Prostate cancer affects one in six American men, according to the American Cancer Society, and represents the second most common cancer in the United States behind skin cancer. Numerous treatment options are available for prostate cancer patients including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about nutrition during prostate cancer therapy. Whatever your course of treatment, nutrition can serve as a vital support as you recover.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy destroys prostate cancer cells using three different methods: external beam radiation, internal radiation called brachytherapy and proton therapy, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. According to urologic oncologist Neil Fleshner, a fellow of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and co-author of "Eating Right for Life: Prostate Cancer Nutrition and You," foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C may actually block the action of radiation therapy, so it is best to limit antioxidants such as berries and citrus fruits during radiation treatment sessions and reintroduce them in greater abundance once treatment ends.
Hormone Therapy
The male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone function as the main fuel for prostate cancer cells, thus hormone or androgen deprivation therapy interferes with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone release so cancer cells cease growing. Fleshner counsels patients undergoing hormone therapy to up their protein intake during treatment. A low-fat protein such as soy is recommended. Hormone therapy can also lead to bone loss, so dairy products along with calcium and vitamin D supplements may help improve bone density.
Chemotherapy
In cases where prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland into surrounding tissues or if the cancer cells do not respond to hormone therapy, chemotherapy often begins. Chemotherapy drugs flow all through the body via the bloodstream, hence this form of therapy potentially arrests prostate cancer that has metastasized to neighboring organs. Consider boosting your garlic intake during chemotherapy. A 2011 study conducted by Tehran University researchers and published in the journal "Nutrition and Cancer" showed garlic to have significant protective qualities against prostate cancer and may help to ensure that the cancer does not recur.
Warning
For prostate cancer patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney problems or diabetes, make sure that you speak to your oncologist or health care practitioner before you make any changes to your diet. Also make sure that you seek medical clearance before ingesting any supplements.
References
- American Cancer Society: What Are the Key Statistics About Prostate Cancer?
- American Cancer Society: Radiation Therapy
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Radiation Therapy
- "Eating Right for Life: Prostate Cancer Nutrition & You"; Drs. John Tractenberg and Neil Fleshner et al; 2000
- American Cancer Society: Hormone Therapy
- American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy
