Prostate Cancer Prevention: An Overview

Prostate Cancer, as well as many other male-related health problems, could be detected and treated if men's awareness of these problems was more pervasive. Educating both the public and healthcare providers about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer will result in reducing rates of mortality for the disease.

Many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular prostate cancer screening examinations for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost factors. Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in prostate screenings.

Please click on the tabs above to learn more about the role diet, exercise and other factors play an important role in the prevention of prostate cancer - and many other men's health problems. 

Atlanta Health Experts:

Healthy Lifestyle is Key to Lowering Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

By: Renee Sevy-Hasterok, LMSW, patient navigator for the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph’s Hospital

For a lot of men, staying healthy means lifting weights and keeping canisters of protein powder within easy reach. The reality is, visiting your doctor’s office regularly – even if you’re not sick – is often more important than routinely hitting the gym.

While exercise is important, it’s just one component of a healthy lifestyle. Renee Sevy-Hasterok, LMSW, a patient navigator for the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, recommends that men familiarize themselves with a whole host of numbers beyond just their body fat and how much they can bench press.    Read More>> Atlanta Health Experts.com, © 2010.

>>New: American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study Recruiting Participants in Atlanta. In March of 2011, you will have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in research in our community. The American Cancer Society will be enrolling participants for their newest research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Individuals may choose to participate if they are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study (which involves completing follow-up surveys periodically over the next 20-30 years), are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer. Enrollment will be taking place at various metro locations during March 24-March 31. This is an opportunity for those of us who have never been diagnosed with cancer to actively get involved in research we help fund, to help prevent cancer for this and future generations.  

Online Resources on Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

Word Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research reported that correlations have been found between nutritional factors and prostate cancer. It is recommended that men complete a lifestyle assessment to identify possible risk factors.  Lifestyle factors that may increase risk of prostate cancer include:

• Obesity - especially waist circumference of greater than 4 inches and body mass index of greater than 25. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this simple online tool to calculate your body mass index.
• Lack of Exercise - defined as less than 30 minutes per day (not including activity as part of yoru daily routine).
• High intake of fat (saturated & total) - defined as a diet that is greater than 35% of total calories from fat (and greater than 10% from saturated fat).
• Overconsumption of red meat - defined as more than 18 ounces of red meat per week. Also defined as grilling foods from animal sources (grilling causes the formation of heterocyclic amines, a possible cancer risk).
• Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables - defined as less than five total servings per day.
• Low fiber intake - defined as less than 25 grams of fiber per day.

Source: World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research (2007). Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. Washington, D.C: Authors.

What You Need to Know About Diet and Prostate Cancer: 10 anti-cancer nutrition tips for men (and the women who love them) by Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Expert Column. We have a lot more to learn about diet and prostate cancer. Although we have some encouraging studies to point to, none of the foods mentioned below have been absolutely proven to prevent the disease. Still, these tips will most likely not only help reduce your risk of prostate cancer, but improve your health in general. Read More>>

Avodart May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk: Study Shows Fewer Cancers Diagnosed in Men Who Took the Drug. By Salynn Boyles, WebMD Health News; Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD, March 31, 2010. A widely prescribed drug used to shrink enlarged prostates appears to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in men with an increased risk for the disease. Read More>>

Statins May Protect Prostate Cancer Patients: Fewer Cancer Recurrences Seen Following Surgery in Patients Taking Chloesterol-Lowering Drugs. By Salynn Boyles WebMD Health News; Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD, June 28, 2010. Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs appear to reduce the risk for prostate cancer recurrence in patients who have had a surgical procedure called radical prostatectomy. Read More>>

Fatty Fish May Cut Prostate Cancer Risk: Study Shows Eating Fish High in Omega-3s Reduces Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer. By Salynn Boyles WebMD Health News; Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD March 24, 2009. Men who eat salmon and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis have a decreased risk for developing advanced prostate cancer, new research suggests. Read More>>

The Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's has many resources such as expert nutrionists, weight-loss experts, and others that we strongly encourage men and/or their family to take advantage of . Please contact our Prostate Cancer Center Patient Navigator via this form or call (678) 843-5665 to get started.

Disclaimer: All links to other Web sites are provided solely as a convenience to our patients. If you use these links, you will leave the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's (PCC) Web site. The PCC is not responsible for any content, materials or other information located on or accessible from any linked site. PCC does not endorse, guarantee, or make any representation or warranties regarding any linked site, or any content, materials or other information location on or accessible from such linked site, or the results you may obtain from using such linked site. If you decide to access any linked site, you do so entirely at your own risk. You should review the policies and terms of use associated with any linked site closely before using or submitting information to the linked site.

Last Updated: March 2, 2011 (RSH)