Prostate cancer affects the gland that produces the liquid component of semen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. However, this cancer can often be treated successfully with minimally invasive surgery and hormone therapy. Some dietary supplements may also help to aid recovery but should not be used in place of conventional treatments. Ask your doctor how to incorporate supplements into your treatment program.
Lycopene
The antioxidant lycopene may play a role in the treatment of prostate cancer. Lycopene occurs in tomatoes, watermelon, guava and pink grapefruit, and can also be taken in pill or capsule form. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a low intake of tomato products may be linked to the advancement of prostate cancer. Lycopene is unlikely to cause side effects, but eating large quantities of tomatoes as a means of obtaining it may discolor your skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may block prostate cancer cell growth, according to UMMC, but whether vitamin E is beneficial for men with active prostate cancer is unclear. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including wheat germ oil, almonds, hazelnuts, spinach and mango. You can also take it as a dietary supplement. However, high doses may interfere with blood clotting.
Green Tea
The results of an animal study published in 2008 in "Nutrition and Cancer" found that a polyphenol in green tea inhibits prostate tumor growth and also induces cancer cell death. However, these effects need to be confirmed in humans. Green tea is likely safe for most people, according to Medline Plus, but drinking more than five cups daily may cause side effects, including headache, nausea, irritability and tremor, due to the caffeine content. Green tea is contraindicated in a number of conditions and interacts with a host of other drugs, so get medical clearance before including it in your cancer treatment program.
Selenium
Selenium may inhibit genes involved in cancer cell growth and may also induce cancer cell death, according to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. The Office of Dietary Supplements also notes that the incidence of prostate cancer is lower among people that have a high selenium intake. Selenium is a trace mineral that protects cells from free-radical damage, and also helps the immune system to function properly. You can find it in a variety of foods, including Brazil nuts, tuna, turkey, eggs and rice; it is also available as a dietary supplement.
References
- UMMC: Prostate Cancer
- MSKCC: Lycopene
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- PubMed.gov: Effect of a Prodrug of the Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on the Growth of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer in Vivo
- Medline Plus: Green Tea
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Prostate Cancer
