Who is most at risk of prostate cancer?

By Simply Supplements

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that plays a significant role in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is a malignant lump made up of cancerous cells in the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer commonly affects men over 50 years of age. It is also the most common form of male cancer in the UK. Approximately 32,000 men in the UK are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer, of which around 10,000 men do not survive. It is not yet fully understood what causes prostate cancer. However, there are diet and lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference to the prevention of prostate cancer and the survival rate for those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. These changes include diet, exercise and popular men’s health supplements such as saw palmetto. 

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer

It is important to recognise the signs of prostate cancer early. Unfortunately, there are not always visible symptoms of prostate cancer. When symptoms do occur these include a frequent and urgent need to urinate, difficulty or pain when urinating, an increased need to urinate during the night, and blood in the urine or semen. These symptoms can also be the result of non cancerous growths in the prostate.

Who is most at risk?

• Over 50′s – enlargement of the prostate is common after the age of 50. However, this does not always lead to prostate cancer. The risk of prostate cancer for men under 50 is extremely low.
• Men – the prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system and therefore not present in women.
• Genetics – a close family link to prostate cancer is one of the strongest risk factors. For men with a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases 2 to 3 times. A strong family history of breast cancer can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Ethnicity – people from different ethnic backgrounds can be more at risk of developing prostate cancer. Statistics show that in the UK black Caribbean and black African men are 2 to 3 times more at risk. These statistics also show that Asian men generally have a much lower incidence of prostate cancer.

If you are concerned that you may be at risk then consult with your doctor. 

How can I reduce the risk of prostate cancer?

Diet – eat a varied diet high in antioxidant fruits and vegetables. Vitamins A, C and E, and green tea are all powerful antioxidants that can prove beneficial. There are studies that have sought to identify a link between dairy products and an increase in prostate cancer. However, so far these studies have not found any significant increase in risk.

Exercise – studies suggest that regular physical activity can help to prolong the life of men with prostate cancer. A recent study monitored 2,705 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer over an eighteen year period and recorded how much time they spent exercising each week. The study found that regular exercise can significantly slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Don’t smoke – studies have found a  link between increased rates of prostate cancer and people who have smoked cigarettes over a long period of time. However, these findings are not yet conclusive and more research is required.

Supplements to support prostate health - nutritional supplements can support the health of the prostate, however, it is important to remember that these are not a cure.

• Saw palmetto – studies have shown that saw palmetto can improve urinary flow and reduce the need to urinate, particularly at night. Other studies suggest that it can reduce the levels of certain hormones that can contribute to cancer. CLICK HERE for more information. 

• Pumpkin seeds – these are a valuable source of zinc, which can help to protect the prostate from early damage that can lead to cancer. Studies also show that deficiencies in zinc can lead to poor prostate health, such as BPH and cancer.CLICK HERE for more information.

• Selenium – many studies have monitored the effect of the antioxidant selenium on prostate cancer. The findings from these studies show that the results can vary between 30% to an 80% reduction in the rates of prostate cancer recorded. CLICK HERE for more information.

• Fish oils – a 2011 study found that fish oils can slow the progression of  prostate cancer and therefore reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other organs in the body. Popular sources are omega 3 fish oils and cod liver oil. CLICK HERE for more information.