What steps can you take in preventing prostate cancer? If you drink, smoke or have a poor diet, a lifestyle overhaul may be in order. Some research suggests that a diet high in fat and red meat increases risk.

High intake of fruits and vegetables may offer some protection. A high-fiber diet can help to limit how long carcinogens stay in your body. There is some interest in the likelihood that the low risk of prostate cancer in certain Asian populations may result from their high intake of soy products. However, nothing has been proven to corroborate this theory.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 40 known carcinogens and has been held accountable in 30 percent of all cancer deaths: Regular exercise is also beneficial.

When it comes to fighting prostate cancer, knowledge is power. Talk to your primary care physician if you think you are experiencing symptoms or have any questions, or seek the advice of a urologist who specializes in care and treatment of the prostate.

Exercise is important to cancer prevention (and health, in general), stresses Levine: It keeps our weight in check by boosting metabolism and burning calories and it increases circulation, resulting in better blood flow (and oxygen) delivery to cells to keep them healthy. Incorporating aerobic activity into one's life is key. Climb the stairs instead of riding the elevator from now on, take up regular brisk walking, ride a bike or join a local sports team. Even some forms of yoga--including Arnot's favorite, the Bikram method--offer substantial aerobic benefits, while helping to relieve stress.

A diet high in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and legumes provides powerful antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals. These limit damage to cells and DNA itself by neutralizing free radicals that can contribute to cancer. Cooked tomato products contain bioactive lycopene, a carotenoid that has been shown to decrease prostate cancer risk in numerous studies. Good sources of bioactive lycopene are tomato juice, tomato sauce and watermelon. The prostate-friendly carotenoid, lutein comes from green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as from egg yolks. A multivitamin containing lutein is also a good source.

Eat whole grains instead of refilled products, Levine says. Choose organic, lean meats and fish as opposed to commercial varieties that may contain environmental contaminants or antibiotics. If you do choose to eat dairy foods, choose organic and consume sparingly. Clapp also suggests cutting down on sugar, tobacco, processed foods, soda, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, while drinking plenty of spring water. Olive oil is a better choice than corn or safflower oil for cooking. Levine and Clapp agree that the verdict on whether or not soy foods decrease cancer risk is still out. The best news about the diet favored by these practitioners is that it's also a heart-healthy one.

Consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers have concluded that lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, may be responsible. Recent evidence also indicates that levels of lycopene in the prostate are at high enough concentrations to be equivalent to those that are biologically active in laboratory studies. More research is needed to clarify the role of lycopene in prostate cancer.

Last updated Nov 26/06