Did you know that prostate cancer is at the top of the list of cancers with the most cases among men? Currently, there is no way to prevent prostate cancer, the best option is always early detection, but there are some actions you can take to reduce the risk of suffering from it.
Prostate cancer: causes and prevention
According to the American Cancer Society, the cause of prostate cancer is unknown; however, we do know the origin of this. This type of cancer begins when prostate cells develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains the instructions that tell it what to do, but there are changes that tell cells to grow and divide faster than normal.
This is how abnormal cells continue to live when other cells would die. The accumulation of these abnormal cells forms a tumor that can grow to invade nearby tissue. Over time, these can break off and spread, that is, they metastasize to other parts of the body.
Detect Prostate Cancer Early
PSA prostatic antigen
This test for the early detection of prostate cancer (PSA) is performed through a blood sample that detects if the protein produced by the prostate cells remains within normal levels, which are from 0 to 4. If higher levels are found, the patient is recommended to undergo additional tests, including prostate biopsy.
digital rectal exam
Through the digital rectal examination, the medical specialist will be able to feel the prostate and, based on its consistency and texture, will be able to detect a lump (if it exists) or simply rule out the possibility of cancer.
This test should be done annually because it also helps detect other diseases such as hemorrhoids, bleeding in the digestive tract, or colorectal cancer.
Eat A Wide Variety Of Fruits And Vegetables
A diet with large doses of folate, a B vitamin, helps prevent this cancer. Foods that contain it are asparagus, orange juice, spinach, beans, and bananas. Also, we recommend that you include tomatoes in your diet, which due to the nutrient lycopene has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Stay Physically Active
It is not necessary to do a very exhausting exercise routine to activate the body’s metabolism. It is enough to do some exercises to take care of the prostate, such as walking at a brisk pace or riding a bicycle, between 2 and 3 times a week, for half an hour to stay active.
Physical activity will always be positive in the fight against cancer because it helps us eliminate toxins and harmful substances that are in our system.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for this cancer. For this reason, we invite you to lead a healthy diet and a physically active life so that your weight is always balanced and you do not further increase the chances of getting sick.
Prostate cancer risks
Early detection is key to preventing prostate cancer and other types of cancer. That is why it is very important to recognize the warning signs of this disease in order to carry out your preventive check-ups and detect this disease in time. These are the risks of prostate cancer.
Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases over the years, as a person ages. In fact, most cases are diagnosed in men over 50 years of age.
Ethnic group: Black people have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than people of other races. In black people, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced.
Family history: Having a brother or father who developed prostate cancer before the age of 60 seems to increase your risk of developing it. Also, having a close female relative who developed breast cancer can also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Obesity: Recent research suggests that there may be a link between obesity and prostate cancer. That is why maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Diet: Research is being done on the links between diet and prostate cancer. There is some evidence that a diet high in calcium is linked to an increased risk of developing this cancer.
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