The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system located beneath the bladder. Prostate cancer is cancer that forms in the prostate tissue. About one in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S.
Risk Factors
Prostate cancer occurs mostly in older men. The chance of having prostate cancer increases after the age of 50. African-American men have a higher rate of prostate cancer than any other race. Family history can also be a risk factor. If someone in your family has had it, your chances of having it increases. According to the American Cancer Society, the role of diet in prostate cancer is unclear but some research has suggested that certain foods groups increase your chance of having prostate cancer.
Fruits And Vegetables
Plenty of fruits and vegetables is part of a diet that can prevent prostate cancer among other cancers. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants including lycopene help to protect against DNA damage and have been studied with prostate cancer. Lycopene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and its progression. The richest source of lycopene is tomatoes. The University of California San Francisco recommends eating eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. It also recommends 30 mg of lycopene regularly.
Meat And Dairy
Saturated fat consumption from meat and dairy products has been linked to prostate cancer. The University of California San Francisco suggests that as red meat and dairy consumption increases prostate cancer risk increases. Therefore you should limit beef, pork, lamb, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and butter. Twenty percent of your caloric intake should be from fat. Less than 10 percent of your caloric intake should be from saturated fat. Choose healthier fat sources such as fish, walnuts, avocados and olive oil.
Simple Sugars
Simple sugars should be avoided. The University of California San Francisco suggests that these foods increase levels of insulin and insulin-growth factor I levels which can stimulate cancer growth. Foods high in sugar have less nutrients and are low in fiber. Avoid white breads, pastas and rice. Choose whole wheat breads and pastas instead. Avoid cakes, cookies, candies and pies.
Calories
The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging concluded that increased caloric intake increases prostate cancer risk. Speak with a dietitian to determine your calorie needs. Decreasing your caloric intake will not only reduce your risk of certain cancers, but will help you to maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy body weight decreases your risk of prostate cancer as well. Pay attention to food labels to monitor your caloric intake. Choose low calorie, nutrient-dense foods.
References
- American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer: What are the key statistics about prostate cancer?
- American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer: What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
- UCSF Medical Center: Nutrition and Prostate Cancer.
- "UCSF Medical Center: Your Health Matters"; Nutrition and Prostate Cancer; Natalie Ledesma; December 2009.
- "Urology;" Association of energy intake with prostate cancer in a long-term aging study: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (United States); LJ Hsieh, HB Carter, PK Landis, KL Tucker, EJ Metter, CJ Newschaffer, EA Platz; February; 2003.
