Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains may prevent prostate and other cancers

Your daily intake of fruits, vegetables and cereal grains may interfere with the process of developing prostate and several other type cancers. The scientific community is continually studying the role of diet in the development of cancer. Many results are preliminary and more is being learned every day. In addition to reducing the risk of developing cancer, the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases might also be prevented by eating more fruits and vegetables.

Also, although research studies are inconclusive at this time, preliminary evidence suggests that some components of food that may play a role in decreasing the risk of developing cancer are phytochemicals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Tomato-rich diet may help prevent prostate cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in tomatoes, which contain lycopene, appear to have a lower risk for prostate and certain other types of cancer.
The ACS defines lycopene as an anti-oxidant compound that gives tomatoes its red color.

Low-fat diet may help prevent prostate cancer
Avoiding foods rich in fat may help to prevent prostate cancer, as there is also evidence that total fat intake of greater than 30 percent of total daily calories can increase the risk of developing some cancers. This is especially true when total fat intake includes saturated fat and possibly polyunsaturated fat. The Food Guide Pyramid, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and 5 A Day for Better Health Campaign are good sources for nutritional information.

How does daily fiber intake reduce prostate cancer risk?
Dietary fiber intake may influence circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol, which, in turn, may decrease the progression of prostate cancer.

Soy protein may inhibit prostate cancer growth
Besides lower fat intake, another major difference between Asian and American diets is the consumption of soy, averaging 35 g a day per capita. Soy contains isoflavones which, in several studies, have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Vitamin E and selenium shown to inhibit tumor growth
Vitamin E, an antioxidant, combined with selenium, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals.

 

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010.

Last Updated: October 14, 2010 (RSH)