Prostate 101: Your guide to prostate health and cancer prevention
Did you know prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among Malaysian men, with 1 out of every 117 men being at risk?1
This article aims to give you a 101 on your prostate, in hopes that it provides you with the necessary information to take charge of your prostate health. Through a better understanding of your prostate, its functions, and potential risks, you can make better-informed decisions to prioritise prostate cancer prevention and maintain overall health!
What is Prostate?
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men.2 It plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.
Optimal prostate health is essential for overall reproductive and urinary function.
Prostate Health Throughout Your Life
The prostate doesn’t stay the same throughout a man’s lifespan; it actually undergoes multiple changes at different life stages.3
- During puberty: The prostate grows rapidly, influenced by male hormones such as testosterone.
- During adulthood: The prostate can continue to grow, which may lead to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can affect urination.4
As you age, the risk of prostate issues, including prostate cancer, increases. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritise early detection and regular screening, alongside maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of your age, to keep your prostate healthy.
Maintaining Prostate Health
Diet and Lifestyle
One of the simplest ways to keep your prostate healthy is through a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.5 Drink plenty of water and incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – think tomatoes rich in lycopene, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
Whenever possible, aim to limit your intake of red and processed meats and high-fat dairy products. Additionally, avoid alcohol whenever possible to help reduce risk factors associated with poor prostate health.
Exercise and Physical Activities
Try exercising for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity most days. Other than that, running, swimming, cycling, or even just brisk walking daily can assist with weight management, inflammation, and prostate cancer prevention.
Kegel exercises are great for prostate cancer prevention.6 The exercise targets the muscles that support the pelvic and urinary system and can help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Healthy Habits
Obesity is a recognised risk factor for various health issues, including prostate problems. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, and ensuring adequate sleep are essential components of overall well-being.
A healthy body fosters better natural healing and maintenance processes, keeping your hormones in check!
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Risk Factors
As mentioned earlier, prostate cancer is by far the most prevalent among men. Potential danger variables include:
- Age and Genetics: If your family has a history of prostate cancer, the chances of you developing the illness doubles after the age of 50.7
- Lifestyle: We’ve mentioned it earlier, but it bears reminding that a high-fat diet and being overweight are two examples of unhealthy lifestyle choices that could increase the risk.
Early Detection
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for prostate cancer. As such, it's essential to include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in your regular screenings to look for any signs of cancer, such as elevated blood PSA levels.
However, it's important to note that increased PSA levels can be caused by various benign factors. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with the right medical experts to interpret the screening findings accurately.
Treatment Options
Prostate cancer treatment varies based on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy. Early detection is key, as doing so improves prognosis and opens up more treatment possibilities.
Taking Control of Your Health
Open Communication with Your Doctor
Having an honest, open conversation with your doctor about your prostate health is crucial. It is important that you feel at ease sharing your prostate-related symptoms, worries, and medical history during your appointment. Moreover, this talk will help with effective issue management and early problem discovery.
Securing Health Insurance
Prostate health is a vital aspect of your overall well-being as a man. By understanding your prostate and taking proactive steps to maintain your health, you can reduce the risk of prostate issues, including developing prostate cancer. Ensuring peace of mind for your future is crucial. Since obtaining health insurance for cancer patients can be challenging, it's a smart move to secure comprehensive coverage early on.
Why not take that extra proactive step and get a critical illness plan that covers prostate cancer and prostate-related treatments such as our Smart Early Payout CriticalCare? This health insurance plan covers and provides a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of critical illnesses and for cancer patients, including prostate cancer, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about medical expenses or loss of income. Invest in your well-being today to protect against unexpected health challenges tomorrow!
References
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34626088/
2. https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer/prostate-gland/
3. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/10-diet-and-exercise-tips-for-prostate-health
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14611-kegel-exercises
7. https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-risk-factors
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