green tea

Studies of men who drink green tea or take green tea extract as a supplement have also found reduced risk of prostate cancer.

3. Modify your diet

Vineet Talwar, consultant oncologist, Rajeev Gandhi Cancer Hospital, said: ‘While age is a factor that nobody can control, certain dietary modifications throughout your life can certainly help you cut the risk of getting afflicted with the disease.’ Choosing a healthy diet is imperative in reducing the risk of this global killer’, he added. According to Sudhir Khanna, consultant urologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, ‘Eating a big bowl of cereal, substituting cow’s milk with soy, including fish in the diet and eating several servings of spinach and other leafy greens per week may cut the risk of prostate cancer.’

4. Go green

Consumption of fats from plants is generally preferable to that from animals. For instance, cook with olive oil rather than butter or sprinkle nuts and seeds rather than cheese.

‘An increased amount of fruits and vegetables that are full of vitamins and minerals can add several benefits to your diets. So will a diet that includes tofu – a product made from soy beans – which again has been linked to reduced prostate cancer risks,’ Talwar told IANS.

5. Avoid sugar and starch

Sugary candy and soda as well as starchy foods such as white bread and white rice are all high-glycaemic carbs, which spark inflammation. One recent study found that men who ate the most sweet, starchy food were 64 per cent more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer. (Read: Prostate cancer – what you ought to know)

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Source: IANS

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Published : September 26, 2013 10:17 am | Updated:June 10, 2014 11:15 am

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