“
Prostate cancer is the worst-case scenario of
prostate problems,” says Dr Jonathan Wright of
Nutrition & Healing.
This is just one more reason why you should take steps to reduce your risk as a matter of urgency.
In fact, you can determine your own risk of
prostate cancer by testing yourself for risk factors using this one easy method.
2/16 ratio test: An effective way to determine your prostate cancer risk
According to Dr Wright, the first step in reducing your
prostate cancer risk is the 2/16 ratio test, which is usually done by women. It’s important to note that men also produce oestrogen when their bodies turn testosterone into oestrogen.
The 2/16 ratio, is a test that your doctor uses to distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ oestrogen. By measuring the two, you can help detect
prostate cancer early.
The two oestrogens are called 2-OHE1 (good oestrogen) and 16a-OHE1 (bad oestrogen). So, while 16a-OHE1 causes tumours to spread and grow, 2-OHE1 can inhibit growth.
“You definitely want more ‘good’ (2) oestrogen than ‘bad’ (16) oestrogen-substantially, more if possible. So when you get your results, your doctor should check the proportion of these two substances,” explains Dr Wright.
Although there’s no consensus on an ideal ratio number, Dr Wright recommends 2.0 or greater if possible.
If your 2/16 ratio is less than 1.0, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to boost it, just by eating a few specific good foods.
Eat these foods for their natural cancer-fighting properties
Foods with natural cancer-fighting substances include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and bok choy. They also help regulate and improve the 2/16 hydroxyoestrogen ratio. Remember, a normal 2/16 ratio means a lesser cancer risk.
It’s important to keep in mind that, even though doing your 2/16 ratio test is one way you can use to lower your risk factor for prostate cancer, it won’t eliminate it completely. But it is a good start.