There is no single way to prevent men’s reproductive cancers. However, there are several ways for men to reduce their risk of developing these cancers or for increasing the odds of preventing the disease from being advanced at the time of diagnosis. These methods include:

• Regular physical examination. Men are less likely than women to see a physician for an annual physical or symptoms of a medical problem. A physician can screen for prostate cancer with the digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
  
  
• Regular self examination. For men at risk of developing testicular cancer, monthly self-examinations are recommended. Patients should promptly report any irregularities to a physician. Physicians differ regarding whether self-examinations are advised for men without risk factors but since it is simple, rapid and without side effects, men (including teenagers) should discuss this with their primary care physicians.
  
  
• Avoiding unsafe sexual practices. This reduces the risk of penile cancer and possibly testicular cancer.
  
  
• Eating a healthy diet. A diet low in animal fats, high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains is recommended to reduce general cancer risk.
  
  
• Dietary substances. Some dietary substances have been found to have an effect on risk for prostate cancer. For example, selenium, a mineral found in whole grains, seafood and nuts may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Research about the role of the antioxidant lycopene is conflicting. It was previously thought to reduce the risk for prostate cancer, but a recent study shows no benefit. Another study showed that excess amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene were associated with an increased risk of an aggressive prostate cancer.
  
  
• Regular exercise. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day five days a week is recommended to reduce general cancer risk.
  
  
• Avoiding sun exposure. This is recommended to reduce skin cancer risk, including some penile cancers.
  
  
• Not smoking. Recommended to reduce general cancer risk.

Recently developed vaccines have been approved to protect girls and young women from strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with most cases of cervical cancer in women and with some cases of penile cancer. Research continues into the potential use of these vaccines for boys and men.