Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer among men worldwide. It affects one in every six males in the United States. It is believed that about 99 percent of cases occur in men over the age of 50.

While there is no proven prevention strategy for prostate cancer, one can reduce the risk of developing the disease by making healthy choices like- proper physical activity and eating a healthy diet.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which may slow down the growth of prostate cancer. Cooked and processed tomatoes such as tomato soups, sauces and pastes are thought to be better options than fresh ones because lycopene is tightly bound to cell walls making difficult for our bodies to extract it from raw tomatoes.

Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach and kale are considered cancer protective. Some studies suggest that eating these vegetables may reduce the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.

Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds such as catechin, EGCG and epicatechin, which may prevent the growth of prostate cancer.

Soybeans and Legumes: Legumes such as beans, peanuts, lentils and soy beans contain plant chemicals known as phytoestrogens, cancer-fighting properties.

Fatty fish: Eating fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna and herring, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout this month awareness is spread about breast cancer and women are encouraged to go for breast screening. Every woman should be aware of the various changes that her breasts undergo throughout her adult life.

As per statistics, as many as 1.6 million cases are reported annually. In rural India, 1 in 60 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime, whereas in cities 1 in every 28 women is likely to suffer from the disease.

Breast cancer has emerged as one of the deadliest cancers in the country, which if not diagnosed in time, can lead to fatal results. According to experts, breast cancer cases are likely to strike approximately 2.5 lakh women in India by 2015.

In an exclusive interview with Shruti Saxena of Zeenews.com, Dr Deepa Tayal, Senior Consultant Breast Surgeon, Fortis La Femme, speaks about various aspects of the disease.

Shruti: How important are lifestyle factors in the development of breast cancer?

Dr Deepa: Lifestyle factors are very important in the development of breast cancer, as the incidence of breast cancer is 3 times more in urban Indian population as compared to rural population. Pollution, changing lifestyle, high alcohol intake, late age at child birth are some of the examples.

Shruti: Can you tell us about some self breast examination methods which can be undertaken at home?

Dr Deepa: Self Breast Examination (SBE) is a very important diagnostic tool for breast cancer diagnosis.

SBE is performed at home either in shower or in front of a mirror.

Women should know what is normal to them and if they find anything abnormal, they should report that to a breast specialist immediately.

Fig - Steps of Self Breast Examination

Changes that should have been looked for:

- Any lump in breast

- Painful areas

- Discharge through nipples

- Any changes in the skin of breast like colour, roughness

- Any lumps in the arm pits

Shruti: Is it necessary that a woman diagnosed with breast cancer has to have a family history of the disease?

Dr Deepa: It is a myth associated with breast cancer. If any woman is diagnosed with breast cancer then it is not necessary that either someone in the family is suffering from the disease or will suffer from it in the future.

Shruti: Do deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer?

Dr Deepa: It is again a myth. Deodorants and antiperspirants do not cause breast cancer.

Shruti: What is mastectomy?

Dr Deepa: Mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed for breast cancer patients. In mastectomy, whole of the affected breast along with glands in same arm pit is removed surgically.

Shruti: What are some of the most common side effects of breast cancer treatment?

Dr Deepa: Side effects of breast cancer treatment depend on the kind of treatment provided.

Surgery – After mastectomy most common side effects are swelling of the arm of the same side, infection, cosmetic appearance of the breast

Chemotherapy – Patients lose their hair and appetite, experience generalised weakness, nausea and vomiting

Radiotherapy – Burning sensations, weakness, loss of appetite