The month of November single handedly see more arguments, break-ups and divorces then any other month. Why you may ask- it’s Movember, the month responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world. The aim of Movember is to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically male cancers. In this post the Good Life gives men tips on good nutrition in prostate cancer.
The prostate is a gland that is the size of a walnut at the base of the bladder. Male reproductive cancers, like any cancers, occur as a result of unregulated and uncontrolled cell growth. In South African one man dies of prostate cancer every 4 hours. As men age, the chance of developing prostate cancer increased.
Prostate cancer is complicated as men do not always display symptoms due to the slow growing nature of prostate cancer which is not as aggressive as other cancers. Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include urinary frequency and urgency, reduced force of urination, blood in the urine, pain or burning when urinating, and persistent pain in the pelvis, lower back or upper thighs may also occur. Tests for prostate cancer are done by testing the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with treatment involving surgery and/or radiation.
Many dietary and lifestyle factors have been found to either have a protective effect against prostate cancer or be a risk factor. Risk factors for prostate cancer include lack of exercise, obesity, high fat intake (particularly saturated fat), and red meat. Below we discuss the factors that have a protective effect against prostate cancer.
Protect yourself against prostate cancer
Eat more vegetables
A good intake of fruits and vegetables is important for not only good intake of vitamins and minerals, but also for fibre. Fruits and vegetables are also high in antioxidants which have anti-cancer properties. Increase your intake of beta-carotene and lutein with these foods.
Beta-carotene carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut, mangoes, apricots, peaches, payaya, watermelon
Lutein turnip, collard and mustard greens, kale, spinach, lecture, broccoli, green peas, kiwi, parsley, coriander
Get movingMen over the age of 65 who have who exercise three or more hours per week have a reduced rate of advanced prostate cancer. It is advised for men to exercise 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week.
Add sources of lycopene to your diet
Lycopene is a carotenoid, part of a family of antioxidants. Foods rich in lycopene include tomato and tomato products and strawberries.
Lutein
Eat more omega-3 fatty acids
An increased use of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be advantageous in prostate cancer. Include omega-3 rich foods in your diet 2 to 3 times per week. Sources include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring. Alternatively if you do not eat these fish, take an omega-3 supplement daily.
Enjoy some red wine with resveratrol
The skin of red grapes contains a compound called resveratrol, a potent antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties. Sources of resveratrol include red grapes, red wine, red grape juice, and peanuts.
Eat a diet low in fat
A diet low in fat, and particularly saturated fat, is beneficial in prostate cancer.
For more on testicular and prostate cancer, follow these two links for information booklets from CANSA.
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| Click here to download this men's health poster to see which tests and procedures you should discuss with your doctor. |
A bit more on Movember
Movember is changing the face of men's health around the globe. Mo Bro's start the month with a clean-shaven face and for the rest of November (Movember), groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. They seek out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts, with the support of their Mo Sistas and at the end of the month, celebrate by hosting their own Movember party or attend one of Movember's Gala Partés held in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Having started in Australia eight years ago, Movember has grown into a global annual moustache growing campaign throughout the month of November to raise vital funds and awareness for Men's Health issues. To date, more than 1.1 million people have participated, registered and raised more than R1.2 billion worldwide.
In South Africa funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partner, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). For more information on the programs Movember is funding please visit the CANSA website. The specific objectives of the Movember campaign in partnership with CANSA are:
- To raise awareness of men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer.
- To motivate men to take action and encouraging them to know their own bodies and be aware of any changes or warning signs. Furthermore, to encourage men over the age of 50 years to go for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests.
- To motivate men to improve their lifestyles by getting active and choosing a healthier diet for themselves and their families.
- To empower men with knowledge which can change their lives drastically if they are aware of early warning signs of male cancers It is important to remember that the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome.
If you would like any further information regarding the Movember happenings in South Africa or have any news or Mo updates to share, please email info.za@movember.com.
Alternately, contact CANSA's toll free line at 0800 22 66 22 or e-mail info@cansa.org.za.
References
1. Escott-Stump, S. Nutrition and diagnosis-related care. 2008. 6th Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
2. Mahan, LK and Escott-Stump, S. Krause’s Food and Nutrition Therapy. 2008. 12th Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
3. CANSA. www.cansa.org.za. Accessed on 27 October 2011
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