Introduction

There are a number of factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, although the exact reasons for this are unknown.

The Role of Diet

As with many diseases, diet is a factor, with the British prostate cancer charity pointing out that the disease is associated with calcium-rich foods, as well as red and processed meats and alcohol.

A new study has identified some foods that may reduce the risk. A rainbow diet of colorful fruits and vegetables is the best way to prevent prostate cancer, according to two studies published in the journal Cancers.

Similar to the Mediterranean diet, researchers have found that a micronutrient-rich diet not only reduces the chance of developing prostate cancer, but also speeds up recovery in men undergoing radiation therapy for the disease.

Both studies also highlight the importance of a Mediterranean or Asian diet that includes these foods.

The Study

As part of the study, the researchers collected plasma samples from 116 late-diagnosed Caucasians and 132 South Australian controls and analyzed them for trace element concentrations.

This showed that prostate cancer patients had lower levels of lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and selenium and higher levels of iron, sulfur, and calcium compared to controls.

Increased DNA damage after exposure to radiation has also been associated with decreased plasma levels of lycopene and selenium, which increase the risk of prostate cancer and susceptibility to the harmful effects of radiation.

Lycopene is found in red, pink, and orange fruits and vegetables, including peppers, tomatoes, melons, papaya, grapes, peaches, melons, and cranberries.

Foods rich in selenium include white meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and nuts.

Study co-author from the University of South Australia, Dr. Permal Deo, said eating foods rich in lycopene and selenium is better than taking supplements, as previous research suggests the benefits are limited.

He added: “We recommend following the Mediterranean diet with the help of a nutritionist because people absorb nutrients differently, depending on the food, digestive system, human genotype, and possibly microbiome.”

Other Risk Factors

Prostate cancer has also previously been associated with race, family history, and age, but there has been little research on nutritional deficiencies associated with it.

Dr. Dew added: “There is strong evidence that being overweight and tall increases the risk of prostate cancer. A diet high in dairy and low in vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, may also increase the risk, but the evidence is less “strong”.

This study is the first of its kind to evaluate plasma micronutrient and trace element concentrations in association with prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

At first, prostate cancer may remain asymptomatic. Signs usually appear when the cancer is large enough to press on the urethra.

They may include:

• The need to urinate frequently, often at night
• Difficulty starting to urinate
• Straining or prolonged urination
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Presence of blood in urine or blood in semen

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of prostate cancer, you should speak to your GP.

Source: Express