Results of a long awaited large international study looking at men's prostate cancer were released a few hours ago -- but the findings aren't as good as first hoped.
The research looked at whether taking vitamin E and selenium supplements could help prostate cancer. Many men here in British Columbia were involved in this study.
The research has found taking the vitamin E and selenium supplements separately or together does not lower the risk of prostate cancer. The international study involved more than 35,000 men age 50 and older. Researchers planned to follow the men for seven years, but stopped the study early because there was no evidence the supplements helped. That means men will have to find other ways to reduce their cancer risk.
These results add to other recent studies over the past few weeks that suggest vitamins B, C, D, E, folic acid and calcium taken alone or in combinations are not effective for cancer prevention.
But there are things we know of that can help prevent prostate cancer.
Researchers have found that what's healthy for your heart is also healthy for your prostate. So that means eating a low-fat diet, having your cholesterol checked yearly and being treated with medication for it or dietary change. It's also good to get exercise everyday.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
