[Risk factors and prevention actions in prostate cancer: fundamentals for nursing]

A reflexive article about risk factors and prostate cancer prevention actions is presented to contribute to the approach of men, especially during nursing consultation. Increasing age, ethnical origin and heredity are potential risk factors. Low-fat diet and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains and others, are related as capable of potentially minimize the risks. Finasteride, a drug that is inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase has been studied as a risk reducer. Investigating the disease by measuring levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination is also a recommended action. However, further scientific evidences about these factors are being sough. The approach of men in nursing consultation may contribute to the identification of risk factors, signs and symptoms of possible changes.