By Thomas Haus, M.D., Family Medicine

What’s special about a man who is 45 years old? That’s the recommended age to start testing the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level in the blood. Most men who develop prostate cancer are over age 65, and it’s rare in men younger than 40; therefore, tests typically start at age 45 and the frequency of tests is every two to four years. About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.

Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown at this time, so it is not possible to prevent most cases of the disease. Various risk factors are researched to learn just how they may cause prostate cells to become cancerous. Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age, genetics, and family history. Other risk factors are based on behaviors and men can consider changing their lifestyle to lower their prostate cancer risk. Some of these include:

Diet

Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher chance of getting prostate cancer. These men also tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Doctors are not sure which of these factors is responsible for raising the risk. Taking too many multivitamins, more than 7 per week, may also put men at a higher risk than those who eat fruits and vegetables. Taking any supplements can have both risks and benefits. Before starting vitamins or other supplements, talk with your doctor. A healthy diet consists of eating at least 2 ½ cups of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Fish, soy, beans, and other legumes are also good foods to include in your diet.

Weight

Although most studies have found that being obese is not linked with a higher risk of getting prostate cancer overall, some studies have found that obese men may be at greater risk for having more advanced prostate cancer that is more likely to be fatal. Studies have also found that men who get regular physical activity have a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer; vigorous activity may have an even greater effect.

Smoking

Recent research suggests a possible link between smoking and a small increase in the risk of death from prostate cancer. This is a new finding that needs to be confirmed by other studies.

Medical centers throughout the world continue to research the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate health and prostate cancer. The research focuses on areas such as genetics, nutrition and lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, enhanced MRI and PET-scans, immunotherapy, targeted therapy with cancer treatment drugs, and more. Safety and effectiveness are among their top priorities.

If you question your prostate cancer risk based on your lifestyle, age or family history, talk with your healthcare provider to learn about additional measures you can take to potentially reduce your risk. Learn more about regular checkups for men in Glacial Ridge Health System’s Men’s Health Guide.