Mount Sinai surgeon offers tips to prevent prostate cancer

World-renowned Mount Sinai robotic prostate surgeon, Dr. David Samadi, devotes much of his time to prostate cancer education domestically and internationally. "My SMART robotic prostate removal surgery saves lives, but what men really want to know is how to prevent prostate cancer in the first place," shares Dr. Samadi.

More than 240,000 U.S. men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, most often through the PSA test, not symptoms. Robotic prostate removal surgery, such as the Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique (SMART) is a highly effective prostate cancer treatment. But what about prevention?

Prostate Cancer Prevention "Prevention is really the place to start," says Dr. Samadi. "We don't yet have a prostate cancer vaccine, but there are proven anti-prostate cancer strategies."

1. Eat EverythingWell nearly, everything. Healthy diets don't have to be boring. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are found in coffee, green tea, flaxseeds, soy, fish, broccoli, leafy greens, and pomegranate juice, to name a few. Limiting red meat, eggs, cold cuts, milk, and sugary foods can help. "It's all about moderation," reassures Dr. Samadi.
   
   Put it to work:Start with favorites like pasta marinara and red wine. Lycopene in tomatoes, sulfur in garlic, and resveratrol in red grapes all fight the fight. Even the oregano on your pizza helps.
2. Work It OffWalk, kayak, swim, play with your grandkids. It doesn't take much to stay active; just a few hours a week can ward off obesity and prime your body for disease prevention. 
   
   Why it works:Exercise promotes a stronger immune system and an improved circulatory system. "Should a diagnosis come," adds Dr. Samadi, "a healthy body's that much stronger in the fight."
3. Stay SexyRegular ejaculation is proven to reduce prostate cancer risk. Go about this however you choose. Masturbation or sex, both get the job done.
   
   Why it works:It's simply of matter of cleaning out the pipes. Studies show regular ejaculation may clear out seminal fluid carcinogens that can build up in the prostate gland.
4. Pamper Your ProstateThough small in size, the prostate gland packs a powerful punch when something goes wrong. Keep up with annual physicals and don't skip the PSA test, even when you feel fine.
   
   Why it works:Annual PSA screening cut the prostate cancer death rate in half over the past two decades. Prostate cancer rarely shows symptoms so careful monitoring of PSA elevations helps you stay ahead of a potential prostate cancer diagnosis.
5. Rate Your RiskFamily history and race are strong factors in a man's prostate cancer fate. Discuss family incidence of prostate cancer with your doctor and work together to create a diligent monitoring plan that includes the PSA test.
   
   Why it works:Have a dad or brother with prostate cancer? You're twice as likely to develop the disease. African American men are 60 percent more likely. Risk continues to climb with three or more family prostate cancer cases.
6. Perhaps A PillSome supplements, such as selenium, may reduce prostate cancer risk. Even heart-helper aspirin acts as an immune booster and could play a role in the future of anti-cancer vaccines.
   
   Put it to work:Before starting any supplement or medication regimen, discuss it with your physician. "Some daily doses can help, but only your physician can say if they're right for you," he adds.