It is extremely important to prioritize prostate health throughout a man’s life. Regular examinations and education are key. Prostate problems can affect many aspects of a man’s well-being and longevity. Most men will develop some sort of prostate problem(s) which could range in symptoms from mild inconveniences such as getting up at night to urinate, to sexual dysfunction, to metastatic, terminal cancers. The American Cancer Society predicts that nearly 300,000 men will develop prostate cancer in 2022.

About 10% of these cancers can be deadly, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed by a blood test which will show a high PSA requiring a biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Men with low-risk, non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer may show no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer at all.

When men finally notice the signs and symptoms of this cancer such as difficulty urinating, bone pain or lower back pain, it usually stems from the cancers spread. Therefore, getting checked regularly by your physician is critical for prevention. What can men do to aid in prevention of prostate cancer?

The American Cancer Society has issued certain guidelines that can assist in warding off prostate cancer:

1)  Exercise:  research  suggests  exercising  5  times  per  week  for approximately 30-50 minutes each time; 

2) Diet: studies have shown that men who eat an anti-inflammatory diet including fish and omega 3’s (low in red meat, sugar, processed foods and dairy) are better able to avoid cancers and chronic diseases versus those who do not follow these guidelines; 

3)Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol in excess  

4) Supplementation: supplements such as saw palmetto are shown to shrink the  prostate  without  causing  side  effects  such  as  loss  of  libido. Supplementing  lycopene  and  omega-3s  can  promote  healthy  prostate function as well. It is important not to “over-supplement” and to ask your pharmacist which supplements are studied and proven effective compared to others; 

5) Screening: men at age 50+ should be in contact with their physician and  follow  the  screening  guidelines  from  the  American  Cancer Society.  African  American  men  should  begin  following  these guidelines at age 45+.