Ways to prevent prostate cancer

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NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A New York robotic prostate surgeon advises men a healthy diet, routine exercise and sex on a regular basis all help prevent prostate cancer.

Dr. David Samadi, chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, has performed more than 4,000 successful SMART robotic prostatectomy procedures but what men really want to know is how to prevent prostate cancer in the first place.

More than 240,000 U.S. men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, most often through the prostate-specific antigen test, not symptoms.

Samadi suggested prevention begins with a healthy diet of many varied foods. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in coffee, green tea, flaxseed, soy, fish, broccoli, leafy greens and pomegranate juice are extra good. Limiting red meat, eggs, cold cuts, milk and sugary foods also help.

"Start with favorites like pasta marinara and red wine. Lycopene in tomatoes, sulfur in garlic and resveratrol in red grapes all fight prostate cancer," Samadi said. "Even the oregano on your pizza helps."

Samadi also advised to:

-- Stay active; just a few hours a week can ward off obesity and prime the body for disease prevention.

-- Regular ejaculation is proven to reduce prostate cancer risk. Masturbation or sex, both get the job done.

-- Keep up with annual physicals and don't skip the PSA test.

-- Find out family history.

-- Some supplements, such as selenium, might reduce prostate cancer risk.

"Before starting any supplement or medication regimen, discuss it with your physician," Samadi said in a statement. "Some daily doses can help, but only your physician can say if they're right for you."