According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and your risk rises rapidly after age 50. The good news is that not all prostate cancer is life-threatening, and early diagnosis is the key to the best clinical outcomes. But is it possible to decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer?
The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation has a threefold mission to educate Arkansans, to encourage the timely detection of prostate cancer, and to engage men and their families with personal guidance from the day of diagnosis through survivorship. Here are three easy things you can start doing right away to lessen your risk of developing prostate cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions!
Eat Healthy, Prostate-Friendly Foods—A Mediterranean-style eating plan is often recommended for overall men’s health, and you should eat less red meat and full-fat dairy products. Your diet should include plenty of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables as well as healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, fish, and olive oil. You should also decrease your consumption of fried or highly processed foods, as well as excessively salty or sugary snacks.
Stay Active! Obesity strongly increases your risk of developing cancer, and the older you get, the more difficult it is to lose weight! You should strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, including activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming, or strength training. And if it’s been a long time since you last hit the gym, light activities, such as gardening or taking the stairs, also count and add up over time.
Get screened regularly—We offer a patient decision aid to help you determine when to begin regular screenings, and we host free community screening events throughout The Natural State. You’ll also be happy to know that the screenings involve a simple blood test, and you won’t have to drop your pants! In the event that a patient has elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, the APCF Patient Navigator will make contact to explain the test results, answer questions, and advise on a urological consultation if further investigation or a biopsy is warranted.
To learn more about prostate health or cancer screenings in Little Rock, contact us online or at 501-379-8027
