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Preventing Prostate Cancer
To date, no evidence proves that prostate cancer can be prevented. However, you may be able to lower your risk.
A low-fat diet that consists primarily of vegetables, fruits, and grains may help reduce your risk for prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting high-fat foods from animal sources. Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Healthy food choices also include bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and beans.
Substances in foods, especially fruits and vegetables, called antioxidants help prevent damage to the DNA in the body's cells. Such damage has been linked to disease, including cancer. Lycopenes, in particular, are antioxidants that have been linked to lower risk of prostate cancer. They are in foods such as tomatoes (raw or cooked), spinach, artichoke hearts, beans, berries (especially blueberries), pink grapefruit and oranges, and watermelons. Read more about antioxidant-rich vegetables and beans and fruits.
In some hospitals, clinical trials are underway to look at various "chemoprevention" protocols designed to lower the prostate cancer risk. So far, it's too soon to know if there are any new ways to prevent prostate cancer.
Using vitamin supplements may affect your risk of prostate cancer. Some studies show that taking vitamin E may lower your risk of prostate cancer whereas other studies show no effect on cancer risk. Taking selenium may also lower your risk. There is currently a large ongoing study to evaluate if either of these supplements can provide protection from prostate cancer.
Before taking any supplements it is advisable to first talk with your doctor. In some hospitals, clinical trials are underway to look at various "chemoprevention" protocols designed to lower the prostate cancer risk. So far, it's too soon to know if there are any new ways to prevent prostate cancer.
Studies of men taking the drug Proscar have shown they were about 25% less likely to develop prostate cancer when compared to those taking a placebo. Proscar is currently used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Results of these findings revealed that taking Proscar was associated with an increased risk of sexual side effects and prostate cancers that had a tendency to be more aggressive (higher grade). At this time, it is not certain if it is beneficial to take Proscar to prevent prostate cancer.
Screening Guidelines
Not all medical institutions and advocacy groups agree on when men should be screened (routinely tested) for prostate cancer. But, as is the case with most other types of cancer, early detection often means more treatment options are available and less extensive treatment is necessary.
General Recommendations:
- Annual digital rectal exams beginning at age 40.
- PSA testing Beginning at age 50 followed by testing every other year.
- Annual digital rectal exams and PSA testing beginning at age 40 for black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Prostate Cancer Guide
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
