By Amy Anderson
Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men in the UK, with over 30,100 new cases a year. The lifetime risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 1 in 14.
The majority of prostate cancers are slow growing and if caught early on can usually be treated successfully.
However the main risk with prostate cancer, according to the charity Cancer Research UK, is that most men are unaware that they have this cancer., meaning that early intervention to treat the condition is too often not an option.
Prostate cancer risk increases with age. It is estimated that about one third of men over 50 have a small focus of cancer in the prostate, rising to 50% by the age of 80.
More than 60% of cases of the disease occur in men over 70 years old. The largest number of cases is diagnosed in the 70-74 and 75-79 age groups.
Here are 5 ways to help prevent developing prostate cancer as well as stop the spread of the disease.
1. Increase your Omegas
New research, including today’s study published in the British Journal of Cancer, suggests that a daily dose of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may not only help reduce the likelihood of getting prostate cancer but may also help prevent the disease spreading in the early stages. Oil fish include mackerel, salmon, herring or sardines. In addition many health companies produce daily fish oil supplements containing omega 3 and 6.
2. Test Your PSA Levels
Early detection of Prostate Cancer is crucial for ensuring the best chance of successfully treating the condition. Although there are some symptoms associated with prostate cancer, such as reduced urine flow and difficulty in urinating, most symptoms do not appear until the cancer is more advanced and therefore harder to treat.
However an early indication of prostate cancer is raised levels of an element in the blood called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Raised PSA levels usually produce no symptoms – so blood testing is the only way to monitor PSA levels.
So regular blood testing is crucial for screening for prostate cancer. Going to your doctor is one option – although demanding regular blood tests from your GP can be problematic.
Another way to test yourself is at home. It’s quicker and easier than going to your GP and you can test yourself as often as you like.
The Homechec Prostate Disorder Test is a simple blood test designed to monitor levels of PSA and can be carried out in minutes.
The test simply requires a few drops of blood dropped into a testing tray and within minutes gives an accurate reading of PSA levels.
Normal total PSA concentration in blood is between 0.1 and 2.6 ng/ml. The levels of 4 ng/ml or greater are generally accepted to be an indication that further evaluation and consultation with a doctor is warranted.
Home testing is a tool for self-monitoring your risk of prostate cancer. If the test indicates an elevated levels of PSA – you should consult your GP immediately for further tests.
The Homechec Prostate Disorder Test costs £14.99. Call: 0871 871 0691 or visit www.homechec.co.uk
3. Eat more tomatoes
Lycopene is a natural ingredient found in raw tomatoes or fresh tomatoes juices.
A bank of evidence suggests that lycopene can help decrease the risk of getting prostate cancer.
Studies suggest that 30mg of lycopene a day is required for anti-prostate cancer effects.
More studies are needed to determine whether actual food sources of lyopene are more effective than supplements.
So eating at least three raw tomatoes a day, or a large glass of fresh tomato juice (22mg) plus taking a daily supplement of lycopene (available from most health food stores) will ensure you cover both raw and supplement sources sufficiently.
4. Have more sex
Several studies have confirmed a link between sexual activity and prostate cancer risk. It seems that regular activity which includes ejaculation decreases a man's risk for developing prostate cancer.
Research suggests that regular release of prostatic fluid seems to offer some protection against developing prostate cancer.
5. Reduce your Calcium
Study suggest that an intake of calcium above 2000 mg/day raises the risk fo prostate cancer.
Menopausal women tend to need up their calcium intake to guard against the risk of osteoporosis, but men do not need to do this.
It is generally advised that men over the age of 40 should reduce their calcium intake to 2000 mg a day as a precaution against prostate cancer risks.
In addition antacid medications for heartburn and indigestion are rich in calcium so try and avoid them or seek alternatives.
Last updated: 26 May 2006
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