Reduce your risk of prostate cancer

Posted on 23 June 2016

Prostrate cancer is a real concern for many men as they age – but there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk, says Dr Conray Moolman, a urologist at Mediclinic Constantiaberg.

Who is most at risk for developing prostate cancer?
The main risk factor for developing prostate cancer is a family history of the disease. Many men are genetically ‘preprogrammed’ to experience prostate problems, especially as they age.

The occurrence of prostate cancer is more common in older men, and African males carry the highest risk of all. Some studies show a link between obesity (a BMI higher than 30) and the more aggressive form of prostate cancer, but it’s not always the case.

When should I start getting my prostate health checked?
Men who have no family history of the disease should ideally go for an annual check-up at their GP or urologist from the age of 50. Men with a genetic predisposition should start being screened a decade earlier, from the age of 40. The GP or urologist will do a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a physical rectal examination to ensure there are no abnormalities present.

It’s vital that the PSA blood test and physical examination are done in combination so that not just one test is relied on – some aggressive cancers aren’t picked up by one test alone. If your physician suspects an issue further testing will be done, including an ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder.

Are there any symptoms to watch out for?
Prostate cancer often doesn’t present any symptoms until it’s at a very advanced stage. The PSA blood test will generally indicate problems before any symptoms even show, but remember that not all prostate problems are cancer.

Older men who experience urinary problems, have a weak flow when they do urinate, wake often at night to go to the toilet or have blood in their urine may simply have an enlarged prostate, which is dealt with differently than cancer. Should you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, do consult your GP.

What if it is cancer?
If your GP or urologist suspects cancer after physical examination, blood tests and ultrasounds, you’ll have to go to hospital for a prostate biopsy under general anaesthetic. The biopsy results will determine your treatment regimen.

What treatments are used for prostate cancer?
The main mode of treatment is surgical removal or robotic prostatectomy, which is preferred as it has been shown to reduce the side effects and complications that may occur with traditional open surgical removal of the prostate. Some men will need to have radiation therapy in the form of brachytherapy – in which tiny radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate – or external beam radiation.

Chemotherapy is seldom used as treatment, and only in very advanced cases. For men who aren’t fit enough to endure surgery or have cancer that is too advanced, treatment becomes more about controlling the cancer with hormonal therapy injections every three months rather than being cured.

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of developing prostate cancer?
There are many ongoing studies to find a causal relationship between lifestyle and developing prostate cancer. For example, a study has been done comparing the lifestyles of Western and Japanese men, as the latter are less prone to developing prostate cancer.

Developmentally both cultures have the same risk factors for developing the disease, but the study has shown that there are some foods prevalent in the Japanese diet that could protect these men from developing prostate cancer. Their diet is high in vitamin D and omega 3, with very little red meat or animal fat. Another study has found that lycopenes in tomatoes are considered good for the prostate.

Dr Moolman recommends a balanced low-fat diet with lots of fruit and vegetables plus regular helpings of fish like salmon and tuna. Your diet should also include antioxidants, which can be as simple as having a cup of green tea a day. Regular exercise will help keep obesity at bay and improve your general wellbeing.