What to Do if You Have a History of Prostate Cancer in Your Family
Prostate cancer can be a frightening diagnosis. It is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in men, and it can have serious implications if not detected early. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. If any of your family members have had prostate cancer, then you know that genetics plays a significant role in its development.
Knowing more about your family history may help you identify high-risk factors and take preventative measures. Eating certain foods and exercising regularly can also help reduce your risk; read on to discover more about prostate cancer prevention in men with a family history of this disease.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland roughly the size of a walnut located below the bladder and behind the penis. It produces fluid that is released during ejaculation. Early signs of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating or an increased need to urinate. In most cases, the condition progresses slowly, but in some cases, it can metastasize or spread to other areas of the body.
Genetics and Risk Factors
The risk of developing prostate cancer is strongly linked to genetics. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you are also more likely to develop it. If you have relatives who have had prostate cancer, you have a higher risk of developing it, even if you are relatively young compared to them.
Additionally, if you have multiple relatives who have had prostate cancer at a young age, such as before the age of 50, your risk is even higher. The type of genetics that increases your risk for prostate cancer is referred to as hereditary or genetic mutations. If you have a family history of prostate cancer and you have a genetic mutation, you may want to consult with a physician about whether you should start screening earlier.
What to Eat to Reduce Your Risk
Although there are no guarantees, one of the best ways to prevent some types of cancer is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Try and make some time for yourself each day. A good 30-minute aerobic workout with light weights at least 5 days a week is good. Life today is so busy that you may have a hard time. You may find it easier to mix your exercise routine up by taking a decent-paced walk a few times a week and doing your aerobics three times a week. Exercising also has other health benefits: In addition to reducing your risk of prostate cancer, it can improve your mood, help you sleep better, improve your heart health, and even reduce your risk of diabetes. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk. The bottom line is it is key to keep an eye on your weight and exercise. Exercising also has other health benefits: In addition to reducing your risk of prostate cancer, it can improve your mood, help you sleep better, improve your heart health, and even reduce your risk of diabetes. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk.
Diet is another key. Here are some foods you should be eating to reduce your risk of developing cancer: Eating fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of many diseases. You can have some fun with your menu by adding extra-virgin olive oil, legumes, and nuts like how they do it in the Mediterranean!
Eating more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can also help to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Don’t forget your fruits, whole grains, and beans. There are many fun and easy recipes available online to try, like Mediterranean baked cod, and explore happy, healthy living.
Routine Checkup with Your Urologist
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, the best way to detect it early is to have regular prostate exams and lab tests. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over the age of 50 have a yearly prostate exam.
Additionally, men who have a family history of prostate cancer should have a blood test to screen for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If the level is elevated, you should consult with your physician and have a prostate exam to rule out prostate cancer. These screening tests can be beneficial in detecting prostate cancer early.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer can be a frightening diagnosis. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Knowing about your family history may help you identify high-risk factors and take preventative measures. If you have prostate cancer in your family, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your health and see a urologist on a routine basis. Another key is eating certain foods and exercising regularly can help reduce your risk; consult with your physician to take the most effective actions against prostate cancer.
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