Cancer that begins and grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. You can make certain healthy choices in life to reduce the risk of being affected by prostate cancer. Men with an average risk of cancer should try to make the following choices that benefit their overall health and help in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer.

1. Exercise regularly
Physical activity and exercise are critical factors in prostate health for fighting the disease and preventing recurrence. Studies show that adult men who engaged in moderate to very intense physical activity were less prone to getting prostate cancer. The recovery rate of physically active men was much higher than men who did not engage in any form of exercise. Survival rates were better among men who lived an active lifestyle. Men who exercise for at least three hours a week had an 86% lower chance of aggressive prostate cancer.

2. Ensure a healthy diet
Good nutrition can reduce prostate cancer incidence and greatly help reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. A healthy diet is low in fat, includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, is high in fiber, and has very little processed food. Fruits and vegetables contain highly essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and cancer-fighting phytochemicals like carotenoids, indoles, lycopene, and flavonols. Men who consumed at least 25 servings of vegetables per week had a reduced risk of contracting prostate cancer than men who ate less than 14 servings per week.

3. Stop smoking
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of incidence of prostate cancer by affecting the circulating hormone levels and through exposure to cancerous carcinogens. Avoid smoking, as prolonged exposure to tobacco increases the risks of being affected by cancer.

4. Have regular medical checkups
If you are prone to genetically being affected by prostate cancer, go in for the Prostate-specific antigen or PSA tests periodically, as these cells help measure PSA levels in a man’s blood. A blood sample is sent to a testing lab for analysis. The PSA levels of men with prostate cancer are elevated, showing risks of prostate cancer. These checkups help to detect problems early and take treatment accordingly. PSA levels below 4.0ng/ml have been established as normal, and those with higher levels are known to be at risk.

5. Maintaining an optimum body weight
Obesity is more convincingly associated with prostate cancer and higher recurrence and death due to prostate cancer. Obese men have a higher level of insulin and insulin-like growth factors, which promote carcinogenesis. This could be the reason that they are more prone to cancer.

6. Drink coffee
Coffee is good for prostate cancer, and you can drink four to five cups of coffee every day to lower your risk of getting prostate cancer. The reason for this could be that the chemicals cafestol and kahweol, which are present in coffee, have well-known cancer-fighting properties which aid in preventing the incidence of prostate cancer. In fact, for those affected by prostate cancer, consuming caffeine can help reduce the chances of fatality due to cancer.

7. Reduce stress
Stress is related to a higher incidence of prostate cancer. Try to meditate and lead a happier and healthier life to help you combat any risk of prostate cancer. If you are highly stressed, take medication to lower your stress levels.