Prostate cancer is associated with urinary dysfunction as the prostate gland surrounds the prostatic urethra. Changes within the gland, therefore, directly affect the urinary function. Higher consumption of red meat and processed meat may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. It is mostly a very slow progressing disease.
Symptoms
* Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
* Difficulty passing urine
* Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
* Pain when passing urine
* Blood in the urine or semen
* Pain in hips, back, pelvis
Sometimes it occurs silently with no symptoms. In fact, many men die of old age, without ever knowing they had prostate cancer. There are many factors implicated in the development of this type of cancer which mainly include Genetic and Dietary pattern. Men whose first relation father or brother suffers from prostate cancer have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer, and those with second relations prostate cancer family history have fivefold higher risk of developing this problem.
Prevention
Currently, no one knows any specific measures to prevent prostate cancer. Therefore, we can hope only to prevent progression of the cancer by making early diagnoses and then attempting to cure the disease. Early diagnoses can be made by screening men for prostate cancer with PSA and digital rectal examination. The purpose of the screening is to detect early, tiny, or even microscopic cancers that are confined to the prostate gland. Early treatment of these malignancies (cancers) can stop the growth, prevent the spread, and possibly cure the cancer.
Avoid meat
Prostate cancer is a hormone-based disease and strongly linked to the consumption of meat because meat contains higher levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals. Try to completely stop eating meat. Or atleast limit it to once or twice a week. It's best to eat white meat, and lean cuts of red meat with equal portions of fish. Opt for hormone-free organic cuts where possible.
Avoid saturated food
Fried and oily foods feed the growth of prostate cancer. Saturated animal fats are also associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer. Avoid trans-fats, found in margarine, vegetable shortening, and processed vegetable oils. If you are overweight, start a diet to reduce your risk.
Cut cals; increase fruits
While you need to watch over your calorie intake, take as much fruits you can have. Eat five to nine daily servings of organic fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat plenty of rich red tomato sauces.
Increase soya
Include soya, milk, tofu or soya yoghurts. These are all high in antioxidants, which protect our cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and can help prevent cancers.
Exercise
Exercise can prevent cancer because it enhances natural immunity by improving circulation, blood pressure and the efficiency and strength of the heart.
It also improves the antioxidant defences of our cells. These cells can help counter the potentially damaging effects of oxidant which can lead to genetic mutations leading to cancers.
Other tips
Give up cigarettes. It will help protect the zinc levels, which is essential for prevention of prostate cancer.
Avoid using garden fertilisers and pesticides. Many of these contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.
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