Cancer and Healthy

Scientists still are not clear on the causes of prostate cancer, and exactly why changes occur in the prostate gland of the male. The changes, know to medical professionals as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) are related closely with prostate cancer. Having abnormal PIN is so closely associated with prostate cancer that in most cases, doctors send the patient for a further biopsy.

While the causes of the prostate changes in the male remain unidentified, research has revealed ways to avoid these changes linked with prostate cancer. Studies from the American Cancer Society show that the diet plays a crucial role and advise men to watch the foods they eat to remain healthy.

Eating the correct diet may considerably decrease men's risk of contracting prostate cancer. Red meats and fatty food raises risk of prostate cancer, so it is wise to reduce intake of these food types and consume a diet rich in fish, vegetables and fruit. Minimize hamburgers and steaks and eat more salads to diminish your risk of having prostate cancer later on. 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day are recommended.

Certain kinds of fruits and vegetables are thought to thwart many cancer types. Tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruits are high in substances known as lycopenes, which averts damage to DNA and may lessen the risk of getting prostate cancer. Such fruits and vegetables are readily available and easy to prepare. Another theme in cancer prevention is consuming fiber daily. Fiber has confirmed preventive properties in almost every type of cancer.

Some advise daily vitamin E supplements along with the mineral selenium; these two are said to decrease risk of prostate cancer. There are studies supporting the use of vitamin E for prostate cancer prevention but other studies have found that vitamin E really has no cancer prevention utility.

There are even studies showing that Vitamin E can increase risk of other diseases like heart ailments.

In terms of selenium, no definitive proof exists that it is of benefit in prostate cancer prevention. Talk with your doctor before you begin any vitamin supplementation.