Some risk factors for prostate cancer are unavoidable. These include age, having a father or brother with this type of cancer, and being African-American. Fortunately, you may be able to avoid other risk factors. Some studies suggest that making the following choices could help protect you:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit fatty foods. Some research indicates that men who eat a lot of animal fat have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer.
• Ask your doctor about aspirin. A recent review of several studies suggests that aspirin may help protect men from prostate cancer.

Know Potential Signs
Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, and possible symptoms could be due to an enlarged prostate. To be safe, tell your doctor if you experience:

• Pain during urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain in the upper thighs, hips, or lower back
• An inability to urinate
• Blood in the semen or urine
• Painful ejaculation

The Importance of Screening
The American Cancer Society says that beginning at age 50, men should have a prostate cancer screening annually.

However, some other experts, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the National Cancer Institute, do not advise routine screening. For one thing, the two available screening techniques sometimes miss tumors. Plus, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can falsely suggest cancer.

Ask your doctor if screening makes sense for you.

Paths to Prevention
To learn more about your prostate screening options, visit www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Better Health for Life,” “P” in the encyclopedia at the top, and then “Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.”