It’s estimated that 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer annually. The odds are even higher for Black men as they’re more likely to not only be diagnosed with the illness but also to die from it. While there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer that are outside of your control, there are a few that you can easily address. By tackling these areas, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing the disease.
1. Make Exercising A Habit
The benefits of exercise are almost too many to count. Fortunately, reducing your risk of prostate cancer is on the list.
If you haven’t been physically active for a while, it’s a good idea to get back into it slowly. Swimming, walking, jogging, and cycling are great options. Don’t shy away from getting others involved either. Group activities can help with sticking to exercise goals.
2. Pay Attention To Your Diet
What you eat can help or hurt when it comes to prostate cancer risk. A diet that’s high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats has been shown to be beneficial while dairy products should be avoided.
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Foods that are high in lycopene are also great for lowering the risk of prostate cancer so eat a lot of tomatoes and watermelons. Finally, isoflavones have been shown to have a similar benefit and can be found in tofu, peanuts, chickpeas, as well as lentils.
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3. Be Careful With Those Supplements
Supplements are usually a good way to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need but they’re not created equal.
Some studies have shown that men who take Vitamin E alone tend to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. If you take 1mg of folic acid, you may also be at risk. Calcium may have a similar effect but on a much smaller scale. To be safe, talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.
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4. Smoking Is Not Your Friend
Statistics show that people who smoke have a much higher chance of developing prostate cancer. If you quit, though, the risk starts to
