Prostate cancer is the second most common kind of cancer affecting men worldwide, with five year survival rates remaining around sixty percent. As such, anything that men can do to avoid prostate cancer should be done, and this includes modifying their diet to include certain nutrients and minerals.
Selenium and Prostate Cancer
One of the most prominent methods in avoiding prostate cancer is selenium in your diet. A powerful antioxidant and a major factor in your body’s immune system, selenium should be incorporated into every man’s diet in the quantity of 200 micrograms every day. Natural sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, fresh fish, whole grains, mushrooms, and brown rice, among other foods, so incorporating selenium is not difficult to do. You can also find daily vitamin supplements that contain selenium.
Lycopene and Prostate Cancer
Lycopene is another key ingredient in the fight against prostate cancer. The antioxidant, which is found in tomatoes, has been found to impede the development of prostate cancer. Men who consume more tomatoes and tomato-based products are much less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who do not regularly consume lycopene, so it is wise to incorporate tomatoes into your diet. Doing so can leave you at a much lower risk of contracting prostate cancer.
Fat and Prostate Cancer
Reducing animal fat is another key part of a diet that seeks to avoid prostate cancer. Trans fatty acids can promote cancer growth, while increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can ward cancer away. Many anticancer nutrients are being discovered in fresh fruits and vegetables each and every day, so it is important to maintain a regular consumption of these foods in order to ward off cancer.
Importance of Regular Checkups
Even if you change your diet to help ward off prostate cancer, regular checkups are still very important. Prostate cancer is most easily treated if found early. The survival rates dip sharply if the disease is caught in its late stages.
Resources on Diet & Prostate Cancer
A number of studies and clinical trials have discussed the connection between a healthy diet and prostate cancer. These articles provide more information that you may find useful.