In 2024, it is predicted that there will be over 299,000 newly diagnosed cases of Prostate Cancer. Most men are diagnosed around 67. It is uncommon for men under 45 to get Prostate Cancer. 1 in 8 men will develop Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Prostate Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer for men in the US.
There are known risk factors for Prostate Cancer - being over age 50, being African American, and having multiple men in the family with Prostate Cancer. There are some risk factors that need more research to link them to Prostate Cancer- exposure to arsenic, Agent Orange, Fire Fighter chemicals, dairy and obesity. Inflammation, STD’s and vasectomy may be risk factors, but much more research is needed. Smoking has not been linked to increased risk of prostate cancer, but once diagnosed, it increases your risk of dying.
There are steps everyone can take to lower the risk of all cancers, such as:
Choose at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruit daily that are deep, rich colors
Have whole grains
Pick heart healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, olive oil & avocado
Keep alcohol daily to 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men
Limit red meat
Cut down on highly processed foods such as pepperoni, bacon, hot dogs, sugar sweetened cereals/treats & ready-to-eat meals
Avoid sugar sweetened drinks & energy drinks
There are promising foods to add to your plate to lower the risk of Prostate Cancer because they contain phytochemicals which are naturally existing plant-based chemicals that protect cells. Daily add some of these superfoods to the menu-
Fish: Anchovy, haddock, mackerel, salmon, sardine, trout & white albacore tuna
Fruit: Guava, watermelon, papaya, persimmon, pomegranate, grapefruit & mango
Drinks: Green Tea
Legumes: beans, chickpeas & lentils
Pumpkin Seeds
Soybeans
Veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, red bell peppers, red cabbage, tomato juice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, turnip & watercress
There is no strategy that absolutely prevents Prostate Cancer. We do know that lifestyle and nutritional changes have been shown to make a difference. So serve up some nutrient rich foods regularly to lower your risk of Prostate Cancer. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Jennifer at (413) 579-5450 or at jenthedietitian.com.