Update on Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Update on Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Even if a patient decides against being screened for prostate cancer, there are lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of advanced or lethal disease. Most older men have prostate cancer, but the type of prostate cancer is what is significant. The most promising lifestyle modification to lower the risk of advanced disease is to increase the amount of physical activity. A 2005 study found that older men who engaged in vigorous activities such as jogging, biking, swimming, or tennis had a 70% lower risk of advanced or lethal cancer. Even though staying lean does not cut the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, it may decrease mortality. A healthy body weight at or before diagnosis is a strong predictor of survival. Additionally, the benefits of exercising and losing weight go beyond decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. Studies examining the effect of taking vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, vitamin D, or calcium have conflicting results; therefore, no definitive conclusion concerning the effect of these lifestyle modifications can yet be made.
Lifestyle Modifications
Even if a patient decides against being screened for prostate cancer, there are lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of advanced or lethal disease. Most older men have prostate cancer, but the type of prostate cancer is what is significant. The most promising lifestyle modification to lower the risk of advanced disease is to increase the amount of physical activity. A 2005 study found that older men who engaged in vigorous activities such as jogging, biking, swimming, or tennis had a 70% lower risk of advanced or lethal cancer. Even though staying lean does not cut the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, it may decrease mortality. A healthy body weight at or before diagnosis is a strong predictor of survival. Additionally, the benefits of exercising and losing weight go beyond decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. Studies examining the effect of taking vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, vitamin D, or calcium have conflicting results; therefore, no definitive conclusion concerning the effect of these lifestyle modifications can yet be made.
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