5 Simple Things Men Can Do To Prevent Prostate Cancer: A Doctor Explains

Whether you’re a man or a woman, odds are you know someone who is currently battling or has died from prostate cancer. In fact, it’s the second most common form of cancer among American men. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 220,800 new prostate cancer cases in 2015 and about 27,540 deaths from the disease.

While it can be serious, a diagnosis of prostate cancer isn’t a death sentence; more than 2.9 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed are still alive today. Still, the therapy may involve surgery including castration, radiation therapy, and hormonal castration — none of which sound appealing.

Therefore, the focus should be on what we can do to prevent this common cancer. Recently, research has discovered five key lifestyle strategies — some of which are actually fun — that can help prevent prostate cancer and its growth. It’s important to take note of these lessons:

1. Eliminate dairy.

Earlier this year, news headlines lit up when a study found a relationship between high dairy intake and an increased risk of prostate cancer. It’s unclear yet whether it’s the casein protein, the insulin-like growth factor 1, the hormones and antibiotics found in many dairy products, or other unknown factors. But for now, consider switching out your dairy to “mylk” substitutes, like almond or cashew milk — it’s a manly option.

2. Take a daily aspirin.

Last year, a daily low-dose aspirin was given an endorsement by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Additionally, researchsupports the notion that the same aspirin also lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Plus, a study released this month also found that daily aspirin use in men with prostate cancer was associated with a reduced risk of dying.

3. Eat a nutritious, plant-based diet.

In one study, a combination of dried broccoli, curcumin, green tea, and pomegranates was tested in men with prostate disease. The researchers found that the rise in biomarkers for prostate cancer was far lower with this plant-based combination compared to a placebo. So it’d be wise to consider eating and drinking these foods in their whole form. (Interested in starting a plant-based diet for overall health? Read my guide for beginners.)

4. Regularly ejaculate.

A study analyzed by Harvard researchers correlated the frequency of ejaculation with prostate health. They discovered that the lowest rates of prostate cancer were found in those who ejaculated often — specifically, more than 21 times a month.

5. Avoid meat.

The importance of diet again made headlines recently when a large analysis found a relationship between a vegan diet and a substantially lower risk of prostate cancer. Plus, the World Health Organization declared in late October that processed red meat was a class 1 carcinogen, meaning consuming it leads to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer rates are rising in younger men, and the black population is at particular risk. Since the consequences of the treatment for prostate cancer can be quite onerous — including impotence and incontinence — prevention should be key. Although there are, of course, other factors at play, the steps outlined here will help set you on the path to a healthy prostate for life.

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