The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention accounts prostate cancer as the leading cause of cancer diagnosed among U.S. men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located in the male’s reproductive system just below the bladder. Prostate cancer develops when cancerous cells form and multiply in the prostate gland. The American Cancer Society states, “Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men over the age of 65.” The cause of prostate cancer remains uncertain, yet demographics and lifestyle choices are prominent factors seen in men with this type of cancer. It’s essential for men to stay informed and proactive towards prostate cancer prevention. Get moving towards cancer prevention with facts, stats, and health tips just for men!

The American Cancer Society’s estimates the following regarding prostate cancer in 2014:

1. About 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed.

2. About 29,480 men will die of prostate cancer.

3. About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Who’s at Risk of Getting Prostate Cancer?

1. Men over the age of 50.

2. Men with a family history of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society comments, “Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher for men who have a brother with the disease than for those with an affected father.).”

3. Occurs more often in African-American men.

4. Men who eat a lot of red meat, high-fat dairy products, and who consume little fruits and vegetables.

5. Obesity.

6. Smoking.

7. Workplace environments with exposure to carcinogens (cancerous substances).

To read more on risk factors visit the American Cancer Society. 

Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

In the early stages of prostate cancer signs and symptoms may not be evident, yet as disease progresses symptoms become more prominent. Keep in mind, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) – enlargement of the prostate gland is different from prostate cancer. BPH is noncancerous, yet some men verbalize similar symptoms to those of prostate cancer, such as difficulty urinating. If you experience abnormal changes in your urinary patterns or reproductive system, please contact your physician for further guidance.

The Mayo Clinic Outlines the Following Signs & Symptoms for Prostate Cancer:

1. Difficulty urinating.

2. Blood in the urine.

3. Blood in semen.

4. Pain in the lower pack and discomfort in the pelvic region.

5. Erectile dysfunction.

Checkout These Health Tips on Prostate Cancer Prevention:

1. Stay current on annual examinations. Men over the age of 50 (with no family history of prostate cancer) and men as young as 40, (with a family history of prostate cancer) should get screened annually for prostate cancer.

2. Consume a healthy diet with fruits and veggies.

3. Stay physically active. Engage in a regular exercise routine (as advised by your physician).

4. Maintain a healthy weight.

5. Eat foods high in lycopene like tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

6. Are you getting sufficient vitamin D? Vitamin D is acquired through sunlight exposure and also available in dietary supplements. Certain occupations require long periods of indoor activity, which poses a risk for vitamin D deficiency. Your physician may order blood tests to ensure vitamin D levels are within normal range. The American Cancer Society comments, “Recent studies have found that men with high levels of vitamin D seem to have a lower risk of developing the more lethal forms of prostate cancer.”

7. Too much calcium intake may not be a good thing. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends watching calcium intake, making sure not to exceed 1500 mg/day.

8. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Prostate cancer awareness is a fundamental component to men’s health. Early screening and medical interventions aim to prevent and control disease progression. The American Cancer Society comments, “Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man's blood. Another way to find prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam (DRE).” Staying current on annual exams and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key for prostate cancer prevention. 

* All information shared in this article should be discussed with your healthcare provider prior to incorporating any suggestions. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide advice or direct client decisions.