More than 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer occur yearly in the United States and about 30,000 American men die each year from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Most men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis, due mostly to earlier detection and new treatments. Eating a healthy diet may help prevent prostate cancer or slow its progression. A natural compound in tomatoes called lycopene may be particularly effective in keeping men cancer free and in helping men diagnosed with prostate cancer live longer and stay healthier.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops when prostate cancer cells begin to grow abnormally, forming tumors within the gland. Early cancer produces no symptoms and is often found by a PSA blood test or physical exam. When the disease is more advanced, blood may appear in the urine or a patient may become impotent. Staging of the disease involves different tests and possibly a biopsy, to determine the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to distant organs.
Risk Factors
Although the cause of prostate cancer is not known, several risk factors are associated with the disease. Being over 50 puts a man at higher risk, as does being African-American. Having a relative with prostate cancer also raises the risk, and several inherited genes may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Men who have experienced inflammation of the prostate or who are obese are also at increased risk. Finally, diet seems to have a role in whether a man is likely to develop prostate cancer; a diet rich in vegetables and fruit and low in red meat and high-fat dairy products may lower the risk, according to the American Cancer Society.
Lycopene in Tomatoes
The American Cancer Society states that eating abundant fruits and vegetables may lower the risk for prostate cancer. It recommends five or more servings of these foods daily. In particular, it states that men should consume lots of tomatoes, either raw, cooked or in tomato-based products. Tomatoes contain a natural phytonutrient called lycopene that is a powerful anti-oxidant. Lycopene may help prevent damage to DNA, a potential cause of prostate cancer. The compound is heat-resistant and remains intact in processed products such as tomato paste, ketchup, tomato juice and tomato sauce.
The Evidence
Research from several studies suggests that lycopene may prevent prostate cancer, although the mechanism is still unknown. For example, in a paper published in "Cancer Prevention Research" in 2010, Dr. Pannellini et al found that animals genetically susceptible to prostate cancer fed a tomato-enriched diet had less incidence of cancer that those eating a standard diet. In another study published in Cancer Prevention Research in 2010, Dr. V. Kirsh and colleagues investigated the likelihood of prostate cancer in almost 30,000 men. They found that the risk for men with a family history of the disease was decreased by consumption of tomato products. Many other studies are currently ongoing.
Recommendations
Consuming unusually large amounts of tomatoes or tomato products is generally considered safe. However, a doctor should be consulted before making major dietary changes to determine what is appropriate. A man already diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider all treatment options and consult an oncologist regularly.
References
- American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer
- Health Castle: Lycopene in Tomotoes and Prostate Cancer
- Science Daily: Dehydrated Tomatoes Show Promise For Preventing Prostate Cancer
- PubMed: "A prospective study of lycopene and tomato product intake and risk of prostate cancer", Krish, V. et al, Journal National Cancer Institute, 2002.
- "A Dietary Tomato Supplement Prevents Prostate Cancer in TRAMP Mice", Pannellini T. et al, Cancer Prevention Research, 2010.
