Tips For Managing Your Prostate Health

Tips For Managing Your Prostate Health

If you’re a man, chances are you’ll experience prostate problems at some point in your life. Prostate problems begin for men as they age – sometimes as early as in their 30s. The gland becomes enlarged and begins to press against the bladder and urethra, restricting urine flow. The prostate is normally about the size of a walnut. But, in an older man, an enlarged gland can grow to the size of a lemon.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in every seven men is diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Fortunately, there is a lot that you can do to maintain prostate health as you age—and stay ahead of the game.

Get Your Blood Tested

Although not diagnostic, a simple blood test called PSA (prostate specific antigen) can help detect prostate cancer years before symptoms develop. While it can be somewhat inaccurate, a baseline PSA test before the age of 50, then annually past that age, can be very helpful in detecting the disease long before it becomes a major problem.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

They’re probably not your favorite part of any meal, but green, leafy vegetables are a good first step towards maintaining prostate health. Research suggests that a clear link exists between the intake of cruciferous vegetables and prevention of prostate cancer. These vegetables are full of important vitamins and antioxidants that keep you — and specifically, your prostate — healthy. These can include such vegetables as spinach, kale and broccoli.

Get A Rectal Exam

A digital rectal exam (DRE) can provide you and your doctor valuable information about your prostate health. The rectal exam and PSA blood testing are the only ways to check for prostate cancer, and getting both tests is necessary for maximal disease detection.

Stay Active

Start exercising, as high levels of physical activity, such as swimming, cycling, or jogging, may improve the health of your prostate. Though a causal relationship between exercise to prostate health remains unconfirmed, the studies that have been conducted to date suggest that exercise is beneficial in keeping your prostate healthy.

Review Your Family History

Having immediate male family members (such as a father or brother) with prostate cancer significantly increase your risk of developing it yourself. In fact, the risk is more than doubled! It’s essential that you notify your doctor of any family history of prostate cancer so you can work together to build a comprehensive preventive program.

See Your Doctor Regularly

The American Cancer Society recommends getting screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50 (or age 45 if you have any risk factors for prostate cancer). They also recommend that men should make an informed decision about prostate screening after having a detailed discussion with their primary care physicians.

 

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Dr. David Samadi M.D.


Dr. David Samadi is a board certified urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery and is an expert in robotic prostate surgery. He is Chairman of Urology, and Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Dr. David Samadi is also part of the Fox News Medical A Team as a medical correspondent and the Chief Medical Correspondent for am970 in New York City. He has dedicated his distinguished career to the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and is considered one of the most prominent surgeons in his field.

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For more comprehensive information about prostate cancer, detecting prostate cancer, how to live with prostate cancer, and how to help support the fight against prostate cancer, please visit:
Samadi Robotics Foundation

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For more up to date prostate cancer news, please visit: Prostate Cancer 911

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To learn more about Dr. David Samadi and his practice, visit: Robotic Oncology

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