Prostate cancer prevention

While there’s no cure for prostate cancer, the biggest risk factors – age, gender and family history – are unavoidable and unchangeable. Because of this, it’s important to take steps to prevent the progression of the disease if you have an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prevention tips

Many of the prevention recommendations for prostate cancer also promote overall health:

• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Follow a healthy diet full of vegetables and whole grains
• Limit highly processed foods, red meat and sugar

Although living a healthy lifestyle and eating right are good for you, they won’t eliminate your risk of prostate cancer. Annual screenings by your primary care physician are the first line of defense against prostate cancer.

Cancer genetic counseling

About 5 to 10% of all prostate cancers diagnosed are hereditary. A man with a father or brother who has been diagnosed is twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as a man with no family history of the disease.

Recent studies have also identified inherited gene changes that may increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer, though there is no current genetic testing available. But, if you have a strong family history of the disease, our genetic counselors can address any concerns and help you manage your risk.