Health Tip: Preventing Prostate Cancer

Roman Bystrianyk · medicine forum Guru Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 454

Nancyann Rella, "Health Tip: Preventing Prostate Cancer", Forbes, June
1, 2005,
Link:
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/06/01/hscout525768.html

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with an estimated
220,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Though it
usually grows slowly, prostate cancer can be deadly. About 29,000
American men die of prostate cancer each year.

To try to prevent the disease, the American Cancer Society recommends
eating a variety of healthful foods such as fruits and vegetables, and
limiting your intake of red meats, especially those high in fat or that
are processed.

Tomato products, pink grapefruit and watermelon are rich in
cancer-fighting substances called lycopenes. These vitamin-like
chemicals are antioxidants that help prevent damage to DNA and may help
lower prostate cancer risk.

It's not clear whether vitamin or mineral supplements have the same
benefits, experts say. Some studies suggest that taking 50 milligrams
(or 400 International Units) of vitamin E daily can lower your cancer
risk. Selenium, a mineral, also may lower your chances of getting the
disease.

On the other hand, vitamin A supplements may actually increase prostate
cancer risk. If you are unsure about whether vitamins and supplements
may be right for you, ask your doctor.

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