Tip: Fighting Off Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. Scientists have estimated that lifestyle factors account for about 75 percent of advanced prostate cancer cases. Of all the environmental factors, diet appears to be the most influential. So what can you do about prostate cancer? Try the following:

  • Watch your diet. Avoid a diet high in red meat, saturated fat and dairy products, all of which may increase the risk for prostate cancer. Instead, eat more tomatoes, especially tomatoes in sauces — they contain lycopene, a carotenoid linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Also include soy foods, which contain genistein, an isoflavone that helps normalize hormone levels; fish, which may lower the risk of prostate cancer; and fiber — which helps flush hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, out of the body.
  • Drink green tea. An antioxidant compound in green tea called EGCG kills prostate cancer cells in lab studies. Another compound in green tea blocks the actions of an enzyme that promotes prostate cancer.
  • Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
  • Take a multivitamin that includes vitamin D and antioxidants, especially selenium.
  • Have regular screenings. Rectal exams can provide early detection of problems with the prostate gland.

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