Prostate Cancer Prevention in New York, NY
Good health is within every man’s reach, and prevention is where it starts. While no strategy can guarantee you will never develop prostate cancer, research shows that smart lifestyle choices may lower your risk and support better outcomes if cancer does develop. At Prostate Cancer 911, Dr. David Samadi helps men understand which risk factors they can control, which they cannot, and how to build a prevention plan that includes the right screening schedule.
Risk Factors You Cannot Control
Age
Age is the single biggest risk factor. A man’s chance of being diagnosed rises steadily after 50, and about 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men 65 or older. Prostate cancer can occur in younger men, but it is far less common.
Family History and Genetics
Prostate cancer has one of the strongest hereditary links of any cancer. Having a father or brother with the disease roughly doubles your risk, and the risk climbs further when several relatives are affected. Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13 also raise risk. Men with these histories should talk with a urologist about screening by age 40 to 45.
Race
African American men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more likely to have aggressive disease. Earlier and more consistent screening is especially important in this group. Learn more on our causes and risk factors page.
Risk Factors You Can Control
Diet: Diets high in red and processed meat, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates have been linked to higher prostate cancer risk. A plant-forward diet supports overall and prostate health.
Weight: Obesity, particularly excess abdominal fat, is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps control weight, improves hormone balance, and is linked to better outcomes after diagnosis.
Prostate-Friendly Foods to Eat and Avoid
Diet is the most important risk factor within your control. Consider building meals around these choices:
- Tomatoes and red fruits: Cooked tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant studied for prostate health.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that may help protect cells.
- Healthy fats: Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, olive oil, nuts, and seeds provide omega-3 and unsaturated fats.
- Green tea and legumes: Green tea, beans, lentils, and soy foods offer plant compounds linked to lower risk in some studies.
Limit red meat, processed meats, full-fat dairy, sugary drinks, and charred or fried meats, which can form compounds that damage DNA when cooked at very high temperatures.
Vitamins and Supplements
Many men ask whether supplements can protect the prostate. The evidence is mixed, and some high-dose supplements, including vitamin E and selenium in certain trials, have shown no benefit or even potential harm. Food sources of nutrients are generally the better choice. Always talk with your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you are being monitored for elevated PSA or prostate cancer.
Lifestyle Habits That Support Prostate Health
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.
- Quit smoking, which is linked to more aggressive prostate cancer and is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer.
- Limit alcohol and manage stress and sleep.
Screening: The Most Important Prevention Step
Healthy habits lower risk, but screening is what catches prostate cancer early, when it is most curable. A PSA blood test and digital rectal exam take only minutes. If results are abnormal, Dr. Samadi may recommend an MRI or MRI fusion biopsy. Learn how testing works on our diagnosis page, or call (212) 365-5000 to schedule your screening at Prostate Cancer 911.
Related Care and Resources at Prostate Cancer 911
Prostate Cancer Prevention FAQs
Can you prevent prostate cancer completely?
No strategy can guarantee prevention, because age and genetics play a major role. However, a healthy diet, regular exercise, a healthy weight, and not smoking may reduce your risk.
What foods are good for prostate health?
Tomatoes and other lycopene-rich foods, cruciferous vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, legumes, and green tea are all part of a prostate-friendly diet.
Does red meat increase prostate cancer risk?
Diets high in red and processed meat, especially when grilled or charred, have been linked to a higher risk. Limiting these foods is a reasonable prevention step.
Should I take supplements to protect my prostate?
Supplements have not been proven to prevent prostate cancer, and some high-dose supplements may carry risks. Talk with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Does exercise lower prostate cancer risk?
Regular physical activity helps control weight and is associated with a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer and better outcomes after diagnosis.
When should men with a family history start screening?
Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer, or with known BRCA mutations, should discuss screening with a urologist by age 40 to 45. Learn more about risk factors.
How do I schedule a prostate screening?
Call (212) 365-5000 or request an appointment with Dr. Samadi at our Midtown Manhattan office.
Schedule Your Consultation With NYC’s Leading Urologist
Take control of your health today. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or experiencing symptoms like hematuria, Dr. David Samadi and the team at Prostate Cancer 911 are here to provide world-class care in Midtown Manhattan.
Request an AppointmentOffice Location: 485 Madison Ave, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 365-5000