Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Lifestyle Changes That Can Make a Difference

Dr. Mohan Balaiah Aswathaiya, Prostate Cancer  Consultant Urology, Andrology & Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, highlights that approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older. Prostate cancer is most prevalent in regions such as North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands.

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Every year, September is observed as  Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. According to the American Association for Cancer Research,cancer ranks as the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, following lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Dr. Vikranth Mummaneni, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals Hitec City Hyderabad, explains that cancer originates in the prostate gland, a small walnut-sized organ situated just below the bladder in men. This gland produces seminal fluid, a component of semen.  cancer occurs when the cells within the prostate gland undergo mutations and uncontrollably multiply, forming tumors.

Although the exact cause of cancer remains unclear, Dr. Vikranth Mummaneni notes that several risk factors have been identified.

The risk factors for contracting  cancer include:

1. Family History: Having a father or brother with cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease.
2. Genetic Mutations: Inherited mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and men with Lynch Syndrome are at an increased risk of prostate cancer.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.
   • Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for various cancers, including prostate cancer.
   • Exposure to Chemicals: Certain occupational exposures to chemicals may increase the risk.
4. Diet: While not fully understood, a diet high in saturated fats, red meat, and low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to an increased risk. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be protective.

To prevent prostate cancer or lower the risk, you can make certain lifestyle changes, including:

a. Healthy Diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Tomatoes, rich in lycopene, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are particularly beneficial.

b. Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or aerobic exercises, for at least 150 minutes per week to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk.

c. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise, as obesity is linked to an increased risk.

d. Limit Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

e. Tobacco Cessation: Quit smoking to decrease your overall cancer risk, including prostate cancer.