Introduction
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. While some factors, such as age and family history, are out of your control, there are certain lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Eating certain foods can be one of those choices, and it’s important to know which foods to avoid in order to reduce your risk. In this article, an expert will discuss the things that are secretly increasing your prostate cancer risk, and provide tips on what to eat instead.
Things Secretly Increasing Your Prostate Cancer Risk, Says Expert — Eat This Not That
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and it’s important to be aware of the risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it. According to experts, there are some things that can secretly increase your risk of prostate cancer, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can make the right dietary and lifestyle choices.
1. Eating Too Much Red Meat
Eating too much red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, can increase your risk of prostate cancer. This is because red meat contains high levels of saturated fat, which can increase inflammation in the body and lead to an increased risk of cancer. To reduce your risk, try to limit your intake of red meat and opt for leaner proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins.
2. Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that can help protect against cancer. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day to reduce your risk.
3. Not Getting Enough Exercise
Not getting enough exercise can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Exercise helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to reduce your risk of cancer. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day to reduce your risk.
4. Smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of prostate cancer. This is because smoking can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer. If you smoke, it’s important to quit as soon as possible to reduce your risk.
5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of prostate cancer. Alcohol can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer. To reduce your risk, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
Bottom Line
It’s important to be aware of the things that can secretly increase your risk of prostate cancer. Eating too much red meat, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, not getting enough exercise, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol can all increase your risk. To reduce your risk, make sure to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and limit your alcohol intake.
Prostate cancer is the number two cancer cause of death for men after lung cancer. There are about 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer and 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer per year. The American Cancer Society’s recent estimates for prostate cancer in the United States suggest that about 1 man in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime and about 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer. So it’s important to know what the risk factors are for prostate cancer. Some are risk factors you cannot change. Some you can. Read on to learn about things increasing your prostate cancer—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
First the bad news: there are three main prostate cancer risk factors you cannot change:
- Age: The risk for prostate cancer goes up as men get older. About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.
- Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.
- African-American ethnicity: African-American men have a greater risk of prostate cancer than white men. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and to have more aggressive disease.
But the good news is that there are many risk factors you can change, read on to find what you can do about them.
Obesity can cause prostate cancer by promoting inflammation throughout the body which may be associated either with initiation or progression of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Obesity increases the levels of hormones that can promote cancer growth. Hormones that promote prostate cancer growth insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Obesity is also correlated with low physical activity.
Diet high in animal fat is a risk factor since it increases circulating levels of testosterone and other hormones that can promote cancer cell growth. Well done red meat can produce carcinogens call heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These are may cause prostate cancer.
Diets rich in calcium also increase the risk of prostate cancer although this may be associated with diets high in dairy products.
High level of testosterone, either naturally occurring or as a result of hormone therapy for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as cadmium, which is found in cigarettes, and pesticides.
Drinking too much alcohol: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can damage the DNA in cells, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Smoking cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. This is due to the tobacco products damaging the DNA in cells and leading to cancerous growths.
If you are concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. These may include lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and getting regular exercise, as well as screenings for early detection.
Screening for the early detection of prostate cancer involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The DRE allows the doctor to feel the prostate for any lumps or unusual growths. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
If you have any of these risk factors for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether screening is right for you. Early detection is key to successful treatment. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Gethin Williams MD Ph.D. is the Medical Director of Imaging & Interventional Specialists.
Gethin Williams, MD, Ph.D