According to the American Cancer Society, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
Prostate cancer is a disease in which some of the cells of the prostate gland grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The resulting mass is called a malignant tumor, which often originates in the outer part of the prostate.
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men: nearly 200,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Read a few nutrition and lifestyle modifications below that research has shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Low-Fat Diet: It is recommended that men reduce fat consumption, particularly saturated fat, from dairy and meat sources. Studies have also shown that meats that have been grilled to the point of being charred may produce a carcinogen that can concentrate in the prostate. Prostate cancer prevalence is more common in countries with a higher consumption of saturated fat from meat and dairy. To reduce fat consumption throughout the day, choose low-fat or reduced fat dairy products and lean protein such as skinless poultry, fish, eggs and 95% lean beef among others.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower have been associated with chemoprevention of certain cancers including prostate cancer. Particularly, a chemical found in broccoli known as sulforaphane, may help to prevent or slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. To get a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals for cancer prevention, the National Cancer Institute recommends consuming five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. It is important to choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in order to ensure you are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals!
Exercise: Obesity is a well known risk factor for prostate cancer. Numerous studies have linked obesity with not only an increased risk of prostate cancer, but also a recurrence of prostate cancer. Studies have shown a 10% to 30% risk reduction in the development of prostate cancer among men who exercise. Along with diet, exercise is essential for weight control to help prevent many conditions including heart disease. Studies have also exhibited a link between vigorous activity, about three hours per week, and the reduction of advanced prostate cancer risk. Exercise should include both strength training and aerobic activity.
Fiber: A diet rich in fiber obtained from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes may reduce prostate cancer risk as well as the risk of prostate cancer progression. Men aged 50 years and younger should aim for 38g of fiber per day while men aged 51 years and over should aim for 30g of fiber per day.
Innovative’s Workplace Wellness
Innovative’s Workplace Wellness assists employers in creating a culture of health. Our skilled wellness team works hand-in-hand with organizations to design and implement customized wellness programs that improve your population health and ultimately lower claims costs. Workplace wellness is more than keeping your team physically healthy. It’s about empowering employees to be their best, creating a fully engaged staff and making them advocates of their health. We help employers focus on each individual employee, guiding your team to effectively manage their own mental, physical, and emotional energy so your employees and your business thrive. To learn more, visit here.
