Manage Other Health Conditions
Stay at a healthy weight and get treatment for other medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, says Heath.
Here’s how these conditions can raise your risk:
High Blood Pressure Experts think high blood pressure may boost inflammation in your prostate. Inflammation has been linked to repeated tiny injuries in the prostate, which may then develop into cancer in some men.
Diabetes People with diabetes have a higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence. High levels of sugar in your blood may help cancer grow.
Obesity Some research suggests prostate cancer cells may use excess fat to help them grow. And obesity has been linked to more aggressive types of prostate cancer.
Mental Health A research study of over 10,000 men who were diagnosed with depression and prostate cancer found that they had a lower risk of prostate cancer recurrence if they took antidepressants. Those with depression who did not take antidepressants were 34 percent more likely to experience recurrent prostate cancer. Scientists do not yet understand why — it may be an indirect effect — but these findings stress the importance of mental health.
Your healthcare team can help you manage other conditions to lower your risk of prostate cancer recurrence.
