Prostate cancer is not only the most common type of non-skin cancer in men, it’s also one of the most deadly forms of cancer. It’s estimated that one out of eight men is diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be around 248,530 new prostate cancer cases and 34,130 prostate cancer deaths in the U.S. this year alone. Because of how deadly it is, September has been designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Who Is At Risk Of Prostate Cancer?

The majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 50. In fact, it’s estimated that only one percent of all prostate cancer patients are under 50. On the other hand, 80 percent of all prostate cancer patients are over 65. As such, the risk increases the older you get. It’s also been noted that those who are African American and those who have a family history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?

Although nobody knows exactly what causes tumors to grow, it is known that diet does contribute to the risk. Studies have indicated that the condition is more common in countries where men eat more meat and dairy products compared to countries where they eat mostly rice, vegetables, and soybean products. Additionally, those who eat a lot of red meat are at a higher risk.

By reducing the consumption of red meat, you may be able to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. You should also add foods to your diet that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help protect your cell’s DNA from being damaged.

Schedule a Prostate Health Screening

Although prostate cancer can be deadly, most men who are diagnosed with the condition won’t die. The key to being able to treat prostate cancer, however, is to catch it in the early stages, which is why it’s so important that men over the age of 50 schedule prostate health screenings with their California physician on a regular basis. For more health information, visit us at The Benefits Store today.