Recently, Ben Stiller has been in the headlines regarding his own health. The actor, write and producer was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer after a random test nudged him to take action. The story has been a wake-up call for both men and medical professionals and it could very well change the way we look at and discuss male sexual health.

Stiller was diagnosed thanks to a special test that essentially looks for cells created in response to cancer. These cells, called antigens, can be detected by a special test known as PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, test.

The test isn’t often used on men at Stiller’s age since most doctors agree that men don’t need to be tested until they are over 50 years of age. Stiller credits having the test done as effectively saving his life. Considering the comedian is only in his 40s, if he hadn’t had the test, it is possible the cancer would have spread and very well could have cut his life short. Still, some experts are warning against taking his story too much to heart. The PSA test is still not considered a routine test for most men.

The benefits of the PSA test are fairly obvious and plenty of doctors do see the value in men having the test done in their 40s in order to establish a baseline. That way, when the test is administered years down the road, doctors can compare it to the levels a man had when he was healthy. While some fluctuation is usually normal, too much is a jump would definitely signal the need for further testing. Currently, the test is recommended for men at the age of 5-0. But for men who are high-risk, most experts agree that doing the test in their 40s is more likely to yield a healthy snapshot which can be used later.

On the other hand, the test isn’t without its drawbacks. Early testing can sometimes be misinterpreted. Studies have shown an error in testing is much more likely to happen when a man is tested before he is 50 years old. There have been cases where men had a test that erroneously said cancer was present and they then underwent further testing and treatments which were, in the end, completely pointless. The test itself is fairly invasive as well. To put in simply, it involves some very long needles in some truly sensitive places. It’s also not a test routinely covered in insurance plans, making it both uncomfortable and expensive – never a good combination.

So at the end of the day, what can men learn from this recent news? First, there’s a powerful lesson that male enhancement and sexual health goes way beyond boosting stamina or even improving erectile and orgasmic health. While these are the most immediate concerns for many men, they aren’t all that matters.

Prostate cancer is a serious issue and one that’s a growing concern for many men. While the PSA test does offer a more comprehensive insight into healthy levels for men, it isn’t the only early test that can save lives. A simple old-school prostate exam might not be the most comfortable or fun test in the world, but it’s easier to handle than the needles involved with a PSA test. Men can also reduce their risk for prostate cancer by taking a few preventative measures:

Adopt a Low-Fat Diet – There have been several studies linking high-fat diets to a great risk for caners of all types, including prostate cancer. Stick to low-fat foods and a diet lower in fat in general to diminish this risk.

Get Fats from Plants – Some fat is part of a healthy diet, but the source can make a difference. Choose fatty foods which are plant derived, such as avocados or walnuts. These types of fats are generally healthier and promote everything from sexual to heart health.

Increase Fruit & Veg Consumption – Choosing plant based foods as opposed to meat, dairy and eggs is a great way to improve your overall health. Plant based diets have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer across a number of scientific studies.

Get Active – Nutrition plays a big role in cancer prevention, as does exercise. Ideally, men should get up, off the couch and active outside at least 3 times a week.

These simple measures can help reduce your risk for cancer while at the same time improving both your overall health and your sexual performance. At the end of the day, that’s a win-win for any man.