Father's Day 2025: Urologist Shares 6 Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Prostate and Bladder Cancer

By Admin

14 Jun, 2025

As we gear up to celebrate Father’s Day 2025 on June 15, it’s time to not only honour the love and sacrifices of our fathers but also to shine a spotlight on their health and well-being. Father’s Day isn’t just about gifts and greetings it’s also a meaningful reminder that the men in our lives should be taking proactive steps to stay healthy, especially as they age.

One pressing health concern among men is the rising incidence of prostate and bladder cancer. According to experts, while age and genetics play a role, these conditions can often be prevented or their risks significantly reduced by adopting a few key lifestyle changes.

In an exclusive conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, Consultant, Urology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, emphasizes:

“Prostate and bladder cancers are among the most common urological malignancies affecting men. While genetics and age play a role, several modifiable lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk.”

So, this Father’s Day, let’s gift the men we love something priceless the knowledge and tools to lead a healthier life. Here are 6 lifestyle tips shared by Dr Agrawal to help prevent prostate and bladder cancer:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

What we eat directly impacts our long-term health.
✅ Include:

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
  
  

• Tomatoes (rich in lycopene)
  
  

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
  
  

• Leafy greens
  
  

• Whole grains over refined carbohydrates
  
  

• Omega-3 rich foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish
  
  

🚫 Avoid:

• Red and processed meats
  
  

• Excess salt and sugar
  These dietary choices help reduce inflammation and support urinary health.
  
  

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking sufficient water daily helps flush toxins from the bladder and reduces harmful concentrations in the urine.
💧 Hydration tips:

• Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day
  
  

• Avoid sugary drinks
  
  

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder lining
  
  

3. Avoid Tobacco Use

Smoking is a leading preventable cause of bladder cancer.
🛑 Chemicals from tobacco accumulate in the urine and damage the bladder lining over time.
✅ Quitting tobacco significantly lowers cancer risk and improves overall health.

4. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a powerful tool in cancer prevention.
🏃‍♂️ Aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
  
  

• Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga
  
  

Benefits include better hormone balance, reduced inflammation, and stronger immunity.

5. Limit Exposure to Industrial Chemicals

Men working in industries involving dyes, rubber, leather, or similar chemicals must take extra precautions.
🧤 Workplace safety matters:

• Always follow safety protocols
  
  

• Use protective gear
  
  

• Ensure proper ventilation in workspaces
  
  

6. Regular Health Check-ups

Prevention starts with awareness.
🧬 Key screenings include:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test
  
  

• Urine cytology
  👨‍⚕️ Men aged 50+, or earlier with a family history, should consult a urologist for routine checks.
  
  

Conclusion

This Father’s Day 2025, let’s go beyond celebrations and take a moment to encourage our fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and brothers to take charge of their health. With these six lifestyle changes, the risk of prostate and bladder cancer can be significantly minimized. Early prevention, regular screenings, and a proactive mindset can make all the difference.