Learn all about prostate cancer and prevention

If you're a man and live long enough, you'll likely develop prostate cancer, a downside of testosterone that fuels the growth of prostate cells. We'll teach you more about the condition and how to keep it at bay.

• Aging is the main cause of prostate cancer. Most prostate cancers are found in men over 65. Over time, the mechanisms that prevent abnormalities in dividing cells weaken. When that happens, cells divide relentlessly, fueled by testosterone.
• Symptoms include frequent urination (particularly at night), problems urinating and starting or stopping the flow, pain, and blood in the urine or semen.

A recently discovered genetic mutation associated with aggressive forms of the disease may provide an early warning of risk. It also explains why black men are more likely than white men to develop the disease. The mutation is carried by about 13 percent of men of European ancestry and 26 percent of men of African ancestry. A test for the gene is in the works.

Less aggressive prostate cancer in many men can be followed with exams and blood tests. Men with more aggressive cancer require treatment. The best treatment is often prevention. Here are some ways to prevent developing prostate cancer in the first place:

• Follow a prostate-protective diet. The soluble fibre in citrus fruit binds to hormones like testosterone, reducing prostate cells' exposure. Studies find lower levels of a marker for prostate cancer in men whose diets are rich in soluble fibre. High-fibre diets are probably one reason vegetarians are less likely to develop prostate cancer.
• Drink green tea. With hefty amounts of a powerful antioxidant, green tea protects prostate cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Overall, the more tea men drink and the longer they drink it, the lower their risk of prostate cancer. A green tea extract is currently being studied as a way to prevent prostate cancer.
• Enjoy soy. Men in Asian countries develop prostate cancer less than Western men. Soy products like edamame and tofu contain plant-based hormones that reduce levels of testosterone. The less testosterone, the less prostate cancer cells may grow. Add tofu to soups and salads, or steam edamame lightly and enjoy it as a snack.
• Snack on almonds. They're the best food source of vitamin E, which may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Men who took about 33 milligrams of vitamin E were 32 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.
• Go fish. Salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are strongly linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
• Eat cruciferous veggies. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. Men who ate three or more servings weekly were 41 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.
• Seek out selenium. Found in grains such as barley and Brazil nuts, selenium is linked to lower rates of prostate cancer. Stick with the amount in your multivitamin, as too much can cause side effects. You can also ask your doctor for a blood test to check your levels.
• Get more vitamin D. Your body manufactures this vitamin when sunlight strikes your skin. Sun exposure does raise your risk of skin cancer, but 10 minutes is all you need. If you live in a northern climate, consider taking 1,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D daily, especially in winter.
• Get a PSA test. This test measures a prostate-specific antigen produced by prostate cells. The higher your levels, the more likely it is that you have prostate cancer.
• Skip red meat. If you're a black man, eating red meat makes you more likely to develop prostate cancer. Go for chicken and turkey instead.

As you can see, there are a huge variety of lifestyle adjustments you can make to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. It may seem daunting to make all of them at once, but if you adopt them one or two at a time, you can decrease your risk significantly.