More than 200,000 men will have developed prostate cancer in 2010, according to the National Cancer Institute. Family history of prostate cancer, hormone status, race, age, diet and environmental factors determine your risk of developing the disease. A report by the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that changing your diet may reduce your risk or reduce the progression of prostate cancer.
AICR Prostate Cancer Report
Published in 2007, the "Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective Report" critically analyzed available cancer data. An expert panel developed a matrix dictating the strength of the evidence for modification of diet and exercise to alter cancer risk. The report categorizes each nutrient or food for risk of each cancer as convincing decreased risk, probably decreased risk, limited-suggestive decreased risk, limited-suggestive increased risk, probable increased risk, convincing increased risk and substantial effect on risk unlikely. Of the foods or nutrients identified, six decreased risk, three increased risk and two did not impact the risk of prostate cancer.
Foods or Nutrients Decrease Risk
The expert panel concluded the limited evidence for consumption of legumes, including soy, suggests a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer. Foods containing vitamin E, such as vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables, also received an evidence rating of limited-suggestive decreased risk. The expert panel concluded that limited evidence suggests that increased intakes of vitamin E alone may reduce risk of prostate cancer. Stronger scientific evidence proposes that consuming foods containing selenium or lycopene, the red pigment of tomatoes, or selenium alone probably reduces your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Foods or Nutrients Increase Risk
The panel makes a few suggestions to avoid increasing your risk of developing prostate cancer in your lifetime. Limited, but suggestive evidence suggests that when you consume dairy products or processed meats, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases. Stronger evidence suggests a probable increased risk of developing prostate cancer when you consume diets high in calcium, a mineral found in high concentrations in dairy products.
Foods or Nutrients with No Impact
Beta-carotene alone, or in foods such as carrots and green leafy vegetables, does not affect your risk of developing prostate cancer, according to substantial evidence reviewed by the expert panel. Due to a lack of substantial evidence, the expert panel could not conclude a relationship between prostate cancer and all other foods or nutrients.
Expert Panel Conclusion
The expert report suggests you should limit your meat and dairy product intake and increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables to reduce your risk or prevent progression of prostate cancer. Consult your physician before making any modifications to your diet.
References
- National Cancer Institute SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Prostate
- "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective"; American Institute for Cancer Research; 2007
- "International Journal of Cancer"; A Prospective Study of Dietary Calcium, Dairy Products, and Prostate Cancer Risk (Finland); PN Mitrou, et al; Jun. 2007
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Intake of Carotenoids and Retinol in Relation to Risk of Prostate Cancer; E Giovannucci, A Ascherio, EB Rimm, et al.; December 1995
