Prostate and testicular cancer prevention

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and nearly 8,000 men in the Czech Republic alone discover they suffer from it every year. And testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 40. We've put together some tips on how you can reduce your risk of prostate or testicular cancer.

Preventing prostate cancer

Sport is essential in the prevention of prostate cancer. While active exercise is generally beneficial to a man's health, studies have shown that men who exercise regularly reduce their risk of dying from prostate cancer by up to 50%.

In addition to regular exercise, sexual activity is also significant. According to a Harvard study, men who engage in sex or masturbation, culminating in ejaculation at least five times a week, are half as likely to get prostate cancer as men who engage in these activities only once a week or less.

Regular check-ups with a general practitioner, which should take place every two years, are also important for prevention. After the age of 50, men should also have a preventive examination by a urologist at least once a year.

Testicular self-examination should take place every month

Testicular self-examination plays a vital role. Because it is the partners who detect 30% of these cancers. The non-profit organisation Loono has prepared a visual guide you can follow monthly.

As part of the testicular self-examination, you need to focus on the following steps:

• Notice if the size or shape of the testicles has changed,

• look for visible lumps or changes in the skin,

• the testicles should be carefully palpated, noting any bumps and lumps inside and outside of them.

As with prostate cancer, to prevent testicular cancer, men should have a check-up with their general practitioner once every two years and a preventive check-up with a urologist once a year. 

However, as with all cancers, prostate and testicular cancer requires a healthy lifestyle. This means regular exercise, good sleep, a healthy diet and avoiding excessive red meat and animal fat consumption.

You can visit our general practitioner or make an appointment with our urologist for a preventive check-up.