The prostate gland, located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra, is part of the male reproductive system, which serves the purpose of producing seminal fluid. As men age the prostate may enlarge and cause urinary problems, but it is also susceptible to increased cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, a high-fat diet including red meat and dairy is linked with a higher risk of getting prostate cancer.
Testosterone, Fat and Prostate Cells
Testosterone, an androgen hormone produced amply in men, stimulates the growth of male genitals during puberty and it is required for sperm production. During normal biochemical processes, testosterone converts into a more potent androgen called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which stimules the growth of prostate cells. In adolescence DHT aids in normal growth of the reproductive organs but in aging men this androgen can increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the early stages of prostate enlargement. According to a report by Dr. Neal Barnard of the Cancer Project, a high-fat diet including full-fat dairy and meats with saturated fat boosts the effect of testosterone on the prostate, leading to increased cancer risk.
Prostate Cancer Research
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known as of 2011, but evidence is strong concerning the connection between a high-saturated fat diet and risk. A 2011 animal study published in "The Prostate" confirmed that study subjects fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks experienced significant elevations in the biomarkers indicating prostate cancer cell formation compared to control subjects fed regular diets. Studies published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" and "Cancer Research," as reported by Dr. Neal Barnard, also found that milk-drinking men have a 30 to 60 percent greater prostate cancer risk than men who avoid dairy products. Research is ongoing to determine the exact connection between saturated fats and prostate cancer risk.
High-Fat Meat and Milk
Saturated fat is highest in animal-based foods including red meats and dairy. Red meat like beef, steak and lamb or pork, bacon, sausage and processed meats increase cancer risk because of the potential carcinogens formed from additives or the actual fat content, notes the National Cancer Institute. Full-fat dairy is also implicated in prostate cancer risk because of increasing insulin-like growth hormone in the bloodstream, which plays a role in cancer cell growth.
Reducing Prostate Cancer Risk
A primarily plant-based diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains plus a diet low in saturated fats can reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Fruits, vegetables and grains provide a rich source of antioxidants, substances that neutralize harmful molecules that form cancerous cells. Produce and grains also provide several essential vitamins for normal biological functions. Low-fat meats including fish and poultry provide a source of protein while also reducing your saturated fat intake. Beans and nuts are also a low-fat source of protein high in nutrients.
References
- American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer: Early Detection
- The Prostate; High-Fat Diet Increases NF-kB Signaling in the Prostate of Reporter Mice; E. V. VYkhovanets et al; 2011
- Harvard Medical School: Testosterone, Prostate Cancer, and Balding: Is There a Link?
- The Cancer Project: Nutrition and Prostate Health; Neal D. Barnard, M.D.
- National Cancer Institute: Red Meat Consumption
- UCSF Medical Center: Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Member Comments