No foods have been shown to directly trigger prostate cancer. Eating certain types of food for a prolonged period, however, may increase your chances of developing the disease. Available evidence on what foods might trigger or prevent prostate cancer changes frequently, with most scientific evidence pointing to a diet high in fatty foods. In addition to avoiding certain foods, you should add plenty of fresh vegetables to your diet to help stave off prostate cancer.
Dairy Calcium
Though calcium appears to help prevent a number of cancers, in high doses it may trigger prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute summarizes a number of studies that suggest that calcium is linked to prostate cancer -- particularly dairy calcium. One study goes further and points specifically to low-fat dairy products. No link between calcium supplements and prostate cancer exists. If you're concerned about prostate cancer you should cut back on cheese, milk and other dairy products.
High Fat Foods
Fatty foods usually contain high levels of saturated fats. While this type of fat is linked to heart disease and obesity, it's also associated with raised testosterone levels in men. This in turn can cause an enlargement of the prostate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though an enlarged prostate doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, over time it may lead to a higher chance of prostate cancer. Fatty foods include snacks such as potato chips and french fries, as well as burgers and fatty red meat steaks.
Smoked Foods
Smoked meats and fish, as well as burned food, contain high levels of salt and substances known as PAHs and HCAs -- or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines. These substances may cause cancer, including prostate cancer. Avoid eating barbecue food that's charred or overcooked on the outside. Similarly, eating lots of smoked beef, pork or salmon might put you at greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
Red Meat
Poultry, fish and white meat seems to cause less prostate risk than red meat. Harvard Health Publications reports that a 1993 study of 51,000 men found that men eating 89 g of every day has almost double the risk of prostate cancer than men who ate 53 g or less per day. Of all of the high-fat foods, the one implicated the most in prostate cancer was red meat. Beef steaks, burgers, ribs and ground beef could all trigger prostate cancer in high doses over time.
References
- National Cancer Institute; Calcium and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of the Evidence; May 4, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Prostate Cancer; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; Sept. 16, 2008
- National Cancer Institute; Chemicals in Meat Cooked at High Temperatures and Cancer Risk; Oct. 15, 2010
- Harvard Health Publications; Preventing Prostate Cancer and Diet; 2003
