How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer prevention - Dr Tracy Gapin

Did you know that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month? Organizations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) promote awareness and testing during the month of September, encouraging preventive testing and raising funds toward developing new treatments. (https://www.pcf.org/blue/) However, prostate health education is an important topic for men year round.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in men. The PCF estimates that 1 in 9 men in the United States will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. It’s important to undergo routine screening and do everything you can to avoid prostate cancer. 

Routine screening consists of an annual PSA blood test and prostate exam. Screening should begin at the age of 50, unless you are African American or have a first degree relative with prostate cancer.  In these previously mentioned cases, testing should start at the age of 40.

Today we’re going to talk about some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Remember that small decisions you make every day can go a long way!  

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Topics:

Sex is Fun!

A study by the National Institutes of Health in 2004 initially suggested that frequent sexual activity might reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

The Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which followed 32,000 men for 18 years, also supports this. Men with frequent sexual activity showed a 20% lower risk of prostate cancer. Jennifer Rider, the study’s lead author, suggests, “Safe sexual activity could be good for prostate health.” Studies also show that regular sexual activity reduces stress and improves mood.

Sex and prostate cancer prevention - Dr Tracy Gapin and Smart Men's Health Blog
 

How can exercise prevent prostate cancer?

Evidence is mounting that inflammation and oxidation both play key roles in the development of prostate cancers and other conditions. Fortunately, research from the prevention side suggests that regular exercise may be one of the best natural antioxidants.

A study published recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology specifically evaluated the effects of exercise in prostate cancer patients. They studied men who exercised vigorously for at least 3 hours per week. 49% showed reduced overall mortality, and 61% reduced prostate cancer mortality, compared to men having less than 1 hour per week of vigorous activity.

Other studies show that exercise is effective at reducing risks of prostate cancer development, possibly decreasing prostate cancer development, and diminishing the side effects that may be caused by treatment medications. A recent Swedish study supported these findings, concluding that both resistance training and aerobic exercise clearly improve prostate cancer-specific and overall survival.

And, don’t forget that intense exercise can actually alter your DNA. A period of intense exercise can positively change your gene regulation.

Medications – Proscar and Avodart

Proscar and Avodart are prescriptions that men use to “shrink” the prostate by lowering the number of male sex hormones. The drugs block an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a much more potent hormone.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) studied whether finasteride (Proscar) reduced the incidence of prostate cancer. The trial found that men who had taken finasteride developed fewer prostate cancers than in men who had not. However, the men who had taken finasteride and developed prostate cancer had more aggressive tumors. The number of deaths from prostate cancer was the same in both groups.

The Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events Study (REDUCE) studied whether the drug dutasteride (Avodart) reduced the risk of prostate cancer. This study also showed that there were fewer prostate cancer diagnoses in men who took dutasteride compared with the men who did not. Overall, Avodart did not significantly reduce the number of aggressive cancers though.

What about testosterone replacement therapy?

The news media has fueled concerns that there may be an adverse connection between testosterone replacement therapy and increased prostate cancer risk, but studies have not borne this out.

A recent study looked at over 1,000 men who were receiving testosterone therapy. Over the 5 years the researchers conducted the study, only eleven (or 1%) of the men’s doctors diagnosed them with prostate cancer. This is well below the historically-expected 7% incidence. These men did not appear to experience any increased prostate cancer risk with their testosterone replacement.

Another study assessed almost 150,000 men who had previously undergone treatment for prostate cancer and were currently receiving testosterone replacement therapy. Researchers found no increase in prostate cancer mortality or overall mortality in the men receiving testosterone.

A recent study actively monitored men with low grade prostate cancer. These men’s doctors were also treating them with testosterone therapy. The study concluded there was no significant progression of disease in these men either.

In fact, a recent report suggests that testosterone therapy may actually be therapeutic in men with hormone-refractory advanced prostate cancer.

Studies show that low testosterone levels correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. This finding is somewhat counter-intuitive given the scientific community’s longstanding notion that hormone therapy “pours gas on the fire” of prostate cancer. But the literature clearly shows that testosterone therapy does NOT increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Will statins help or hinder?

 Researchers have been interested in the possible connection of cholesterol-reducing medications and prostate cancer. Several of the 18 trials researchers conducted, revealed a reduced risk of cancer recurrence after both surgery and radiation therapy. These trials suggest that statins may reduce the progression of prostate cancer.

Ongoing research continues to look into this possibility, as well as to determine whether statins may also reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

Metformin and Men's Health - Dr Tracy Gapin

How about Metformin?

Metformin is a prescription medication used primarily to manage diabetes. Studies suggest Metformin may have a protective effect on the progression of prostate cancer. A study of nearly 4,000 diabetic men found those men taking Metformin, when diagnosed with prostate cancer, were less likely to die from cancer or other causes than men taking other diabetes drugs.

Prior research looking at whether metformin might reduce the risk of prostate cancer development did not show a benefit. More studies are currently underway to look at both prevention and management.

What about taking aspirin?

The jury is still out on how or whether aspirin might help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. After extensive studies on aspirin’s effects, researchers found many of the studies demonstrated it had a protective effect and others did not.

If your doctor has you on an aspirin regimen after a heart attack or stroke, follow their current recommendations.

Are there other things I can do?

Absolutely! There are many lifestyle choices that will not only help you prevent prostate cancer, but also boost overall health and well-being, reduce stress, and improve fitness. Many of the dietary recommendations experts have already proven as successful for weight loss, will also reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
 

Your Diet Matters!

Start by adopting a diet lower in saturated fats and higher in plant-based fats. Your body and brain need fat to thrive, but studies have shown that a diet high in animal fats was more likely to be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer.

A number of studies have shown that men who ate the most dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt on a daily basis had a higher risk of prostate cancer. Studies are conflicting, but the mechanism could be because of the presence of saturated fat, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), or elevated hormone levels.

Some fats are superstars, however. Studies have linked the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, tuna, and herring to reduced prostate cancer risk. If fish isn’t your favorite, try a good quality fish oil supplement. Avoid trans-fatty acids, though, as numerous studies proved they promote cancer. The most common foods containing trans-fatty acids are butter and processed or fried foods.

BBQ’s are fun – but charred meat, not so much

Overcooking or charring meat creates carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines. Animal studies have shown that these can cause prostate cancer. In addition, charbroiling red meat or chicken with skin produces another set of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

Research shows that intake of PAHs triggers mutations in prostate cell DNA, leading to a chronic inflammatory response in the prostate. We’ve already discussed that inflammation leads to an increased risk of development of prostate cancer. It appears that the combination of mutation and inflammation appear to be a key in this development. 

Steaming or baking meats, thereby avoiding overcooking meats, can significantly reduce the amount of carcinogens present.

The bitter truth about sugar

Cutting the amount of simple sugars and carbohydrates you intake may slow prostate cancer growth. Studies have linked excess sugar intake to prostate cancer growth through increased insulin levels. 

Compounding the problem, insulin resistance has been shown to reduce levels of proteins that are important for stimulating prostate cancer cell death. Numerous studies have shown that sugar “feeds” cancer cells. 

ANOTHER reason not to eat gluten

Doctors typically recommended adopting a gluten-free diet to aid patients with celiac disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. By reducing inflammation, a gluten-free diet may have a role in cancer prevention as well. Foods with no gluten include all fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs.

Many believe the vitamins and minerals present in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Although, studies have yet to prove any specific nutrient guarantees to reduce your risk. Cruciferous vegetables have unique antioxidant properties that seem to enable them to counteract some of the damage caused by carcinogens. A well-rounded selection of fruits and vegetables introduces necessary enzymes and tends to make you feel fuller, so you have less room for other high-fat, high-calorie foods.

A tomato a day keeps cancer away? Well, it’s a pretty good start! Kudos for Prostate Cancer Awareness!

Several animal studies have suggested that lycopenes, present mostly in tomatoes, may reduce prostate tumor growth. Some human studies have shown that a diet high in lycopene may be linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer.  Other studies are inconclusive.

Note that these studies utilize the whole, fresh tomato, not the sugar-laden spaghetti sauce. There is no data showing a benefit to taking lycopene supplements in lieu of the real food.

To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, men should reach for foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients and low in pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic substances.  Colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy and pungent greens, seeds, nuts, and berries all contain powerful anti-cancer nutrients. 

The Mediterranean isn’t just a great place to vacation

Consider adopting the Mediterranean diet, loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, fish, red wine, and olive oil. This heart-healthy diet may be very beneficial for prostate cancer prevention, and will keep the whole family fit and well!

30-Day Health Challenge for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Whether it’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month or any time during the year, check out the 30-Day Health Challenge for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It was developed specifically to increase your knowledge around reducing your risk for prostate cancer, yet it is an excellent all-around way to rethink your lifestyle.

I designed the challenges to help you look at your current situation and consider areas of change and improvement. Many of the daily challenges will benefit women as well, especially Day 24, Day 28, and all of the other non-prostate-specific days!  

Regardless of your diet or lifestyle, knowledge is one of the biggest and best ways to reduce prostate cancer risk. By staying informed on the latest research and developments regarding prostate cancer research, men can make small changes that can lead to big improvements.

Are YOU ready to transform your health?

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Tracy Gapin, MD, FACS  is a board-certified Urologist,  world renowned Men’s Health & Performance Expert, Author, and Professional Speaker. Using state-of-the-art biometric monitoring, nutrition and lifestyle intervention, Dr. Gapin coaches Fortune 500 executives and evolutionary leaders of business, sports medicine, and high performance. He specializes in cutting-edge precision medicine with an emphasis on epigenetics, providing men with a personalized path to optimizing health & performance. www.GapinInstitute.com

Want more tips to optimize your health?  Listen to the latest podcasts. Click HERE
 

30-Day Prostate Health Challenge For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month


Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. One in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. And one in 100 men over age 60 will have prostate cancer by their 70th birthday.

Don’t be a statistic. Don’t put yourself at risk. Monitor your prostate health.

Although prostate cancer is common, you can reduce your risk. A healthy lifestyle can help you avoid serious diseases like prostate cancer, heart disease, and even erectile dysfunction.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to regain your sexual health and wellbeing. Whether you’re one of the 3 million men living through prostate cancer or you’re looking to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer moving forward, we’ll give you some easy steps you can take to invigorate your sexual wellness.

In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve created the ultimate 30-Day Prostate Health Challenge.

These 30 tips will help you:

  •     Reduce your risk of prostate cancer
  •     Lose weight
  •     Increase your libido
  •     Revitalize your overall health
  •     Enhance your energy and vitality

We challenge you to follow these 30 tips this month and beyond, so you can look, feel, and be your healthiest self.

We recommend that you implement one tip per day. Then, you should keep these lifestyle changes up for at least 30 days. After 30 days, you start to create a habit—and healthy habits create a healthy life!

So, for example, if you stop smoking on day 15… We challenge you to keep up with it for another whole month, not just for the remaining 15 days.

We make our “30-day challenge” into a faux “60-day challenge” on purpose.

The longer you follow the challenge, the more likely these changes will “stick.” You don’t want to fall back into your old, unhealthy, low-energy lifestyle once September is over. You don’t want this to just be another “fad” that comes and goes… and you don’t want to end up with the same unhealthy habits you’ve always had.

You want to finally live the healthy, vigorous life you’ve dreamed of.

And you want these changes to actually reduce your risk of prostate cancer. And fighting cancer is, unfortunately, a lifelong fight, which means you need to make serious changes that show a true difference.

So let’s get to improving your prostate health!

Day 1 – Evaluate your risk.

All men are at risk for prostate cancer. But it doesn’t hurt to evaluate your personal risk to better understand how your lifestyle choices can reduce your predisposed threat.

The purpose of evaluating your risk is not to scare you—it’s to prepare you!

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

  • Age: Prostate cancer is more common after age 50, and the risk increases with every decade of life.
  • Race: African-Americans tend to have the highest risk and severity. Asian men (in Asia) tend to have the lowest risk, but their risk increases if they move to the west.
  • Genetics: Those with a father or brother with prostate cancer have a twofold increase in risk themselves.
  • Location: Risk is significantly higher in the United States than in Asia. Studies also show that men who live north of 40 degrees latitude have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer (likely due to decreased vitamin D levels).

If you have any of these risk factors, don’t fret. The following 30 tips can help you reduce your risk of prostate cancer so you can take control of and improve your own health.

Day 2 – Visit your doctor about your prostate health.


When was the last time you got a checkup?

You should be visiting your doctor at least once a year for a physical. This ensures your doctor can catch any potential problems before they become serious.

Talk to your doctor about any risk factors for prostate cancer. If you are over 50, your doctor will likely start testing your PSA levels.

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) can help determine whether or not you are currently at risk for prostate cancer. PSA levels have been linked to the onset and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. In general, low levels mean low risk of cancer right now, but this could change. If you have high levels, your doctor will want to do a biopsy to check for cancer.

Don’t fear the doctor. They’re there to keep you healthy so you can live a long and fruitful life!

Learn more here: What Does A High PSA REALLY Mean?

Day 3 – Create a plan to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Now that you know your risk and have talked to your doctor, it’s time to create a “lifestyle change” plan. You want to start with clear objectives for your health, so you can create a course of action.

We’ve made this step easy for you! We’re giving you 30 tips and tricks to take back your health. So all you need to do is commit.

Today, we want you to come up with your intrinsic motivators to stick to this plan.

Why are you making this change?

Write: “I am changing my lifestyle because I want…”

For example, “I am changing my lifestyle because I want to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.” Or, “I am changing my lifestyle because I want to accomplish more in my business.”

Have a clear objective and goal that will keep you going.

Then, create a plan of action. What do you personally need to do to stick to these lifestyle changes?

Maybe you need to put post-it notes on your mirror. Perhaps you need to create a competition with your friends or maybe you need to have your wife watching you like a hawk.

Write down what will keep you accountable, so you can focus on meeting your long-term health goals and objectives.

With health, you’ve never actually “attained” your goal, which can be frustrating, so you need a way to stay motivated even during the tough days.

Day 4 – Talk to your partner.


If you are going to make lifestyle changes, you want your family, friends, and partner onboard with you. This keeps you motivated and dedicated, while also helping to keep you accountable—even on the days, you don’t want to stick the course.

Plus, your partner is likely also concerned about your health and wellbeing. Talk to them about your risks and doctor visit, so they feel they are on this journey with you.

Health is not something you should hide, especially from those you love. They’ll appreciate that you’re taking steps to be healthier—for yourself and for them.

Read: Does My Husband Have Prostate Cancer?

Day 5 – Clean your pantry.

Now you want to do a cleanout of your pantry so you can fill it with prostate-healthy foods.

Start by getting rid of anything processed. If its expiration date is more than 6 months from the time of purchasing, get rid of it. These sorts of packaged, processed foods contain chemicals and toxins that are known to cause cancer (carcinogens).

Whole foods are the best way to keep your organs and cells healthy. They provide legitimate nutrients that your body needs to fight off disease and cancer.

You really are what you eat—so eat good stuff!

Day 6 – Focus on plants, not meat.

I don’t believe in completely cutting meat out of your diet. However, meats—especially red meats—are high in fats. A diet of unhealthy fats has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Plus, a plant-based diet generally provides your body with a greater range of necessary nutrients, especially antioxidants (which fight free radical diseases that cause cancer).

So, stick to plants the majority of the time. When eating meat, choose lean cuts like poultry (chicken and turkey). Make sure your meats, especially beef, are grass-fed and organic to reduce the hormones going into your body.

Day 7 – Eat 2 cups of fruits and veggies.

You want to get at least 2 cups of fruits and veggies every day. These plants are full of vitamins and nutrients that can help reduce prostate cancer. They’re also low in calories and fat, so a plant-based diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Two easy ways to make sure you’re getting your fruits and veggies:

  1. Every plate should be filled with at least 70% plants.
  2. Have at least one snack of fruits or veggies per day.

Not sure how to get more fruits and veggies in your diet?

Check out N1 Performance Health–  a personalized men’s health and performance program designed to radically upgrade your health.

Day 8 – Get your tomatoes.

All fruits and veggies are good for you, but tomatoes hold a special place in the fight against prostate cancer. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which is a carotenoid that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The lycopene in tomatoes and tomato paste can help reduce the inflammation that causes cancer. Although the research still isn’t 100% proven, eating more tomatoes definitely doesn’t hurt.

Learn more: Will Lycopene Improve My Prostate Health & Fight Prostate Cancer?

Day 9 – Go for a walk.  


Physical activity is directly linked to reduced risk of cancer. In fact, frequent exercise can actually de-methylate your genes, which can help “turn off” those genes that put us at risk for cancer and tumor growth! A high BMI or weight has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, while leaner men have a lower risk.

Walking every day helps get your body moving while also releasing stress. It can also help you shed extra pounds, increase muscle mass, and boost metabolism. Just a little bit of exercise can show major results!

Day 10 – Drink wine.  

Western Europeans have lower rates of prostate cancer because of their Mediterranean diet. This diet has major cancer-fighting properties that we can learn from.

One part of this diet is red wine. The skin of red grapes have resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that’s proven to fight against the growth of cancer. Red wine has also been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Stick to one glass of red wine every day or every other day. Drinking too much can actually neutralize any beneficial effects and start to do more harm than good.

Day 11 – Cut the alcohol.  

Wait a minute… Didn’t we just say to drink wine?

Yup! But only one glass to get the necessary resveratrol. Studies show that overconsumption of alcohol may worsen your risk of cancer. Keep the consumption low to avoid hurting your genes and putting you at risk for disease.

Did you know that beer is estrogenic? That’s right, the hops in beer actually mimic estrogen in the body. This can lower your testosterone levels, which is in turn linked to increased risk of prostate cancer.

Day 12 – Eat more fish.  

Another part of the cancer-fighting Mediterranean diet is fish. Fish have omega-3 fatty acids, which are “good fats” that can keep your testosterone high while clearing out your arteries. The consumption of fish has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

The fish with the most omega-3s are sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout, and salmon. Eating a dish with these even once a week can help slow the growth of cancer cells.

Can’t stand the fishy flavor? Fish oil supplements can help you get those necessary fatty acids as well. Flaxseed is another source of omega-3s.    

Day 13 – Avoid Dairy

Some studies have shown that men who eat a lot of dairy products have the highest risk of developing prostate cancer. Although results have been varied, there are a number of studies that tell us dairy isn’t great for our bodies.

Plus, dairy is high in calcium… and high levels of calcium may actually increase prostate cancer risk. Some studies have found that consuming a lot of calcium may increase the risk and severity of prostate cancer.

So make the commitment to avoid dairy. Swap your coffee creamer for almond milk. Try out veggie cheese in your homemade omelets. It’s easier than ever to go dairy-free at home and in restaurants.

(You can treat yourself to pizza every once in a while… but only if you make an effort to avoid milk, cheese, and other dairy products on other days.)

Day 14 – Boost your vitamin D levels.   

Avoiding dairy can help lower your risk of prostate cancer… But it can also hurt your vitamin D levels. And you need strong vitamin D in order to live a healthy life. In fact, low vitamin D has been linked to aggressive prostate cancer. There is a direct relationship: the lower the vitamin D levels, the more aggressive the prostate cancer.

The best way to get your vitamin D is sunlight. Just 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight can give you your entire vitamin D dosage for the day. After 10 minutes, make sure you put sunscreen on to prevent burns or skin damage.

Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon also have vitamin D. Beef liver and foods fortified with vitamin D are also possible.

If you’re still not getting enough vitamin D, talk to your doctor about finding a healthy supplement that will work for you.

Day 15 – Stop smoking.   

Smoking impacts almost every area of your life. The toxins and chemicals found in cigarettes (and cigars) can do serious, irreversible damage to your organs and cells. Specifically, research shows that smokers have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and a greater risk of recurrence.

But studies have shown that prostate cancer patients who quit smoking for more than 10 years have the same mortality risk than those who have never smoked. So you can lower your risk of cancer and other serious diseases by quitting today.

Make the commitment!

Day 16 – Drink coffee.   

Coffee has been a medical “mystery” for some time—is it or is it not good for you? 

In terms of prostate cancer, coffee might actually be a potential help. Some research has found that every three cups of coffee you drink can help reduce the risk of fatal prostate cancer by 11%. An Italian study found that three cups of coffee every day reduced prostate cancer risk by 53% compared to drinking zero to two cups daily.

Interestingly, though, how you prepare the coffee may matter. For example, in Italy, they don’t use a filter. In a Norwegian study, men who drank boiled water (without a filter) had a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who drank coffee with a filter. This is likely because cafestol and kahweol, which are coffee’s known cancer-fighting chemicals, may get trapped in the filters while the coffee is brewing. So, drink fresh, boiled coffee if you want to see the cancer-fighting effects.

However, it’s still important to note that too much coffee has its downsides too. This can lead to seizures, heart problems, migraines, adrenal fatigue, and more. These risks are amplified if you are on any medications. So talk to your doctor about how to monitor your caffeine intake while reducing your risk of prostate cancer.

Day 17 – Avoid folic acid.   

Studies have looked at the link between folate and prostate cancer. While the research is not yet conclusive, some studies believe folate plays a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

Regardless, studies show that folic acid (a man-made form of folate) increases the risk of prostate cancer.

So, while folate is important, you don’t want to supplement it with folic acid in order to get your daily dose of folate. Instead, get your folate through green vegetables, beans, and orange juice.

Day 18 – Exercise at least 3 hours weekly.  

This is everyone’s favorite tip… exercise. But working out has immense benefits that you can’t ignore. From stress reduction to improved sleep to lowered cardiovascular and respiratory disease risks, exercise really is a cure-all for a number of ailments. It has even been shown to “turn off” those genes that are predisposed to cancer, leaving you with healthier genes and lower risk.

Studies especially show that working out can reduce your risk of prostate cancer. This is likely because exercise lowers inflammation, improves immune function, and raises levels of natural antioxidants—which work together to fight against cancer.

It doesn’t really matter what exercise you do—as long as you get your heart rate up. I typically recommend high-intensity interval training (HIIT) because it helps burn fat and boost testosterone fast.

Day 19 – Lower your stress.    

Stress is the modern-day plague. It is directly correlated to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even cancer. Stress has especially been linked to incidence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Stress can actually manipulate your genes in a way that makes you susceptible to disease; in reverse,  reducing stress can actually make you more immune to sickness.

Ways to lower stress include:

  •     Exercise (see “Day 16”)
  •     Meditation
  •     Yoga
  •     Breathing techniques
  •     Sex
  •     Spending time with family, friends
  •     Picking up a hobby
  •     Getting rid of the stressor
  •     Talking to a professional

Learn more about the impacts of stress here.

Day 20 – Get your zinc.    

Zinc is found in all of our body’s organs and fluids, but it has an especially high concentration in the prostate tissue. This has led researchers to look at the impact of zinc levels on prostate diseases and cancer. There have been conflicting results, and often they come down to the conclusion: we’re still not sure.

So, while the question is up in the air, there’s one thing that we can be sure of: we need zinc. It’s necessary for all of our organs’ functions, and low zinc can be detrimental to health. Zinc plays an especially critical role in sexual health.

But there’s something else we know: zinc supplementation could very well increase prostate cancer risk. Studies show that zinc vitamins contain chemicals that could be linked to cancer.

So you want to get your zinc, but you want to get it naturally through the foods you eat. Oysters are especially high in zinc, as are other types of seafood like crabs and lobster. You can also get zinc in poultry, red meat, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Day 21 – Throw out your multivitamins.    

While we’re on the subject of supplementation, it’s time to get rid of those one-a-day multivitamins. Multivitamins are chock full of vitamins—or so they claim. They actually contain a lot of chemical derivatives that look like vitamins, but your body can’t fully absorb them. You end up wasting your money while potentially adding more toxins to your body.

Studies have even looked at the impact of multivitamins and prostate cancer specifically. One study found that men who took multivitamins were 32% more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer and 98% more likely to die from the disease.

While the relationship is still unclear, it’s best to avoid multivitamins. Instead, focus on getting a well-rounded diet. If you need additional supplementation, take individual organic vitamins for each need, as opposed to “catch-all” multivitamins.

Day 22 – Get your isoflavones.    


Studies show that isoflavones may play a protective role against the development of prostate cancer. This is likely because isoflavones may fight off carcinogens, especially in the tissues of the body (like the prostate tissue).

You can find isoflavone concentrations in:

  •     Tofu (soybeans)
  •     Chickpeas
  •     Lentils
  •     Alfalfa sprouts
  •     Peanuts
  •     Green tea

Green tea is especially full of antioxidants that can help fight off prostate cancer. Add a few more isoflavones to your salads or meat dishes to get those protective effects!

Check out N1 Performance Health–  a personalized men’s health and performance program designed to radically upgrade your health.

Day 23 – Focus on healthy fats.     

You can prevent prostate cancer through diet—especially if you eat a lot of healthy fats. This might be because a diet high in healthy fats helps boost testosterone production, and high testosterone levels are linked to lower risk of prostate cancer.

Focus on plant-based fats as opposed to animal fats. This gives you a strong testosterone base without increasing your risk of prostate cancer (like animal fats might).

Add these healthy fats to your diet to start seeing optimal sexual health:

  •     Olive oil
  •     Avocado
  •     Dark chocolate
  •     Eggs
  •     Fatty fish (trout, salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring)
  •     Nuts
  •     Chia seeds
  •     Coconut oil
  •     Yogurt

Day 24 – Have sex.     


Sex is one of my favorite prescriptions— not only because it’s fun, but it’s also good for you. Sex is a great form of exercise and it reduces stress while improving sleep quality. Plus, studies show that men who ejaculate more frequently have a lower risk of prostate cancer.

That’s right—sex may help protect against prostate cancer. One study found that men who ejaculated (sex and masturbation included) 21 or more times a month had a 33% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men who only report four to seven ejaculations per month. Other studies have reiterated similar findings.

The reason for this link is unclear, but it may have to do with “emptying” the prostate of any harmful substances and chemicals. Think of ejaculation as a prostate cleanse.

So go get busy! Tell your partner it’s necessary for your health.

Day 25 – Add spices to your diet.

Researchers at the Center for Holistic Urology in NYC recently discovered that herbs and spices may be able to fight against prostate cancer. They blended together ginger, oregano, rosemary, and green tea, and they found that it actually reduced prostate-cancer cell growth by 78%.

While you can purchase these blends, you can also just add more of these prostate-happy herbs to your diet. These spices are healthy and delicious additions to your diet that can help improve your overall health:

  •     Ginger
  •     Turmeric
  •     Cayenne
  •     Garlic
  •     Saffron
  •     Black cumin
  •     Black pepper

Day 26 – Know the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.     


The best way to prevent aggressive or fatal prostate cancer is to catch it early. Unfortunately, there often aren’t signs of prostate cancer that can instantly clue you into your health. The only real way to diagnose prostate cancer is a PSA test and biopsy with your doctor.

Nevertheless, there are some ways to keep an eye out for changes in your body that could indicate prostate cancer. Potential symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  •     Pain while urinating
  •     Difficulty stopping or starting urine stream
  •     Increase in urination frequency
  •     Diminished urinary stream
  •     A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
  •     Blood in urine
  •     Painful ejaculation
  •     Blood in semen

If you’re frequently getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, you might want to talk to your doctor about a PSA test. Learn more about how to spot prostate cancer early here.

Day 27 – Control your genes.

Did you know that you have control over your genetic expression? Certain lifestyle choices can actually put you at risk for cancer—while others can minimize your risk!

It can often feel challenging to control our health. We have some semblance of control at work, in our relationships, and over our personality—but health often feels out of our control.

But this is proven incorrect. You can fight your genetics. You do have control over your health. Your body is yours!  

Click to learn more about the role between your genes and cancer—and what you can do about it.

Day 28 – Retire today.    

Yes, I’m telling you to retire today! But not actually…

We all have a “work to retire” or “work for the weekend” mindset. But this is actually stressing you out more, which could be increasing your risk for cancer.

Plus, studies show that retirement can actually kill us. The moment you stop working, your body starts to deteriorate, especially if you retire at a young age.

So, I’m telling you to retire today, meaning you need to find something that you’re going to love doing every day so you aren’t wishing and hoping for retirement. This might mean a new career path, a new company, or a new hobby. You want to find something that will make you passionate and excited every day—not dreading life “until” retirement.

Whatever you’ve always wanted to do when you retire—start doing it now instead. This will make you less stressed, happier, and less likely to go into “retirement” at a young age.

Stay youthful and stay vibrant…starting right now!

Day 29 – Don’t freak out (it’s treatable).     

The best thing you can do for your health is to take care of it—not worry about it. The more you obsess, the more you make it a reality. Instead, obsess about living a healthy life—not about preventing cancer.

Best yet, prostate cancer is curable, especially when detected and treated early. In fact, more than 90% of prostate cancers are detected early enough for cure. The 5-year survival rate in the U.S. is 99%. If diagnosed, you can and will survive!

That means you don’t need to freak out about a prostate cancer diagnosis. This just means you need to keep up with your lifestyle changes and visit your doctor regularly so you can keep tabs on anything going on with your health.

Day 30 – Follow the course.  

This is a lot to keep track of. You have 30 tips and tricks to help lower risk of prostate cancer and keep your health strong.

So how do you stick to it?

Most of us aren’t disciplined enough to do it alone. We keep up with something for a week or so, and then these “habits” quickly fall to the wayside (like all of our other diets and fads).

To make these lifestyle changes that will show long-term results, you need accountability.

You need someone watching to make sure you follow through on your promises.

We are that someone – the Gapin Institute for Men’s Health and Performance.

With G1 Performance Health,  we’ll give you in-depth info about how to take control of your sexual and overall health. You’ll get a genetic-based report and analysis, along with a private consultation to set you on the right track.

Don’t do it alone. Our individually tailored-coaching will give you step-by-step instructions to make these lifestyle changes stick.

Follow my course and you’ll see major results, guaranteed.

Let’s get started!

Schedule a Call

**************************

What Does A High PSA REALLY Mean?


PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is often thought of as an immediate signal of prostate cancer—but is it really? Doctors have discovered that a high PSA level does not necessarily correlate to prostate cancer. There could be other health and lifestyle factors impacting your PSA test results.

What do PSA levels mean and what could cause an elevated level that isn’t prostate cancer?

What is PSA?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate cells. The PSA test is used as a simple blood test to screen for prostate cancer. It’s also used to monitor men who have previously undergone prostate cancer treatment to reevaluate where they stand.

At your yearly checkup after age 50, your doctor will likely run a PSA test in your blood panel. PSA is generally reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL). Often, a PSA test will be performed in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to test for potential prostate cancer.


There seems to be a link between PSA level and incidence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. However, there are still small amounts of PSA found in the blood of healthy men, and doctors don’t yet have evidence of what a “normal” PSA looks like.

If you have “high” PSA levels, your doctor may want to do a biopsy to check for cancer. However, elevated or rising PSA doesn’t necessarily mean prostate cancer—as we’ll explore further below.

Read: Does My Husband Have Prostate Cancer?

What is considered a “high” PSA level?

The average PSA level that is a “cause of possible concern” is above 3 ng/mL. Some studies have shown that biopsy-detected prostate cancer is “not rare” in men with PSA levels over 4.0 ng/mL. For younger men, PSA levels should be much lower.

However, an elevated PSA doesn’t automatically mean you have prostate cancer. In fact, 13% of men over 55 have a PSA level of greater than 4 ng/mL without necessarily having prostate cancer.

One study wanted to better understand what a “normal” PSA looks like. Researchers followed 4,383 healthy men for 28 years. They found the 10-year absolute risk for developing prostate cancer was 11-22% for men with PSA of 4.01-10.0 ng/mL and 37-79% for those with PSA of greater than 10.0 ng/mL.

In this case, 10.0 ng/mL seems to be the significant point at which PSA could prove a higher incidence of prostate cancer.

This study insinuated that PSA level is directly correlated to prostate cancer risk, especially at a higher PSA.

But does this always hold true?

This link between PSA and prostate cancer is good to keep in mind as you follow your health. Knowing that there’s a correlation between PSA and prostate cancer risk, aggression, and mortality rates can help you catch possible cancer while it’s small and less aggressive.

More importantly than even the PSA level is the PSA velocity. Your PSA levels shouldn’t rise more than 0.5 year to year. If so, this could indicate a change in the prostate—like prostate cancer.

Does PSA cause prostate cancer?

PSA doesn’t cause prostate cancer. PSA is simply a protein made in the prostate.

However, PSA could be a result of prostate cancer. Cancer might cause the prostate to create this protein at a higher rate, leading to higher PSA levels.

But cancer is not the only thing that causes the prostate to make this protein, thus raising PSA levels. Also, cancer doesn’t necessarily boost PSA levels.

This means that PSA and prostate cancer are not causal. Although prostate cancer and PSA are linked, there could be other factors going on that we don’t yet understand.

It’s important to note the difference between correlation and causality here because an elevated PSA does not always mean prostate cancer and prostate cancer will not always result in increased prostate levels.

Your PSA test can result in a false positive or a false negative.

A “high” PSA test is a good cancer warning sign, but it is not a death sentence.

So what other factors can cause an elevated PSA and what can you do about it?

What are the reasons for an elevated PSA?

There are only three reasons for an elevated PSA: BPH, prostate infection, or cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common causes of an elevated PSA level. BPH is an enlarged prostate, and it’s a common concern for older men. This prostate enlargement causes the prostate to make more protein cells and raise PSA levels. There is no proven link between BPH and prostate cancer.

Learn more about BPH here.

Prostatitis, an infection in the prostate, can cause the prostate to create more PSA to help fight off the bad bacteria. Prostate infection also often leads to prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland (similar to BPH).

Prostatitis is a common problem, especially for men under age 50. It is generally from an infection or bacteria that irritate the prostate. Symptoms include pain with urination, fever, pressure in rectum, difficulties ejaculating, and change in sexual function. Thankfully, prostatitis is usually treated with a round of antibiotics.

Read: Prostate Health Foods For Men – Add These 3 To Your Diet

And then there’s prostate cancer.

There may be other “influencers,” like trauma or medications, but these don’t typically raise the PSA enough to influence testing.

How do you know if it’s BPH, prostate infection, or cancer?

First, your doctor will try to figure out if you have BPH or a prostate infection. You can diagnose these much easier than prostate cancer. For example, you can usually tell from blood or a urine sample if there’s an infection in the system.

However, it’s not always easy to diagnose BPH. You could show up clean as a whistle with no sign of infection, and your doctor may not be able to determine if it’s BPH or cancer.

That’s when additional testing may be necessary.

Thankfully, “additional testing” isn’t as scary as it used to be. Learn more about our updated prostate cancer screening methods here.

Do I need a PSA test?


The PSA test won’t tell you why your levels are increased. Thus, a lot of men get unnecessarily worried or stressed after a “high” PSA result. A high PSA often calls for a biopsy, which can have unpleasant side effects.

To avoid this, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) used to recommend against testing for PSA in healthy men. (“Healthy” men are those with no known risks, symptoms, or family history of prostate cancer.)  
However, the USPSTF made a few changes to this position in 2017. The new USPSTF screening draft encourages doctors to discuss the benefits and harms of the PSA test to allow men to determine whether or not they would like to include it in their workup.

If you are above 50, I recommend a PSA test on a yearly basis. I discuss with my patients how an elevated PSA does not necessarily mean cancer and there is no need to worry. Nevertheless, it can be a useful means of potential detection in the early stages of prostate cancer.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Testing your PSA levels is an ounce of prevention that can help stop prostate cancer in its tracks.

If you have an elevated PSA level, follow-up with a doctor but do not assume you have cancer.

When do I need a PSA test?

I recommend a PSA test for all men over age 50 at your yearly checkup. It’s a simple, minimally invasive blood test just like your other screenings.  

You should also get your PSA levels tested if you show any symptoms of prostate cancer:

However, it’s important to note that a lot of the symptoms of prostate cancer are also symptoms of BPH, urinary tract infection, or prostatitis.

If you’re showing the above symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor—but it’s not time to stress.

Did you know you can reduce your risk of prostate cancer with lifestyle changes and diet?

Bottom line

The PSA test is not 100% accurate in its ability to predict risk or aggression of prostate cancer. It can be a sign of infection or BPH, and it’s no use worrying about—yet.

Nevertheless, a PSA test is a harmless way to get an idea of where your sexual health stands. Don’t be afraid of a PSA test…and don’t be afraid of the results.

If you want support with a recent PSA result, check out our Male 90X program to learn how to handle stress and change your lifestyle for ultimate health and wellness!

It’s time to take control of your physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t wait to live— GET MALE 90X today!

 

Want more tips to optimize your health and testosterone?

Listen to the latest podcasts. Click HERE

 

Tracy Gapin, MD, FACS – Board Certified Urologist in Sarasota, Men’s Health Optimization Expert and Medical Director of Sarasota Apeiron Center for Human Potential. Founder of www.SmartMensHealth.com    

 

Can You Prevent Prostate Cancer thru Diet?


Spoiler Alert: You CAN help prevent prostate cancer thru diet.

What do you think of when you think of wanting to live a healthy life? Let’s be honest, most men think of fitness related to physique as the primary focus, maybe even fitness to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes. Both physique and avoidance of chronic disease are a great to focus on, but it is also important for men to focus on prostate health as well.

The risk of prostate cancer…

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer among men in the United States. Shocking right? It’s not talked about nearly as much as some of the other cancers. If you are like most men, you want to avoid prostate cancer by whatever means possible. Luckily there are some really simple steps you can take to decrease your risk, one of the most important steps is changing your diet.

You can prevent prostate cancer thru diet.

Here are the key dietary factors known to affect the risk of developing prostate cancer:

Low-fat diet: Some studies have found men who had higher daily animal fat intake had an increased risk of prostate cancer. In studies that looked at fat consumption and prostate cancer risk, animal fats were more likely to be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer than plant-based fats.

Fruits and vegetables: These are full of vitamins and nutrients that are thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, though research hasn’t proved that any particular nutrient is guaranteed to reduce your risk. Cruciferous vegetables have unique antioxidant properties that enable them to counteract some of the damage caused by carcinogens. Eating more fruits and vegetables also tends to make you have less room for other foods, such as high-fat foods.

Fat: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fatty acid that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Avoid trans fatty acids, though, which are known to promote cancer growth. These are commonly found in butter and many processed and fried foods.

Dairy: A number of studies have found that men who ate the most dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt on a daily basis had the highest risk of prostate cancer. The risk associated with dairy products is thought to be small.

Overcooking meat: Overcooking meat produces carcinogens called heterocyclic amines that have been shown to cause prostate cancer in animal studies. In addition, charbroiling red meat or chicken with its skin intact produces another set of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Research has suggested that intake of these charred meat carcinogens triggers mutations in prostate cell DNA, which leads to a chronic inflammatory response in the prostate. This combination of mutations and inflammation appear to be a key to the development of prostate cancer. Steaming or baking meats and avoiding overcooking meat can significantly reduce the amount of carcinogens produced.

Sugar: Several animal studies suggest that cutting simple sugar and carbohydrate intake may slow prostate cancer growth. Excess sugar intake is further linked to
prostate cancer growth through increased insulin levels. Insulin resistance has been found to reduce levels of important proteins that stimulate prostate cancer cell death.

Selenium and Vitamin E: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) evaluated whether taking vitamin E and selenium prevented the development of prostate cancer. The study showed that taking selenium alone or with vitamin E did not decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

Lycopene: Several animal studies have demonstrated that lycopenes, found mostly in tomatoes, may reduce prostate tumor growth. Some human studies have shown that a diet high in lycopene may be linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer, but other studies have not. It has not been proven that taking lycopene supplements slows the development or progression of prostate cancer.

Gluten-free diet: This diet is typically recommended for patients with celiac disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. By reducing inflammation, this diet may have a role in cancer prevention as well. Foods with no gluten include all fruits, vegetable, meat, fish, and eggs.

Multivitamins: Regular use of multivitamins has not been proven to increase the risk of early or localized prostate cancer.

To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, men should focus on foods rich in antioxidants and low in pro-inflammatory and carcinogenic substances. Powerful anti-cancer nutrients are found in colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, leafy green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. Choose green tea, soy, fish, and foods low in calories and fat. The Mediterranean diet, which is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, olive oil, and fish, is heart-healthy and may be very beneficial for prostate cancer prevention. If oil is needed, choose olive oil, which is very healthy and rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Avocado oil is also good. Avoid oils high in polyunsaturated fats such as corn, canola, or soybean.

Missing your Sunday steak night getting you down?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to change everything at once. Start with once or twice a week, switch out your regular lunch or dinner for a salad with lean healthy protein. This way you get a pile of veggies in one sitting. Bonus points if you nix the iceberg lettuce in favor of kale, spinach, or spring mix.

Additional swaps you can make…
  • Swap out processed foods for whole foods. A good example is eating a whole orange instead of drinking orange juice.
  • Use healthy oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil instead of margarine or butter.
  • Drink more water. Slowly begin to replace soda and other flavored drinks with good ‘ol fashioned water.

Want healthy swaps you can make to help prevent prostate cancer thru diet?

Sign up for an G1 Performance Program Discovery call! Sign up now and take the first step in achieving your maximum potential today.

5 Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Prostate


A healthy prostate is incredibly important for men, especially if you want to keep living your current lifestyle without having to spend a significant chunk of your day at a urinal.

Luckily, there are simple ways that you can support the health of your prostate. By making some simple changes to your lifestyle, including exercising and taking the right supplements, you can keep your prostate healthy.

Diet can play a big part, too. Some foods can have a greater impact than others. I’ve put together a list of the foods that you should avoid if you want to keep your prostate healthy.

1. Red meat and processed meat


Sorry, guys, but eating lots of red meat can have a big, detrimental effect on your prostate health. First and foremost, men who eat a lot of red meat are at a higher risk of developing cancer, including prostate cancer. Don’t worry, it’s possible to stop eating meat or eat a whole lot less and still be happy!

The Health Professionals Follow-Up Study showed that men who eat more red meat have a higher chance of developing metastatic prostate cancer.

It’s also thought that cooking red meat can produce compounds that may cause prostate cancer. Red meat looks red because it has a lot of hemoglobin and its close cousin found in muscle, myoglobin.

When you cook red meat, hemoglobin and myoglobin are broken down into compounds that can potentially cause oxidative damage. Those compounds can circulate throughout your body when you eat them, damaging your cells and tissues.

And, if you overcook or sear the meat, as in grilling or broiling it, you’re producing even more carcinogenic compounds.

Eating red meat can also alter the levels of certain growth factors in your body, increasing your cancer risk. Additionally, red meat tends to be very high in fat, and a high-fat diet has been shown to alter testosterone production, which has also been shown to increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. 

2. Sugar

Sugar tastes great, but it’s not great for your body.

Eating a lot of sugar creates inflammation in your body, including in your prostate. That inflammation can lead to prostatitis, which causes urinary symptoms like trouble going, as well as pelvic pain.

Inflammation can also cause prostate enlargement, leading to the constant feeling of “having to go” all the time, slow emptying of the bladder, and other BPH symptoms. There’s a strong connection between inflammation and BPH, so do what you can to reduce inflammation in your body.

High sugar intake also leads to high insulin levels and metabolic syndrome, which can increase your risk of cancer.

High insulin levels, caused by eating lots of sugar, causes the body and specifically the liver to produce more of a compound called IGF-1. It’s thought that excess IGF-1 contributes to the development of prostate cancer.

Other studies have shown that high insulin resistance (caused by a high-sugar diet) is strongly associated with prostate cancer risk. And, the general inflammation caused by eating lots of sugar can certainly contribute to prostate cancer as well.

So, to keep your entire body healthy, including your prostate, limit the amount of refined sugar and processed carbs you eat.

Don’t shy away from fruit because you think it has a lot of sugar. Fruit also contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other compounds that can reduce your cancer risk and keep you healthy.

3. Dairy


Unfortunately for any dairy lovers out there, there’s a strong link between diets that are high in dairy and prostate cancer.

The Health Professionals Follow-Up Study found an association between dairy and metastatic prostate cancer; men who ate lots of dairy had a two-fold greater chance of developing aggressive prostate cancer relative to men who ate very little dairy.

Dairy products often contain a lot of steroid hormones, which can really up your prostate cancer risk. If you absolutely can’t bring yourself to give up all dairy, try to only eat organic dairy, and try to limit the dairy that you do eat.

There are no added hormones in organic milk.  Also try to make any dairy you eat nonfat or low-fat, which are also better for your prostate.

4. Eggs


Including more eggs in your diet may also increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.

A 2011 study out of Harvard and UCSF found that men who ate an average of 2.5 or more eggs were much more likely to develop lethal prostate cancer than men who ate half an egg or less a week.

A 2010 study by the same authors also found that when men ate more eggs, their prostate cancer was more likely to advance and become more aggressive.

Eggs are high in cholesterol and choline, which is why the study hypothesized that those compounds might be involved in increasing the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

5. Alcohol


As much as you love your glass of wine with dinner, or a beer while watching sports, consider your health first. And consider giving it up if you really want to take care of your prostate.

For example, the Harvard Alumni Health Study found that men who drank moderate amounts of liquor had a 61-67% higher risk of developing prostate cancer. They didn’t see the same effect in beer or wine drinkers, though.

The Harvard Alumni Health Study is one of many studies that show similar results.

In fact, reviews of multiple studies show that the more you drink, the higher your prostate cancer risk. And, there’s a stronger association between liquor and prostate cancer than wine or beer. But, the results of some studies are mixed, and some even suggest that drinking more wine might actually help protect you from prostate cancer.

If you don’t want to give up alcohol completely, try keeping it to just a drink or two a week. This will help to lower your risk of many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. And, you might consider switching up what you drink if you’re a liquor drinker.

If you really want a drink, consider swapping out your bourbon or gin and tonic for a glass of wine. You may have a healthier prostate if you do.

Maintain a healthy prostate

Curious to learn more ways that you can support prostate health and reduce your prostate cancer risk?  Sign up for The Male 90X Consult now.

This genetic-based report and private consultation will help you make simple lifestyle changes to lower your risk of prostate cancer. 

Testosterone and Prostate Cancer – What You Should Know


What is the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer? Does testosterone stimulate the growth of prostate cancer? Let’s answer the many questions surrounding the association between men’s hormones and prostate cancer.

Starting with probably the single most common question that has been weighing on the minds of many scientists and medical professionals for decades:

Do high levels of testosterone cause prostate cancer?

In 2017, the answer most consistent within the medical and scientific field was, no.

Of course, within medicine, there are no real definites. However, after years of studies, recent analyses would suggest that raised levels of testosterone are likely not associated with prostate cancer.

The 2015 Therapeutic Advances in Urology analysis of multiple studies concluded, “there remains no clear association with higher testosterone and the development of severity of prostate cancer.” Another 2015 meta-analysis by the American Urological Association Annual Meeting concluded that there is no link between testosterone—both natural and prescription— and prostate cancer or PSA (prostate-specific antigen.)

Please note that it is still best to consult with a doctor in order to prevent and fight prostate cancer in a way that is most applicable to your situation.  As the Journal of Urology discussed in their review, the risk of high T and prostate cancer is not zero, so it should still be considered in certain cases.

Although raised T may not cause prostate cancer, there may still be some link between the two. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age; proportionally, testosterone levels decline with age. Is this correlated?

Do low testosterone levels cause prostate cancer?

Not necessarily. Although it may seem that way on the surface, there’s a missing link in this puzzle. As men age, the risk of prostate cancer increases and testosterone decreases… but something else hormonal also happens. Estrogen increases.

For years, scientists have linked prostate cancer with male hormones, otherwise known as androgens. They knew that men had estrogen, but they never considered that it played a role in male sexual cancers.

Back in the 1930s and 1940s, scientists understood that high levels of estrogen could influence the formation of the male reproductive system—both as a fetus and in developing years. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that scientists recognized the true role that estrogen played in male reproductive health.

In fact, men produce estrogen in sizable quantities in both the testes and brain. Estrogen plays a major role in adult testicular function by stimulating certain cells that release hormones and boost the quality of the sperm. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology concluded that estrogen is vital to healthy male fertility.

High estrogen levels

Although estrogen is an important part of male sexual health, high levels of estrogen have proven to lead to major health issues.


High levels of estradiol (male biologically-active estrogen) may cause:

  •     Low libido
  •     Risk of heart attack and coronary disease
  •     Weight gain
  •     Infertility
  •     Risk of hypertension and diabetes
  •     Arthritis
  •     Risk of stroke

Furthermore, increased estrogen production can block testosterone production. The enzyme aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, which can create a hormone imbalance that’s a recipe for disaster. Low testosterone, in turn, is at the core of a number of health problems in aging men:

Notice how many symptoms overlap between high estrogen and low testosterone?

So one day, someone decided to put this together. A high estrogen level causes problems in the body, including infertility and weight gain. A low level of testosterone—which is also associated to male sexual health issues—is linked to increased estrogen due to blocked T production.

So, is this hormonal imbalance influencing the prostate?

Or even further…

Can estrogen cause prostate cancer?

Some recent studies say yes, and others say no. One study says yes and no!

Research presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2010 found something especially interesting. Kosti with Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that one type of estrogen metabolite, 4-OHE1, appeared to be more abundant in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Thus, this suggests that this form of estrogen could cause prostate cancer.

But there was another finding that confused researchers even more…

There are certain estrogen metabolites (16-KE2 and 17-epiE3) known to be “harmful estrogens” in breast cancer—meaning they are found at extraordinarily high levels in patients with breast cancer. These same estrogen metabolites were found in high amounts in men without prostate cancer and low amounts in men with prostate cancer.

This suggests that those particular types of breast-cancer-causing estrogens “may have a protective role against prostate cancer development.”

That’s right. Some estrogen types may be linked to prostate cancer, while others (the ones linked to breast cancer) may actually help fight prostate cancer.

What’s a guy to do?

Generally, you never want your estradiol or estrogen to be higher than your testosterone. In males, testosterone levels should always be higher in order to properly maintain sexual and overall wellbeing.

But there’s still one question left unanswered. If some estrogen forms can help fight prostate cancer, can T play a role in inhibiting prostate cancer?

Can high T help fight or prevent prostate cancer?

A study by European Urology found that some men diagnosed with cancer did not have a progression of disease when taking testosterone therapy. This suggests that testosterone could help prevent prostate cancer from developing further. Because of this success, the study concluded, “it appears reasonable to offer testosterone therapy in selected individuals with a history of prostate cancer.”

Because of this success, the study concluded, “it appears reasonable to offer testosterone therapy in selected individuals with a history of prostate cancer.”


Another study in the Journal of Urology found that testosterone therapy following radiation therapy had a low rate of recurrence. This again suggests prostate cancer prevention rather than treatment.

High testosterone is not linked to prostate cancer, and low testosterone may not be either. As for preventing prostate cancer before it hits, again the jury’s out.

So what can we gather from all this? Let’s tie it up in a pretty package.

Bottom line

The relationship between hormones and prostate cancer is still widely unknown. Hundreds of studies have come back with different conclusions, likely due to scientific variables.

However, our general conclusions are:

  • High testosterone likely does not cause prostate cancer.
  • There is no proven link between low testosterone and prostate cancer.
  • High testosterone may prevent prostate cancer recurrence.
  • There may be a link between some forms of estrogen and prostate cancer. (On the flip side, some forms of breast-cancer-causing estrogen may prevent prostate cancer.)

Despite these conclusions, one thing is for certain. It definitely doesn’t hurt to keep a healthy balance of hormones. For males, this usually means having slightly higher levels of testosterone than estrogen. This will help maintain prostate health, sex drive, weight, blood sugar levels, coronary strength, and more. Even consider your foods that lower testosterone.

Discuss hormone levels and prostate cancer screenings with your doctor to be sure you’re in a healthy range. Make the choice now to lower your risk of prostate cancer with The Male 90X Consult  a genetic-based report and private consultation that will give you the insight you need for a total body transformation to achieve your maximum potential!

Can We Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk Through Lifestyle Change?


Cancer prevention is an important aspect of our daily lives. For men, the most prevalent cancer diagnosed is prostate cancer. Finding ways to prevent or reduce one’s risk of developing prostate cancer is a high priority.

Exercise

The evidence is mounting that inflammation and oxidation play key roles in the development of prostate cancer. Research suggests that regular exercise may be one of the best natural antioxidants.

Exercise causes many changes in the body that help reduce circulating levels of reactive oxygen inflammation. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology evaluated the effects of exercise in prostate cancer patients. Men with at least 3 hours per week of vigorous activity had 49% reduced overall mortality and 61% reduced prostate cancer mortality compared. This was compared to men with less than 1 hour per week of vigorous activity.

A recent Swedish study supported these findings, concluding that both aerobic exercise and resistance training clearly improve overall and prostate cancer-specific survival.

Sex

A 2004 study from the NIH initially suggested frequent sexual activity might reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

This was further supported by a recent review of 32,000 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who were followed for 18 years. Prostate cancer risk was 20% lower in men with more frequent sexual activity. According to the study lead author, Jennifer Rider, “Safe sexual activity could be good for prostate health.”

Medications – Proscar and Avodart

Proscar and Avodart are prescriptions that are used to “shrink” the prostate by lowering the number of male sex hormones. The drugs block the enzyme that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone(DHT), a much more potent hormone.

Higher than normal levels of DHT may also play a part in developing prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) studied whether finasteride (Proscar) reduced the incidence of prostate cancer. The trial found fewer prostate cancers in the men who took finasteride compared with the men who did not. However, the men who took finasteride and developed prostate cancer had more aggressive tumors. The number of deaths from prostate cancer was the same in both groups.

The Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events Trial (REDUCE) studied whether the drug dutasteride (Avodart) reduced the risk of prostate cancer. This study again showed there were fewer prostate cancers in men who took dutasteride compared with the men who did not. Overall, the number of aggressive prostate cancers were not significantly reduced.

Statins

There has been tremendous interest in the effects cholesterol-reducing medications have on the development of prostate cancer. There have been at least 18 trials to date, several of which have found a reduced risk of cancer recurrence after both surgery and radiation therapy. This suggests that statins may slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Research is ongoing to determine if statins may actually reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

Metformin

Metformin is a prescription medication used primarily to manage diabetes. It is also known to have a protective effect on the progression of prostate cancer. A recent study of nearly 4,000 diabetic men found that those taking metformin, when diagnosed with prostate cancer, were less likely to die from cancer or other causes compared to men using other diabetes drugs.

Prior research focused on whether metformin might reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer has been negative. More studies are currently underway.

Aspirin

There has been extensive research looking at the relative effect of aspirin on the incidence of prostate cancer. While many of the studies demonstrated a protective effect, others did not. The jury is still out on aspirin.

Regardless of one’s diet or lifestyle, knowledge is one of the best ways to reduce prostate cancer risk. By staying informed on the latest research regarding prostate cancer prevention, men can make small changes that can lead to big improvements. Start today by signing up for a Male 90 X consult, a genetic-based report and private consultation that will give you the insight you need to achieve your maximum potential!