Do you have a beer belly? If so, you should be worried not just of possible high cholesterol or obesity, but having a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a disease that afflicts men wherein cancer cells crowd normal cells in the prostate gland, producing a milky fluid that becomes part of the semen.
A new research from the University of Oxford suggested that men with large waists and high body mass index (BMI) are more prone to dying of high-level prostate cancer and prostate cancer-related death than their counterparts. The study also suggested that as the belly fat increases, risks of getting the disease increase by more than 10 percent.
Other risk factors include waistlines bigger than 37 inches. Males with this waist circumference have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer and prostate cancer-related health risks.
Records included more than 140,000 men with the average age of 50 years. Subjects were from eight different countries. The study spanned over the course of 14 years. In this time, 7,000 cases of prostate cancer was determined, with 934 deaths.
Prostate cancer in the Philippines
Prostate cancer is the number two cancer Filipino men die from after lung cancer. In 2005, former senator Raul Roco passed away from prostate cancer. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute shared that 19.3 out of 100,000 Filipino male population have prostate cancer. With the rising number of reported incidents, the Department of Health (DOH) declared June as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Prostate cancer’s symptoms vary per individual. Symptoms may include: difficulty in urinating, weak flow of urine, frequent urination especially at night, burning sensation while urinating, bloody urine or semen, chronic pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis and painful ejaculation.
Risk factors include age (40 years and above), diet and medical history. In countries where a low-fat diet of vegetables and fish are staple, Japan for example, incidents of prostate cancer are historically low.
Early detection of prostate cancer is important for better chances of recovery. Tests used to diagnose prostate cancer include the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA). The DRE is the only test to detect abnormalities in the prostate. This is recommended for men age 40 and above. The physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape and firmness of the prostate. The PSA is substance produced by the prostate. In men with prostate cancer, these levels may be higher in the blood. PSA levels may also increase other prostate-related problems such as prostate infections and enlarged prostate. This test is recommended for men 50 years old and above.
There are many treatments options available depending on severity and need. These include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Avoid high-fat, high-calorie food to get rid of that beer belly.
Preventing prostate cancer
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for men, especially with this new study linking waist circumference to the risk of prostate cancer. While there is no exact cure to prevent prostate cancer, men can begin living out healthy practices to maintain a healthy prostate. This includes eating a balanced diet, particularly one that is low in fat. Getting regular exercise is also key to help maintaining healthy weight. Losing excess weight would also be helpful. Vices should be stopped, such as smoking and drinking. Taking sufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids can also counter toxic fat in the body. This also helps reduce prostate inflammation.
Start with that beer belly
Beer bellies can be stubborn to remove, especially in older ages when metabolism rate has dropped The fat collected around the midsection can be a result not just of too many beers, but by diets high in fat. Changing your eating habits can truly help you say goodbye to that stubborn beer belly. Commit to consuming less high-calorie fatty food. Pizza, chicken wings, burgers… these all contribute to beer belly stubbornness. Opt for lean proteins and fresh vegetables as much as possible. Fried foods, cheesy meals and red meat should be avoided as much as possible.
With your good health in mind, committing to a healthier lifestyle can be achieved. With a leaner waistline, you not only lower your risk of getting prostate cancer but of other diseases as well.