Think about the future
How serious is the risk? The studies show that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. This cancer causes 8% of deaths in Polish men. It is third (after lung and stomach cancers) cause of cancer-related death and second (after lung cancer, and before colorectal cancer) cause of cancer in men. Prostate cancer represents 13% of malignant tumours in men in Poland, and its incidence, unfortunately, increases.
Cancer causes
What causes cancer? Scientists have found a correlation between cancer development and production of testosterone, which is necessary for normal body function. Excessive levels of this hormone may influence development of prostate cancer, but research results are not unambiguous in this respect. Hormone management disorders and excessive production of testosterone may lead to prostatic hyperplasia and, theoretically, to cancer. This is proved by a finding that prostate cancer does not affect men whose testicles producing testosterone were removed, for various reasons, before puberty.
Additionally, to prevent the disease, several basic rules should be followed:
One of the crucial components in prostate cancer prevention is correct lifestyle. Spend more time moving, engage in regular physical activity of any type (for at least half an hour, five times a week) and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Quit smoking! It was proven that smokers diagnosed with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of death than non-smokers.
Reduce alcohol consumption and switch to a healthy diet. In a light of epidemiological studies, reduction of animal fats and products containing saturated fats seems to be most important. They should be replaced with unsaturated fats (found mainly in fish), vegetables and fruit (rich in vitamins and antioxidants) and other foods containing vitamins E and D or beta-carotene. According to the latest reports, particularly important is consumption of tomatoes and their products, as they are rich in lycopene. This substance is an antioxidant and helps to protect prostatic glandular cells against harmful effect of cancer agents, and prevents their abnormal transformation and growth. Also important are products containing selenium, retinoids and isoflavones, such as cereals, fish and crustaceans. It is possibly the effect of a correct diet that is responsible for lower incidence of prostate cancer in Chinese and Japanese men.
Do not be scared of a visit to a doctor. When you are worried by any symptoms or have any questions concerning intimate aspects, visit a specialist (urologist) for professional answers. A doctor will help you to solve your problems and will implement correct procedures when necessary.