Prostate care prevention
At the OSUCCC – James, our cancer researchers continually focus on studying prostate cancer prevention. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, there are things you can do to help reduce the likelihood that you may develop it.
Here are some steps you can take to help prevent prostate cancer:
Eat better. We're still learning about how diet may impact whether you get prostate cancer. We know that countries with unbalanced diets and high rates of obesity, such as North America and Northern Europe, have a greater risk of prostate cancer. A diet that is rich in a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, while modest in saturated fats and simple sugars, is the foundation for healthy eating. Investigators at the OSUCCC – James are conducting research on whether foods rich in phytochemicals such as tomatoes, soy and berries, as well as fiber rich foods, which may help reduce prostate cancer risk. Of course, it’s also important to balance your nutritional needs, like daily calories, to maintain a healthy body weight and avoid obesity.
Those who are undergoing therapy for prostate cancer, such as hormonal therapy, or are cured through early detection and treatments may also benefit from choosing healthy foods and avoiding obesity. A good diet can help you respond better to prostate cancer treatments.
Move more. Exercise has many benefits and is key to maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing many different cancers. In addition, exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and metabolic diseases like diabetes that are common in those with prostate cancer. Fitness is also critical for prostate cancer survivorship; a regular pattern of exercise can enhance your ability to maintain the best health and quality of life during and after prostate cancer treatments.
Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight may help prevent prostate cancer. It can also improve how treatments may work and your ability to tolerate them.
Stop smoking. Using tobacco products is a significant risk factor for many cancers as well as heart (cardiovascular) disease. Smoking is also a modest risk factor for prostate cancer and if you stop smoking, it can reduce your risk of cancer over time. In addition, heavy smokers who continue to smoke are more likely to receive a poorer prognosis after diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Chemoprevention. Some studies with specific drugs that are used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy), such as finasteride and dutasteride, have shown some potential benefits. If you're at risk of prostate cancer, you should discuss if these medications may be appropriate with your doctor. Ongoing studies are examining the potential impact of other pharmaceuticals to prevent prostate cancer.
Nutrients and other supplements. A few studies have examined if vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids or fatty acids can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. At this time, none of these supplements have clearly demonstrated if they lower prostate cancer risk. However, some studies have shown that supplemental vitamin E, folate or calcium use may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, consuming a healthy diet, as defined by Dietary Guidelines for Americans, to meet your needs for essential nutrients is recommended. Increasingly, research is focusing on studies that emphasize the potential role of nutrients to impact the effectiveness and safety of prostate cancer treatments and promotion of healthy survivorship.
Some studies have examined roles for specific foods, spices, herbs and other plant-derived extracts and concentrates for cancer prevention. However, currently there are no proven roles for these products in prostate cancer prevention.
Prostate cancer risk factors
A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood you will develop a specific health condition. All males assigned at birth are at risk of developing prostate cancer. The following risk factors may play a role in the development of prostate cancer:
Age
Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer; prostate cancer is rare in those younger than 40 years of age. The chance of developing prostate cancer increases by nearly a thousandfold as your age increases from 40 to 70 years. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in those with male reproductive systems.
Family history of prostate cancer and genetics
Males assigned at birth whose father, brother or son (first-degree relative) has had prostate cancer is at a higher-than-average risk of prostate cancer. The greater risk may reflect shared lifestyle factors but is more likely due to common genetics. Multiple genes are now known to impact the risk of prostate cancer. Some of these genes are also associated with the risk of other cancers. For example, BRCA is a well-known genetic risk factor for breast cancer in females assigned at birth but is now linked to prostate cancer in those with male reproductive systems. At OSUCCC – James, we have integrated genetic counseling into our care plan, which can help you and your family understand your need for cancer screening.
Race
Prostate cancer occurs more often in African Americans and those of Caribbean backgrounds with African ancestry. African American males with prostate cancer are twice as likely to die from the disease than others. The reasons for this are complex and continue to be the focus of intense study. Differences in exposure to risk factors, genetics and access to quality screening and treatment are all contributing factors and continue to be examined by researchers.
Hormones
The main male reproductive sex hormone is testosterone and the prostate relies on this hormone to develop and to function properly to promote reproductive health. Unfortunately, prostate cancer cells also utilize testosterone to grow and spread. Thus, one of the most effective forms of prostate cancer treatments is to use methods that lower testosterone levels.
Not everyone with these risk factors will develop prostate cancer, but having certain risk factors may increase your risk of developing the disease. If you are at high risk for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about tests to find out if you have early signs of the disease.
Related resources
Prostate Cancer Symptoms and causes
Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate Cancer Treatment Team
Prostate Cancer Clinical Research