According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the number two cause of cancer death among American men. It has been estimated that 198,100 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 31,500 U.S. men will die of it in 2001. This devastating disease has touched many of us either through a loss of someone close or even a personal battle. Although genetics is certainly a risk factor that cannot be controlled, there are things that you can do to “power up” against prostate cancer, including good nutrition and regular exercise. In fact, a study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Urology found that eating a low-fat diet and getting regular exercise can slow the growth of prostate cancer by up to 30 percent. Meals low in fat may actually decrease levels of testosterone, a male sex hormone that may increase the risk of prostate cancer⁽¹⁾.

Set Your Sights on Selenium
A trace mineral, selenium is a structural element that serves as part of the body's internal defense against free radical damage. Selenium works hand in hand with vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene for antioxidant defense. Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce the frequency of lung, colon, rectal, and prostate cancer in older men followed for 6.4 years⁽²⁾. Another study that analyzed the selenium content in men’s toenails discovered that men who had higher levels of selenium had a 35 percent decreased risk of prostate cancer⁽³⁾. The 12-year Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) should provide us more information about selenium,vitamin E, and their impact on prostate cancer. This study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), involves recruitment of more than 32,000 men over the age of 55 at more than 400 study sites in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Arm Yourself With Alpha & Gamma Tocopherol
A recent federal survey indicates that 30 percent of American adults are vitamin E deficient, a condition that can raise heart disease and cancer risks, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We have known for quite some time that vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol has potent antioxidant qualities that protect against cardiovascular disease due to its ability to neutralize the oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol. While alpha-tocopherol can also help shield the body from prostate cancer, recent research suggests that gamma-tocopherol, another from of vitamin E, may be even more effective against this type of disease⁽⁴⁾.

Fortify Your Diet With Flaxseed & Fish
Studies at Duke University suggest that a low-fat diet, including flaxseed reduces the risk of prostate cancer. The study, published in the July issue of Urology, indicated that although further research needs to be done on flaxseed, it is thought that its effectiveness is due to the fiber compound called lignan that may slow tumor growth by binding to the male hormone testosterone, which is believed to contribute to the progression of prostate cancer. In addition, flaxseed also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have slowed cancer growth in animals.

A report in the medical journal Lancet, showed that men who did not eat fish during the 30-year period analyzed were two to three times more likely to get prostate cancer than those who ate fish regularly. The American Heart Association recommends two servings a week of fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, or tuna.

Eat Lycopene-Rich Foods
The carotenoid, lycopene, is a strong antioxidant that gives tomatoes, red grapefruit and watermelon their red color. Eating tomato sauce or mashed tomatoes cooked with a little olive oil may help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. A six-year study showed that European men in countries such as Greece and Italy were the most likely to eat tomato-based products and the least likely to develop prostate cancer⁽⁵⁾.

Make a decision today to protect yourself from the risk of prostate cancer. If you are 40 years of age or have family history of prostate cancer, be sure to have a prostate specific antigen or PSA test each year. This simple blood test has helped improve early detection. In addition, daily exercise and a well-balanced diet, including key vitamins and minerals, can help you gain an edge in the defense of the disease that affects millions of men each year. Take a moment to critically assess your nutritional habits and try to fill the gaps. You might also want to consider a good multivitamin and mineral supplement such as Cooper Complete^®, which contains 10 mg of lycopene.

References:
(1) Metabolism, May 2001
(2) Journal of the American Medical Association 276, no.24: December 25, 1996
(3) Journal of the National Cancer Institute, August 19, 1998
(4) Journal of the National Cancer Institute, December 20, 2000
(5) Journal of the National Cancer Institute, December 1995

Angela Marks is the Director of Operations for Cooper Concepts, Inc., a division of The Cooper Aerobics Center. Cooper Concepts, Inc. develops and markets health-related products including the Cooper Complete^® vitamins and supplements. The division is also responsible for the weekly radio show "Healthy Living Radio with Dr. Ken Cooper." Prior to her current position, she was the Project Director for the initial research study on the Cooper Complete^® multivitamin. She co-authored "Effect of Cooper Complete on Glucose Levels" published in Diabetes, 60th Scientific Sessions.

Marks received a bachelors of science degree in education with an emphasis on health promotion from Baylor University and is currently pursuing an MBA. She is also certified by the Cooper Institute as a health promotion director, a physical fitness specialist and in the biomechanics of strength training. Well versed on a variety of health and wellness topics, Marks' expertise lies in the discussion of supplementations and vitamins.