Ways Seniors Can Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
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The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut and plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. Positioned just beneath the urinary bladder, one of its key functions is to produce semen.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland undergo genetic mutations that cause them to grow uncontrollably. These DNA changes disrupt the normal instructions that regulate cell growth and death, leading to an accumulation of abnormal cells that can form tumours.
Risk factors for prostate cancer
While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:
Old age
Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. The risk begins to increase after age 50 and peaks between ages 70 and 74. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40, and about 60% of cases are diagnosed in men over 65. This is because prostate cancer often develops slowly over many years, with early cellular changes possibly starting decades before diagnosis.
Race and ethnicity
African American men and Caribbean men of African descent have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other races. They also tend to be diagnosed at a younger age and have more aggressive disease. The reasons for this disparity may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.
Genetics
Having a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer approximately doubles to triples a man’s risk. The risk is even higher if multiple family members are affected or if relatives were diagnosed at a young age.
Weight
Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, is associated with an increased risk of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. While the link between obesity and the initial development of prostate cancer is less clear, obese men are more likely to have aggressive tumours and poorer outcomes after diagnosis.
Smoking
Men with prostate cancer who smoke may face an increased risk of the cancer recurring. Additionally, smoking is associated with a greater likelihood of the cancer spreading beyond the prostate.
Ways to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
Improve your diet
Focus on consuming plenty of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and foods high in antioxidants such as lycopene found in cooked tomatoes. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, and limit consumption of red and processed meats. Including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, may also provide protective benefits.
Exercise regularly
Engaging in physical activity most days of the week helps regulate hormone levels that influence cancer growth. A study conducted by Harvard revealed that men who consistently participated in vigorous physical activity had a 30% reduced risk of developing advanced prostate cancer and a 25% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who exercised infrequently.
Early detection
Discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors. Early detection through PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams can identify cancer at a stage when treatment is most effective. Researchers at the University of Auckland have also developed a device that can detect cancerous prostate tissue without requiring invasive methods. This tool offers a more precise and less painful alternative to traditional biopsy procedures.
Frequency of sexual activity
Some studies suggest that regular ejaculation may lower prostate cancer risk, possibly by reducing the buildup of carcinogenic substances in the prostate. While evidence is not conclusive, maintaining sexual activity is considered a potential protective factor.
Prostate cancer is usually discovered early, despite being one of the most prevalent cancers in men. The majority of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer are cured.
