One Father’s Day, when I was 8 or 9, I remember giving my dad a gift of Brut by Faberge. I had seen the commercial and I thought he would be the coolest dad in town after splashing that on himself. I thought it was a far better choice than the super wide, multi-colored tie I gave him the year before (I know my Mom got a kick out of that one). As Father’s Day approaches this month, men all over the country are expecting ties, cologne, rounds of golf or fishing trips to be bestowed upon them. However, there is another far more valuable gift that every father can give to his family--getting a prostate exam.
One in six men will get prostate cancer, but if caught early, nearly 100% survive. Early prostate cancer has no symptoms and that's why screening is so important. The hard part is the screening. Every man over the age of 40 dreads “the talk” with the doctor as he puts on a fresh glove. The screening is actually very simple, albeit uncomfortable, and can be accomplished at your next visit with your physician. Surviving prostate cancer is greatly increased when diagnosed early and there are several steps that can be taken now to help beat the odds of developing advanced prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Education Council suggests the following five tips to accomplish this.
1. Get Screened.
The best prevention against advanced prostate cancer is early detection! Because symptoms of prostate cancer may not occur until the disease is advanced, screening is the first step. Screening includes a physical exam and a blood test. Men at high risk should be screened at thirty-five (high risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer and/or men of African American descent). All other men should begin screening at age 40. All men should undergo screening once per year.
2. Women speak up!
Women have a role in beating prostate cancer as well. As many as 60% of men screened say that their wives, girlfriends or another female encouraged them to checked.
3. Diet makes a difference.
A Harvard study showed that a diet high in dairy and fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin, increased the risk of developing prostate cancer by 80%. Studies of Asian men reveal a low incidence of prostate cancer which may be attributed to a diet higher in fermented soy food products as well as a low fat diet. Supplements and food sources rich in anti-oxidants (vitamin E and selenium) have been shown to control cell damage and may prevent prostate cancer.
4. Get active!
A healthy exercise program will increase circulation, lower stress and may decrease levels of prostate-stimulating androgens. Several studies suggest a relationship between obesity and more aggressive prostate cancer.
5. Do your homework.
The more you know and the earlier you know it, the more control you have over your outcome. Read, ask others and go on-line to educate yourself about prostate cancer.
There are plenty of websites that have information on prostate cancer, such as www.pcaawarness.net, www.fightprostatecancer.org and www.pcaw.com. If you take the time to get yourself checked out you are giving your family more time to celebrate the benefit you are as the father in their lives.