Prostate cancer is the most common cancer type that is diagnosed in male patients. Due to this fact, many men want to know how they can prevent prostate cancer and what steps they can take now in order to ensure a healthier future and a long life.
While there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, any man with an average risk for the disease should make healthy choices throughout his life. Dr. Pedram Ilbeigi, a Rancho Mirage urology expert, offers the following tips that will help Inland Empire men live a healthier life and hopefully prevent prostate cancer down the line.
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Eat a well-rounded diet and keep your health at the forefront of all the choices you make. It is important to choose low-fat foods whenever possible, or to choose foods with good fats in them. Initial research has shown that men who consume a smaller percentage of fat have a decreased risk for prostate cancer.
It is important to choose plant-based fats versus animal-based fats. For example, if you are cooking something that require butter replace that butter with olive oil. Also try adding fish such as salmon to your diet, drink more green tea and increase the number of fruit and vegetable servings that you eat every day.
Keep your weight under control. For men, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 is considered obese. Obese men have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer down the road.
If you have BMI of 30 or more, start a diet and exercise regime that will help you lose weight. If your BMI is not more than 30, simply work to maintain your healthy lifestyle through a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise regime.
Have an exercise routine in place. Talk with your doctor about a plan that will work for you. The average healthy male patient should exercise at least half an hour a day, most days of the week.
Keep in mind that exercise may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but it also prevents other health problems such as heart disease. It’s an important part of any health plan.
Keep an open line of communication between you and your urologist. Your doctor will help you identify any risk factors you might have for prostate cancer or any other type of cancer. The doctor can help you create your prevention plan as well as modify it throughout the course of time as your risk factors change.
Take your wellness plan one small step at a time in order to make sure it is manageable for you. You don’t want to take on too much at once and risk failing, it is better to, slowly and surely, walk the path toward a healthier life.
