How to Prevent Prostate Cancer with Right Diet?

New cases of prostate cancer occur in 200,000 to 300,000 American men each year. Next to lung cancer, cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Age, genetics and race are important factors, which influence risk. At autopsies of men 70 years old and dying of other causes, 80% had prostate cancer; of those at age 50, 30% had incidental prostate cancer. Statistics show that in their lifetime one in five men will get prostate cancer, but only 3% die from it. The longer a man lives, the more likely he will develop cancer of the prostate. It will not affect his life span nor be of any clinical significance to him.

It is known that there is a higher incidence of prostate cancer in men who eat diets high in fat content. To decrease the risk of cancer of the prostate, a man should eat less animal fat and red meat. On the other hand, it is well known now that Japanese men who are vegetarian have a low incidence of cancer of the prostate. They eat fish. Moreover, it is felt that foods rich in omega-3-fatty acids—like some fish—lower the risk. High alcohol consumption is known to be a concern. The advice is to limit or eliminate hard alcohol from your diet. Other authorities though propose that red wine may be helpful. A number indicate that a possible replacement beverage for hard alcohol is green tea which contains antioxidants. The picture is far from clear cut and remains confusing.

Nutritional research does not support any definite guidelines that promote cancer reduction in the prostate. Only common sense suggestions can be made. Most of these deal with so called healthy food choices that may or may not have any influence on prostate cancer. A man is encouraged to eat more vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower as well as fruits and tomatoes. He should ingest walnuts and flaxseed and its oils as well as soy products. He should eat brown rice and whole grains foods and avoid excess salt and sugars.

We see that common sense diets are suggested. The only definite food regiment that decreases prostate cancer seems to be avoiding red meat and animal fat and eating fish. Eat the foods as described above, exercise and see your doctor.