According to the American Cancer Society, one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. The disease will kill nearly one in every 41 men.
In observance of September being National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Urologist Stuart Diamond, MD, urges men to be diligent about prostate health.
Men should begin prostate cancer screenings between 40 and 45. Screenings including the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test are important to monitor prostate health.
“If PSA levels come back elevated, an additional test may be necessary to confirm the finding,” Diamond said. “If the levels are still high, it’s recommended to continue testing at regular intervals to watch for changes. If levels continue to rise or a lump is detected, a biopsy would be needed.”
Though there’s no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some steps that may lower the chances of developing the disease. Body weight, physical activity and diet all play a role in keeping the body healthy and cancer free.
“Get down to and stay at a healthy weight,” Dr. Diamond said. “Stay active and follow a healthy eating pattern.”
Studies show a healthy diet can lessen chances of developing prostate cancer. In addition to a low-fat diet rich in whole grains and lean sources of protein, eating the following can help.
- Berries and fruits with antioxidants to fight free radicals that damage cells.
- Cruciferous vegetables with sulforaphane could target and kill cancer cells.
- Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and sardines help fight inflammation.
- Green tea has multiple antioxidant compounds called catechins.
Dr. Diamond has been on the South Jersey Top Physician list by SouthJersey.com every year since 2013 and was named a 2021 Top Doc by South Jersey Magazine.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Diamond, call 856-339-4466.