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IBX Insights

5 Easy Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

By September 26, 2019July 25th, 2023Preventive Health Well-being
A man speaks with a doctor

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects one in nine men. But the good news is it’s 99 percent treatable if detected early.1 Plus, the recommendations for reducing your risk of prostate cancer are good for your overall health, too. So they’re things you should be doing anyways!

Maximize Your Chances

  • Educate yourself. By taking this short quiz, you can determine your risk of developing prostate cancer. Early detection significantly increases survival rates. Age, family history, race, diet, and lifestyle are all important risk factors.
  • Get screened. Screenings are crucial to early detection since in its earliest stages, prostate cancer is almost always symptomless. Talk to your doctor to find out if you should be screened.
  • Pay attention to what you eat. Reduce your saturated fat intake by limiting the amount of red meat and dairy you eat. Try to incorporate more fish and brightly-colored fruits and vegetables into your diet. Eating to reduce your risk of prostate cancer is beneficial to your overall health as well. This wellness guide has tips on what to eat.
  • Aim for a low-stress lifestyle. Stress is a fact of life, but there are practical ways to reduce stress. Refer to the above wellness guide for tips on ways to lead a more relaxing lifestyle.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of getting prostate cancer, along with many other cancers. If you smoke, get help quitting.

Learn More

Independence Blue Cross has partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to raise awareness about this highly preventable disease. Visit pcf.org/ibx/ for more information on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

1 pcf.org/faq_category/prostate-cancer-faqs/

 

Sarah Bishop

I’m a writer and bookworm who loves learning and writing about the latest health and wellness topics. Like a true Gemini, I’m a walking dichotomy. I like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, but I also like ice cream, fried chicken, and cheese. So, I’m always fighting the good fight. As the mom of two little girls, I strive to model healthy habits that my daughters will carry with them for life.