Prostate cancer is the most frequent form of cancer in men. If a woman discovers a lump in her breast, she immediately thinks of breast cancer, a woman who begins urinating more often at night and whom the doctor tells he has an increased prostate begins fearing prostate. Here are some prostate cancer questions and answers meant to shed some light on the topic.



Unfortunately, the exact cause for prostate cancer remains unknown, but there are several risk factors identified, namely elements that increase the chances for this disease to occur. Fortunately, many risk factors, such as our menu, can be influenced by our decisions, this means that it is within our power to prevent prostate cancer!



Risk factors
- Age: the risk of prostate cancer grows with age, especially after the age of 50.
- A family history of prostate cancer: men whose close relatives have suffered from prostate cancer show a higher risk of developing this disease. For example, if your father has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are two maybe three times higher. If your brother has had prostate cancer, then the risks for you are five times higher. And if you have a family history of prostate cancers as well as ovarian or breast cancers, the risks can be six times higher for you!
- Eating habits: some food elements seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer – for example a menu rich in red meat, fats and dairy products. On the other hand, other foods seem to have a protective effect against prostate cancer.

To those wishing to prevent prostate cancer American Cancer Society recommends: 1. Choose most of your food from vegetal sources 2. Limit the consumption of foods that are rich in fat, especially from food sources of animal origin. 3. Lead a physically active life. Return to and maintain your normal body weight. 4. Avoid or limit as much as possible the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

"Decalogue" for the prevention of prostate cancer: 1. Reduce the consumption of meat and other foods that are rich in animal fats (this also has a beneficial effect on the health of the heart). 2. Use moderation when eating all types of fat, including vegetal fats (olive oil does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer). 3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible, especially vegetables from the cabbage family, as well as many tomatoes and tomato juice. 4. Use milk and dairy products with caution. If you are open to new things, try some soy milk. 5. Avoid eating too much and the excess pounds. 6. Consider and approach your doctor about using some food supplements containing vitamin E.



7. Regularly eat whole wheat to make sure you ingest sufficient amounts of selenium. 8. Check to see if you are getting enough vitamin D. 9. Get exercise on a regular basis and avoid the consumption of alcohol. 10. Do not neglect periodic medical checkups. Especially after the age of 50 it is recommended that you annually get a medical checkup (rectal digital exam, perhaps an ultrasonic scan) and have your Prostatic specific antigen levels checked, since PSA levels generally grow in cases of prostate cancer. I hope these prostate cancer questions and answers have helped and remember that the sooner cancer is discovered the higher chances you have of getting rid of it.