These Popular Habits May Lead to Prostate Cancer
After heart disease cancer is the next leading cause of death in the United States. Prostate cancer is the number two cause of cancer-related deaths in men. It is estimated that one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. What bad habits do we have that could lead to prostate cancer? Some bad habits increase your general cancer risk. And some bad habits relate to prostate cancer specifically. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Eating a High-Fat Diet
A diet that is high in saturated and unsaturated fats can increase your risk of prostate cancer. This results from the high-fat diet causing inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Eating a Lot of Red Meat
Eating large amounts of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. This is thought to be due to the high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol found. These cause cancer-promoting inflammation. Well done red meat contains heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These specific carcinogens found in cooked meat can lead to prostate cancer.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can damage the DNA in cells, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. This is due to the tobacco products damaging the DNA in cells and leading to cancerous growths.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Chemicals such as cadmium and pesticides have been linked specifically to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Obesity can cause prostate cancer by promoting inflammation throughout the body and by increasing the levels of hormones that can promote cancer growth. Hormones that promote prostate cancer growth insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
The Final Word From the Expert
These are six bad habits that can lead to prostate cancer. Making changes to your lifestyle and diet can help reduce your risk of developing this disease. If you have any concerns, please speak with your doctor. If you have any of these bad habits, it's important to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals can all help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer as well as other cancers. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Gethin Williams MD Ph.D. is the Medical Director of Imaging & Interventional Specialists.
