After lung cancer, the prostate cancer is the second largest killer disease in the United States. So it is only natural that a number of long term studies have been dedicated to work out a way to prevent this killer disease. These researches opened up the magnitude of exciting possibilities and enabled the medical professionals to put forward certain strategies to prevent this disease from destroying your life.

Though the entire range of factors that cause prostate cancer has not been discovered yet, many of the most potential risk factors have been found out and the two most important factors-the genetics and age-can not be altered or worked upon.

Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases dramatically after the age of fifty.

Genetics: Past family history considerably increases your risk of prostate cancer.

Having these two characteristics means, you have a grater likelihood of developing prostate cancer than the people without these two characteristic. No matter whether you run these risk factors or not, by incorporating certain good lifestyle habits, you can avoid this disease altogether. Here are some areas which you should work on to prevent the disease.

Diet

You may be able to prevent prostate cancer by following a healthy diet pattern.

According to the American Cancer society recommendations, one should follow a balanced diet with an emphasis on plant based foods. The calorie intake in forms of red meats and other high fat and processed foods must be restricted if one wishes to avoid prostate cancer. The daily diet should consist five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Top them with whole grains, cereals and beans. The consumption of anti oxidant rich fruits and vegetables like pink grapes, tomatoes or watermelon are highly encouraged as these foods help prevent damage of DNA and help reduce prostate cancer risk.

This nutritional guideline is good not only for preventing prostate cancer; it may also lower the risk for some other types of cancer too.

Exercise

Although, no direct link has been established between being obese and developing prostate cancer, it has been found that obesity might affect levels of hormones that work for the development of prostate cancer. So try to follow a daily aerobic exercise regimen for 30 minutes or more.

Selenium and vitamin E

Many nutrition researches in several parts of the world have suggested that certain doses of the mineral selenium or vitamin E or the combination of the both may help to prevent prostate cancer.

After you reach certain age, consult your physician regularly on the matter of your prostate health. Also take up an annual prostate checkup in addition of maintaining a healthy lifestyle including balanced diet and exercise. A digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can detect a prostate cancer at the earliest stage and the earlier the disease is detected, the more the treatment will be effective.