Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures Medical Illustrations of the Prostate Image Collection Screening Tests Every Man Needs Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Kevin C. Zorn, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Coauthor:

Gagan Gautam, MD, MCh (Urology)

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Prevention

Because the cause of prostate cancer is uncertain, preventing prostate cancer may not be possible. Certain risk factors, such as age, race, sex, and family history, cannot be changed. However, because diet has been implicated as a potential cause, living a healthy lifestyle may afford some protection.

• Proper nutrition, such as limiting intake of foods high in animal fats and increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and grains, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.



• Eating certain foods that contain substances called antioxidants (vitamins C and E and beta carotene) may be protective.



• Some research suggests that taking vitamin E, an antioxidant, may reduce the risk of not only prostate cancer but also other cancers. This theory remains unproven.



• Certain medications like finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) have been shown in some recent studies to be effective in decreasing the risk of developing prostate cancer. A discussion with your urologist with regard to these medications should be considered especially, if you have a higher risk of acquiring the disease based on your family history.