By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but health experts say taking the right steps early can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life—especially for Black men, who face the highest risk of the disease in the United States.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it compared with other racial groups.
Thomas Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor and founder of the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), encourages newly diagnosed men to focus on four key priorities.
First, learn as much as possible about your diagnosis. Ask your doctor about the stage of the cancer, treatment options, and whether active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or other therapies are appropriate.
Second, improve your diet by choosing foods that support overall health. Experts recommend eating more fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and healthy oils while limiting red meat, fried foods, processed foods, and excess saturated fat.
Third, adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, getting routine medical checkups, and following your doctor’s recommendations for ongoing screening and treatment.
Finally, build a strong support system. Family members, friends, healthcare providers, and cancer support groups can provide encouragement and practical help throughout treatment and recovery.
Experts also encourage Black men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider by age 40 if they are at higher risk, since early detection remains one of the best tools for improving survival.