According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 164,690 men in the United States will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2018, and there will be 29,430 deaths as a result of this disease. Other than lung cancer, it’s the most common cause of cancer fatalities among American men.
Because it is so prevalent – and so preventable if caught early – prostate cancer is an issue that every man should discuss with a skilled doctor.
Prostate Cancer and Diet
Western cultures such as the United States tend to have high-fat, calorie-rich diets that can produce oxidative damage to the DNA. Our dietary decisions affect much more than our waistline – poor food selection can play a key role in the growth of prostate cancer.
There’s no denying that we Americans love our burgers and fries, but they are gradually harming our health. Eating more plant-based foods that are high in fiber, and low in fat and sugar, can be very beneficial to your health and help support a healthy prostate.
A healthy diet can also give the immune system a much-needed boost, which can help keep diseases at bay. Plus, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help flush out toxins and help keep your body hydrated.
Natural Causes of Prostate Cancer
Aging is a natural part of life, and getting older does increase a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than age 50.
As the Baby Boomer generation gets older, many experts in the medical field predict a wave of prostate cancer diagnoses and deaths over the next three decades. However, new methods of early diagnosis, public awareness about self-screening, and non-invasive methods such as CyberKnife radiotherapy are working toward reducing these numbers.
There are also other factors in play that are beyond our control. Although the reason isn’t understood by medical experts and researchers, certain nationalities are more prone to prostate cancer: Asian and Latino men show the lowest numbers, and African-American men have the highest rates.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer – such as a brother or father who developed the disease before the age of 60 – often carry genetic mutations and damaged DNA. Thus, they have a greater chance of having the disease.
However, don’t assume you’re in the clear because you don’t have a genetic predisposition; it never hurts to get checked.
Prostate Cancer Physicians in Miami
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to a successful outcome with prostate cancer. More than 2.9 million American men who’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer are alive and well today thanks to modern techniques, screening, and knowledge.
Attending your regular medical checkups is the first step to your good health – and an excellent preventive measure. And if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are many effective, non-invasive treatments for the disease if it is caught early enough.
The CyberKnife Center of Miami is a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes precise, targeted radiation to dissolve tumors eliminating the need for invasive surgery or conventional radiation. It targets the tumor via image-guided robotics, delivering high-energy radiation to kill the tumor while sparing the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a pleasant alternative to surgery or conventional radiation, sidestepping an array of unpleasant side effects.
For more information on this treatment or to schedule a consultation, call (800) 204-0455 or fill out our online form to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you.