The Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Prostate Cancer

Prostate health is a topic that most men are embarrassed to address, yet it is something that should be taken very seriously. A healthy prostate is essential for the working of the male reproductive system because it enables sperm quality and motility. When there is an abnormal growth of cells around the prostate, prostate cancer occurs.

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world, according to the AICR (American Institute of Cancer Research). It becomes more common as men become older. In the United States, 97 percent of prostate cancers are detected in men aged 50 and older. The lack of understanding about the prostate and how to maintain it in good condition is one of the primary causes for the high number of prostate cancer cases.

When it comes to the causes of prostate cancer, unhealthy lifestyle choices are a major factor. The risk of this disease can be decreased by correct food choices, dietary supplements, and physical activity. In the majority of studies, high consumption of meat and dairy products has been linked to an increased prostate cancer risk.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), lifestyle changes have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing highly aggressive Prostate cancer. The most important suggested lifestyle changes are as follows :

Healthy Eating

Consumption of particular foods, such as meat, dairy products, and sugary beverages, at high levels, has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to researchers. On the other hand, frequent consumption of fatty fish and tomato-based foods has been associated with reduced risk. It is also advised that you limit your intake of refined, salty, and processed foods.

Adopt An Active Lifestyle

Regular physical activity is important for general health and can help you maintain a healthy weight. This is particularly important if you already have prostate cancer, as there is strong evidence that excess weight raises the risk of aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced cases. It is recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes per day or as per the advice of your consulting physician.

Stop Smoking

Regularly smoking is considered a high-risk factor for prostate cancer. Quitting smoking will assist in strengthening the immune system, which will aid in the fight against this disease. Apart from this, although various studies are still being made on the direct link between prostate cancer and smoking, so far men who are smokers and non-smokers are at equal risk, but the recovery chances are higher in non-smokers.

You may choose to monitor your condition rather than seek immediate treatment if you have localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread to other parts) this method is called watchful waiting. The purpose of watchful waiting is to keep an eye on the condition until it starts to cause symptoms like pain or urinary obstruction. Patients can then decide whether or not to receive treatment. This method benefits those who are too old or affected by other life-threatening conditions. Rather than employing active surveillance to track routine test results, individuals can simply monitor their symptoms and notify their doctor if anything changes.

Treatment is required at more advanced stages. Local treatments for early-stage prostate cancer may be able to eradicate cancer.. If the disease has spread beyond the prostate gland, other treatments (such as medications) could be required to eliminate cancer cells in other places of the body. There are different treatments available, which are briefly described as follows:

Surgery

During surgery, the prostate and some lymph nodes in the surrounding area are removed. The type of surgery is determined by the stage of cancer, the patient's overall condition and other variables.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for prostate cancer is a popular option, it functions by boosting the body's natural defenses in the battle against this disease. There are only a few immunotherapy treatments for prostate cancer, and they only assist in certain cases. That is why Immunotherapy is usually combined with other forms of treatment such as surgery.

Targeted Therapy

This is a targeted treatment that targets cancer-specific genes, protein, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This method of treatment stops cancerous cells from growing and spreading while limiting damage to healthy cells.

Radiotherapy

The use of radiation for prostate cancer is also a common treatment. The most common type of radiation treatment is external-beam radiation therapy. Each session is similar to having an x-ray. Although the radiation is more powerful than that used in an x-ray, this process is typically painless.

You must discuss openly with your oncologist regarding any of your concerns or hesitations, and they can guide you to the treatment that is best suited for you as every case is different depending on factors such as lifestyle choices, age, stage, etc. If you have been prescribed a course of treatment for prostate cancer, you can check out cancer centers in Florida that provide best-in-class patient care. ACTC provides state-of-the-art cancer treatment. Our team includes some of the most renowned cancer specialists in Florida. We specialize in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology. You can now arrange or book an appointment with us to learn more! 

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