Prostate cancer is the most common men's cancer in the United States, with nearly 20 percent of men receiving the diagnosis during their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. The rate of undiagnosed prostate cancer is much higher still, yet deaths due to the disease are comparatively low. Dietary changes, such as increasing omega-3 fatty acids, are being studied as one way of possibly lessening the impact of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in older men, and like nearly all cancers is caused by a complex mix of environmental and genetic factors. Increasing age, positive family history, being black and high dietary fat intake all seem to increase the risk. Many cases of prostate cancer never cause clinical problems and do not require treatment, but medical knowledge as of 2010 cannot always differentiate these from the more aggressive forms of the cancer. Medical opinion, therefore, remains divided regarding the best screening and treatment approach to prostate cancer, especially when surgical and radiation treatments have potentially serious side effects. This ongoing debate adds additional incentive to the search for ways to decrease the incidence and impact of prostate cancer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients required for normal health and brain function but that your body is unable to produce. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are several different types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oils, fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and flaxseed. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation, and in a variety of studies appear to play a possible role in lowering the risk of heart disease, some cancers, arthritis and multiple other conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, particularly salmon, tuna and other cold-water fish, have been most widely linked to these beneficial effects.
The Link with Prostate Cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and their possible link to prostate cancer remain under investigation as of 2010, but early results are promising. Omega-3 fatty acids' ability to prevent the development of prostate cancer has shown mixed results, with some population studies showing a possible weak protective effect against prostate cancer. A review of multiple medical studies by a team at McGill University Health Center in Montreal, published in September 2010, found a strong beneficial effect of eating fish after prostate cancer was diagnosed, according to MedlinePlus. The review found that men who ate lots of fish were less likely to die of their cancer, and had a significantly lower risk of the tumor spreading to other organs in their body.
Other Preventive Steps
There are other dietary measures that might help prevent prostate and other cancers, and are good for you at the same time, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating balanced meals low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables is a good first step. Other healthy options, in addition to eating fish for their omega-3 fatty acids, include eating more soy and legumes, drinking green tea and limiting your alcohol intake. Selenium and vitamins D and E might also offer some protective effect against prostate cancer.
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