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With the arrival of November, the awareness campaign for prostate cancer begins. It is the most frequently diagnosed type among men in Brazil, accounting for 29% of cancer cases in the male population of the country.
The “Blue November” campaign, started in 2011 by the Lado a Lado pela Vida Institute, shed light on the diagnosis of the disease, where prevention still faces barriers of stigma and misinformation.
At the invitation of the SCRUFF app, Dr. Vitor Mello shared self-care tips that can be vital. According to the biomedical professional, between 2020 and 2022, more than 65,840 new cases were diagnosed, many of which could have been prevented with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Here are Dr. Mello’s five tips to stay out of the statistics:
- Adopt a healthy diet: Nutrition is an essential practice to prevent prostate cancer. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, a healthy diet low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals is an important preventive measure against prostate cancer. Additionally, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and other legumes are also important in preventing the disease. On the other hand, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages.
- Control body weight: As we have seen, overweight is one of the risk factors for prostate cancer. Therefore, a healthy diet combined with regular physical activity is extremely important, as it reduces the risk of the disease and also contributes to weight control, which is another ideal measure to prevent prostate cancer.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Sedentary behavior is a real threat to overall health and is prevalent in the lives of a large part of the population. In addition to contributing to the development of diseases like prostate cancer, it is also associated with weight gain and lower quality of life and daily energy. The Ministry of Health recommends 30 minutes of daily physical activity to prevent sedentary behavior. Physical exercises combined with a healthy diet can prevent about 30% of cancer cases in Brazil.
- Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption: Smoking is extremely harmful to health. Additionally, tobacco use is a risk factor for at least 15 cancers, including prostate cancer. If you live with others who smoke, be extra careful; passive smoking is also dangerous and causes almost the same effects as active smoking.
- Keep regular medical check-ups: Early diagnosis is still the best way to increase the chances of curing any type of cancer. Moreover, when diagnosing cancer early, it is possible to opt for less invasive treatments with fewer side effects. After the age of 40, it is crucial to undergo annual preventive screenings and have regular medical check-ups.
Prostate cancer prevention is particularly crucial for gay and bisexual men, who may have hesitations in seeking care due to past experiences of discrimination. It is important to break the silence and ensure that health comes first, regardless of sexual orientation.
With this context in mind, the SCRUFF app reinforces its endorsement of the Blue November campaign by encouraging open conversations about male health, especially among gay men. It is a way to build a stronger and more aware community.
For more information and support, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional and participate in Blue November initiatives in your community. Prevention is power, and it is within everyone’s reach!
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