One of the most common male cancers is prostate cancer, 50% to 70% of men in their 70s have evidence of prostrate cancer but only one in ten develop prostrate cancer symptoms. The exact cause of prostrate cancer is not known, but it is linked to age, diet and lifestyle and testosterone metabolism.

Because prostrate cancer is slow growing the initial symptoms do not show, later symptoms such as frequent urination especially at night, slow urinary stream, pain whilst urinating, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination, dribbling after urination and sometimes blood in the urine are all signs of prostrate cancer. If prostrate cancer is left to spread other symptoms include weight loss, pain in the bones, fatigue and anaemia.

A change in diet can help with and to protect against prostrate cancer. Cut down on animal fats, include plenty of fibre in the diet and consume lots of fruit and vegetables. Anti-prostrate cancer foods are soy products, rice, green and yellow vegetables, seafood such as oysters, bran, whole grains, shiitake mushrooms, pulses, garlic, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, nuts, seeds (flaxseed), cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and oily fish. Cut down on alcohol and meat consumption and try to maintain a healthy weight.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from prostrate cancer.

Coenzyme Q10

Lycopene

Saw palmetto

Selenium

Shark cartilage

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Zinc