How to keep that little gland in grand shape

What is the prostate?

A male gland, usually the size and shape of a walnut, it sits under the bladder and grows bigger as men get older. It’s main job is to help make semen.

What makes prostate problems more likely?

Figures show you are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it. It may also be higher if your mother or sister has had breast cancer.

African Caribbean men are two to three times more likely to develop it than white counterparts.

Among other risk factors is a high calcium intake.

What can you do to try to keep your prostate healthy?

Eat tomatoes as part of a Mediterranean diet. Tomatoes cooked in oil seem to have a more protective effect.

In studies, eating fish was associated with a 63% reduction in deaths from prostate cancer.

Vigorous activity resulted in a a 77% lower risk of advanced cancer and better survival rates in men over 65.

Being very overweight appears to make prostate problems more likely.

Some studies suggest men who drink many cups of coffee – caffeinated or not – a day are less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Early evidence shows Vitamin D may help protect against it.

Prostate related problems

Benign prostate enlargement: More than one in three men over 50 are affected. It’s not caused by cancer and does not increase your risk, but can affect how you urinate.

Prostate cancer: The chances of developing it increase with age. It mainly affects men over 65, but men over 50 are also at risk.

Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, it can be very painful, but often gets better eventually.

Signs and symptoms of prostate problems

Difficulty starting or stopping peeing. Not able to fully empty your bladder. Prolonged dribbling.

Blood in semen or in urine.

What do my symptoms mean?

It may be a minor issue, but you need to see your GP if you notice any problems with, or changes to, your usual pattern of weeing, or if you see any blood in your urine or semen.