Risk Factors for Cancer and Osteoporosis and Men’s Health

By Medha Saraiya

June 25

Last week we spoke about risk factors related to men’s heart health and recommendations on mitigating those risk factors. This week lets review the risk factors for Cancer and Osteoporosis, yes men can be diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Cancer:

Risk factors for cancer can include:

-Overweight/obesity

-High-fat diet

-Low fiber diet

-Excessive alcohol intake

-Physical inactivity

-Dietary implications for reducing your risk:

-Lycopene is a carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that lycopene can help with the prevention of prostate cancer. The best sources of lycopene are tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

-Although research is still somewhat inconclusive, selenium is thought to be a mineral and antioxidant associated with cancer prevention. Good sources of selenium are nuts (especially Brazil nuts) and fish (especially orange roughy and tuna).

-There is limited research on the connection of boron and prostate health although some studies indicate that boron can reduce the risk of men developing prostate cancer. Rich sources of boron include raisins and almonds.

-While a high-fiber diet is important for heart health, it is just as important for reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Osteoporosis:

Many people think of osteoporosis as a disease associated with women. However, men are at risk too.

Risk factors for osteoporosis:

-Increasing age

-Family history

-Tobacco use

-Long-term use of corticosteroid use

-Excessive soda consumption

-Excessive alcohol consumption

-Low calcium intake

-Physical inactivity

Dietary implications for reducing your risk:

Men should get around 1000 mg of calcium every day. The best sources include milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Be sure to look for the low-fat and fat-free dairy products for heart heath.

Avoid heavy drinking. Alcohol reduces bone formation and interferes with your body’s ability to absorb calcium. For men, heavy drinking is one of the most common risk factors for osteoporosis.