Provided by Adobe Stock
Talk to your primary care provider about prostate cancer screening tests like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal exam.
Prostate cancer is considered a disease that can develop as someone ages. As men get older, past the age of 45, their risk of developing the disease increases. Race and genetics also play a significant role. Men of African American heritage and people with a first degree relative, a mother or sister who had breast cancer or a father or brother who had prostate cancer, are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer later in life. While these factors can’t be controlled, there are some things you can change to mitigate your risk.
Prostate cancer is more common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia and the Caribbean Islands than other parts of the world. Health experts haven’t been able to pinpoint an exact reason for this, but it is widely theorized that poor eating habits and diets that rely heavily on unhealthy fats contribute to risk. Diets can increase the production of DNA-damaging molecules, weaken the body’s defense against these molecules, and impair DNA repair processes. Alcohol also contributes to cancer related complications. This happens through several mechanisms, primarily involving the breakdown of ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that the body may not be able to process quickly, leading to its buildup and further damage. This damage can manifest as mutations, lead to chromosomal breaks, and cause altered gene expression, potentially leading to various health issues, including cancer.
Taking steps to promote a healthy diet seems obvious. Most primary care providers offer the same advice during an annual exam. This advice is proven to be beneficial, not only to improve day-to-day health, but also to reduce the risk of diseases like prostate cancer. Healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, provide the body with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These components help protect cells from damage, boost the immune system, and potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Smoking is another habit that providers advise against. This is because of the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death. Studies have shown that, unlike lung cancer, smoking doesn’t necessarily cause prostate cancer. However, if a smoker is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s more likely to be aggressive and spread, leading to higher risks of recurrence and death. Smoking can affect hormone levels, specifically increasing testosterone, which is linked to prostate cancer growth. Switching to tobacco alternatives may reduce risks associated with smoke inhalation, but health experts recommend quitting tobacco use altogether.
Exercise is another key part of prostate cancer prevention. Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is important because obesity is linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Exercise also improves your immune system and helps lower inflammation in the body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be walking, biking, swimming, or playing a sport. You don’t have to go to a gym or be an athlete. Just moving your body regularly can make a big difference.
Provided by Adobe Stock
Exercise is a key part of prostate cancer prevention and can also improve your immune system and lower inflammation.
It’s crucial to have an open conversation with your doctor about your individual risk factors, potential benefits and risks of any preventive measures or screening tests, and to make informed decisions together. Research in prostate cancer prevention is ongoing, and recommendations may evolve over time.
In many cases, prostate cancer doesn’t show symptoms in early stages. But you should still pay attention to any changes in your body. Signs that something may be wrong may include difficulty urinating, blood in your urine or semen, pain in the lower back or hips, or trouble getting or keeping an erection. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer, but it’s always a good idea to get them checked out.
Catching prostate cancer early is important—that means getting regular check-ups. Talk to your doctor about screening tests like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal exam. These exams can be done in-office with your primary care provider and help detect problems early, often before symptoms appear. Together, you can decide what’s right for you.
Arnot Health’s urology office is located at 301 Hoffman Street in Elmira. Appointments can be made over the phone by calling 607-733-1156. Referrals are recommended but not required.
Cayuga Health’s urology office is located at 201 Dates Drive, Suite 102, in Ithaca. For more information about screening, call 607-319-5747. Referrals are recommended but not required.
