What is the Prostate?
It is a small, firm, muscular gland that helps to make up the male reproductive system. It surrounds part of a man’s urethra and creates fluids that help to make up semen. This fluid contains enzymes, zinc and citric acid which nourishes sperm cells and lubricates the man’s urethra. The muscles in the man’s prostate also help to push semen into and through his urethra when he has an orgasm.
The prostate is usually the size of a walnut in a young man but can grow to a size of a lemon by the age of 60.
What is Prostate Cancer?
This cancer occurs when normal, healthy cells begin to reproduce uncontrollably in the prostate gland. It tends to grow slowly at first but, worryingly, it can sometimes go unnoticed for years.
In 2022, there were nearly 1.5 million cases and particularly in the UK, there are around 55,000 new prostate cancer cases every year.
Men most at risk are aged 50 or older, have a family history of prostate cancer and/or are Black.
10 Symptoms of Prostate Cancer.
- Finding it difficult to start urinating or straining to urinate.
- Having a weak flow of urine.
- Stop-start urinating.
- Needing to urinate urgently or often or both.
- Feeling like you still need to urinate when you’re just finished.
- Urinating during the night.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Blood present in urine or in semen.
- Lower back pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Does your Diet Make any Difference to Help to Prevent Prostate Cancer?
There is very little evidence that says which foods to consume or avoid to prevent developing this cancer.
However, a healthy diet can help you to recover or feel better. So, eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily along with starchy and wholegrain versions of foods like bread, rice and pasta, beans and lentils.
Reduce red, processed meat, saturated fats, salt, foods high in sugar and alcohol.
So, if you or you know a man who is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please get in touch with your doctor.
Sources: clevelandclinic.org, healthline.com, wcrf.org, cancerresearchuk.org, prostatecanceruk.org, nhs.uk, orchidcancer.org.uk
Jasperden Health 