With 1 in 9 men at risk of prostate cancer , what can you do to prevent it?
According to a recent study from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, heavy drinkers are twice as likely to be diagnosed with high grade prostate cancer. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 3 pints of strong beer in one session or regularly drinking more than 1.5 pints of beer per day.
What else is a risk factor:
- Age – prostate cancer increases for those aged over 65
- Having a close relative with prostate cancer
- Poor diet, particularly high in processed meat, refined grains (white flour products) and bad fats (such as takeaways, pies and chips)
- Exercise, is generally beneficial for preventing cancer
- Vitamin D deficiency or excess is a risk factor
- Cadnium is a known risk for prostate, found in cigarette smoke and certain factory manufacturing plastics, pigments, metal coatings and batteries
- Certain environmental substances disrupt our hormone and metabolic systems, interfering with thyroid or fat storage. Household cleaning products, plastic water bottles, pesticides and personal care products often contain hormone disrupters
- Eat more cooked tomatoes – the antioxidant lycopene is cancer preventative. Eat 5 portions of vegetables per day
- Avoid pesticides and external oestrogens by eating organic, reducing calcium and limiting exposure to plastics such as ready meals in microwaves
- Avoid processed meats and transfats
- Eat more brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds which are high in selenium, zinc and good fats
- Get your vitamin D levels checked and supplement if necessary
- Reduce alcohol
- Stop smoking