Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about ways to improve your chances of preventing or beating cancer. Previously, we talked about ovarian cancer. Today it’s the men’s turn as we discuss prostate cancer. One out of every six men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of risk factors you can influence.

Dr. Yair Lotan, an urologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, recommends eating a low-fat diet rich in antioxidant nutrients. There are preventative drugs available for men at particularly high risk. Otherwise, your best chance is early detection. Men older than 45 should have an annual physical exam and blood test. Symptoms to look out for include pain or difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and pain in the pelvis, lower back or thighs.

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