Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations

Modify your diet to decrease your risk of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is cancer of the gland that produces seminal fluid in males$^1$. It occurs when the cells of the prostate grow uncontrollably into the nearby tissue and destroy it$^2$. Worldwide, there are over 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer every year$^3$.

Methods

The infographic and recommendations described in this article were created based on the combined nutritional information accumulated from some of the largest and most referenced prostate cancer organizations. We also summarize each organization’s recommendations independently.

General Anticancer Eating Habits

For general cancer prevention, see our Cancer Fighting Food Recommendation Article that was created using a similar methodology, but for all cancers.

Overall Prostate Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations

Obesity, or a body mass index of 30 or higher, increases the risk of prostate cancer. It is recommended that a healthy weight is maintained through a healthy diet and exercise. A good rule of thumb for food quantities is to fill your plate with at least 50% colorful vegetables and fruits, 25% (or more) lean protein, and no more than 25% of starchy vegetables or whole grains$^4$. Another measure would be to consume 7-9 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and (non-starchy) vegetables every day. A diet high in fiber, of approximately 30-45 grams per day, is recommended. Plant-based proteins are preferred. Low mercury fish should be consumed twice a week (or more), and poultry is preferred over red and processed meats. Red meats should be limited to 17.6 ounces (500 grams; ~2.2 cups) per week. Additionally, 1 serving of healthy fats per day is recommended, however trans fats should be avoided. Saturated fats and fats from red meat, eggs, and dairy should be limited. Alcohol should be limited if consumed at all.

Explanation, Tips, and Examples

📄 Detailed Prostate Cancer Prevention Notes by Anticancer.ca

Weight Management: A healthy range for body mass index is 18.5-24.95$^5$. Weight gain and obesity should be avoided in order to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer$^{3,6–9}$. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is through rigorous exercise within the bounds of fitness level, and consuming a lower calorie diet$^6$. Fruits and Vegetables: Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients$^{10}$. These should make up half of the plate$^{11}$. In terms of preparation, favor fruits and vegetables that have been steamed, baked, or stir-fried rather than deep fried, as well as fruits or vegetables without added sugar or salt. Fruits and vegetables are usually not dense in calories, so an increase in fruits and vegetables leads to a decrease in overall calorie consumption; this is linked to a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer$^{10}$. Starchy vegetables include beans, legumes, corn, potatoes, green peas, beets, squashes, and turnips. Fiber: Foods that are high in fiber include whole grain breads (breads should have 3 or more grams of fiber per slice$^4$ ), oats, barley, quinoa, millet, wild rice, buckwheat, amaranth, spelt, teff, and bulger$^{4,10}$. Grains: At least half of the recommended servings of grains consumed per day should be whole. Grains should also be low in salt, fat, and sugar$^{10}$. Good examples could include whole grain breads or pastas, brown rice, oats, or, quinoa$^{10}$. Protein: Plant-based proteins are recommended, with some research even showing that vegan diets can decrease the risk of prostate cancer$^{3,11}$. Red meats such as beef, pork, lamb, goat, and wild meats should be limited to no more than 17.6 ounces (500 grams; ~2.2 cups) per week$^{11}$. Processed meats such as deli meats, bacon, hot dogs, sausages, and meats that are smoked, cured or preserved with nitrates and nitrites should be avoided$^{4}$. Lean meats that have very little added salt and fat should be chosen. Fish is recommended, and good choices include herring, char, mackerel, salmon, or trout. Poultry is also favored$^{10}$. At least 25% of your plate should be made up of lean protein every day$^{4}$. Fats: Omega-3 fats are recommended for preventing prostate cancer$^{11-14}$. These can include fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, or sardines, nuts such as walnuts, and seeds such as chia or hemp seeds$^{6,11,13}$. Trans and saturated fats are unhealthy and should be limited or avoided$^{11,13}$. For the one additional serving on fats, good examples include 1 ounce of nuts, 1-2 tablespoon(s) of olive oil, or 1/3 of a medium-sized avocado. Alcohol: Alcohol should be kept to a minimum, if consumed at all$^{4,11,15}$. The John Hopkins Hospital expresses that studies might show red wine can improve health as it has antioxidant properties. Vitamins: Recommendations regarding vitamin supplements for prostate cancer prevention are limited. However, vitamin D is important so supplements might be beneficial if sunlight and nutrition are not adequate. Dairy: There is limited evidence however, it seems that increased dairy is related to increased prostate cancer$^{9-12,14-16}$. However, Procure does suggest aiming for 2 drinks of milk (skim, 1%, 2% or fortified soy) each day for vitamin D$^{10}$. Eggs: Eggs have been shown to demonstrate an increase in prostate cancer$^{4}$. World Cancer Research Fund talks about a study that said men who ate more eggs (2.5 more per week) were 82% more likely to develop fatal prostate cancer.

Summary

While there is no prevention strategy for prostate cancer that is infallible, risk can be reduced with the lifestyle modifications mentioned in this article$^{15}$. It is important to keep your daily caloric intake at the right level to maintain a healthy weight. A variety of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily, along with proteins that are not red or processed. The recommendations listed are consistent with most organizations' recommendations for overall health, general cancer prevention, and anti-aging benefits as well as personalized prevention plans. To have your institution recommendations included or to modify the recommendations presented from your institution email info@anticancer.ca. Subscribe for future work that will include recommendations for other specific cancers. We will also feature the reasoning and evidence behind certain recommendations, and reviews of primary research papers and randomized clinical controlled trials that investigate specific nutrients and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Prostate cancer - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
2. Lee S. What is prostate cancer? Canadian Cancer Society. Published February 2021. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/prostate/what-is-prostate-cancer
3. Prostate cancer statistics | World Cancer Research Fund International. WCRF International. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/prostate-cancer-statistics/
4. Lagomarcino Ledesma N. Health and Wellness: Living with Prostate Cancer.
5. World Cancer Research Fund. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perpective.
6. Prostate Cancer Prevention. Prostate Cancer Foundation. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-prevention/
7. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle. ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://zerocancer.org/learn/current-patients/maintain-qol/
8. Lee S. Have a healthy body weight. Canadian Cancer Society. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/have-a-healthy-body-weight
9. Rock CL, Thomson C, Gansler T, et al. American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(4):245-271. doi:10.3322/caac.21591
10. Nutrition and healthy body. PROCURE. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.procure.ca/en/living-with-cancer/nutrition-healthy-body/
11. Lok T. NUTRITION FOR PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS.
12. Prostate Care | Department of Urologic Sciences. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://urology.med.ubc.ca/patient-information/prostate-care/
13. Prostate Cancer: Prevention. Published August 8, 2021. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-prevention
14. Prevention. CTCPC. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.ctcpc.org/prevention
15. How to lower your risk of prostate cancer. Mayo Clinic. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer-prevention/art-20045641
16. team TW. Do eggs increase risk of prostate cancer? World Cancer Research Fund. Published September 30, 2011. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.wcrf-uk.org/our-blog/do-eggs-increase-risk-of-prostate-cancer/

About This Article

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• Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Prevention from the World’s Leading Cancer Organizations
• Methods
• General Anticancer Eating Habits
• Overall Prostate Cancer Prevention Nutritional Recommendations
• Explanation, Tips, and Examples
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References
• About This Article
• Disclaimer