Diet, Health

Prostate Cancer Patients May Slow Down Its Progression By Following A Plant-Based Diet

PCRM

A recent study suggests that adopting a plant-based diet can provide numerous health benefits, including potentially extending the lives of individuals with prostate cancer. Increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may contribute significantly to improved outcomes for those affected by this condition.

Key Points to Note:

  • Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who incorporated more servings of fruits, vegetables, and grains into their diets had nearly a 50 percent lower risk of cancer progression compared to those who consumed fewer plant-based foods.
  • Multiple studies have demonstrated that increasing the intake of plant-based foods can significantly enhance overall prostate health.
  • Even minor dietary adjustments can improve the quality of life, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older.

For those people who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, a significant worry is the potential progression of the disease to a more severe and life-threatening stage. Recent research reveals that a diet abundant in fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains can considerably reduce the risk of the cancer advancing.

The study, which was featured just recently in JAMA Network Open, found that men with prostate cancer who consumed a high quantity of plant-based foods reduced their risk of cancer progression by nearly 50% compared to those with lower consumption of such foods.

“Consuming a primarily plant-based diet may be associated with better prostate cancer–specific outcomes, adding to a list of other numerous health benefits, including a reduction in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality,” lead author Vivian Liu, a clinical researcher affiliated with the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California in San Francisco, said. “Making small changes in one’s diet to eat more plant-based foods and less animal-based food each day is beneficial — and the more [plants] you eat, the better.”

Plant-Based Diet May Help Control Prostate Cancer Progression

The investigation included over 2,000 men, with an average age of 65 at the study’s start, all diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer—indicating the cancer had not yet spread to other parts of the body. Each participant completed a comprehensive diet and lifestyle questionnaire, which provided a detailed account of their eating habits.

Over an average follow-up period of 6.5 years, 190 participants experienced cancer progression, and 61 died from prostate cancer-specific causes. Through analysis of this data, Liu and her team found that those who consumed the highest amounts of plant-based foods had a 47 percent lower risk of their prostate cancer spreading compared to those who consumed the least.

Liu noted that the results also suggest an inverse relationship between plant-based food consumption and premature mortality. However, the data was insufficient to make a meaningful estimate regarding the percentage reduction in mortality risk. This finding highlights the potential benefits of a plant-based diet not only in slowing cancer progression but also in improving overall survival outcomes for patients with prostate cancer.

Small Dietary Changes Still Help

Compared to the lowest level of plant-based consumption, the highest level meant eating an additional 1.9 portions of vegetables, 1.6 more servings of fruit, and 0.9 extra servings of whole grains each day.

To understand what this translates to in practical terms, consider that a standard serving of fruit might be one medium apple, banana, orange, or pear. A half-cup of brown rice counts as a single serving of grains, while a single portion of vegetables could be a half-cup of cooked vegetables or one cup of raw vegetables like broccoli or carrots.

Participants who consumed higher quantities of plant-based foods also ate fewer animal-based foods. On average, they consumed one less serving of dairy (equivalent to a cup of milk or two slices of cheese), slightly fewer eggs, and marginally less meat.

Natasha Gupta, MD, a research assistant professor in the department of urology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, stated that these findings contribute to the growing body of literature underscoring the benefits of plant-based diets. She highlighted that such diets not only reduce the risk of prostate cancer but also enhance the overall quality of life for patients.

Plant-Based Diet Provides Several Benefits When It Comes to Prostate Health

Dr. Gupta has conducted a scientific review of 31 previously published studies on this topic, which confirmed the potential protective effects of vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts on prostate health.

Explaining the benefits of a plant-based diet, Gupta points out that fruits and vegetables are abundant in phytochemicals and antioxidants. These substances may help prevent harmful cellular changes, contributing to better prostate health.

“On the other hand, animal-based foods like processed meat and red meat are known carcinogens according to the World Health Organization, and dairy has been linked to worse prostate cancer outcomes,” Gupta, who was not part of the said study, stated. “A plant-based dietary pattern naturally shifts away from these harmful foods to more helpful foods.”

Prostate Cancer – Most Common Among American Men

Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among men in the U.S., second only to skin cancer. The American Cancer Society projects that approximately 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, with about 35,250 men expected to die from the disease.

Although about 60% of prostate cancer diagnoses occur in men aged 65 and older, Liu emphasizes that dietary changes can still have a significant impact on this older population.

“It’s not too late,” she said. “You don’t have to make a 180-degree change to your diet. Just focus on small changes to eat more plant-based foods and less animal-based food each day. Greater consumption of plant-based food after a prostate cancer diagnosis has also recently been associated with better quality of life, including sexual function, urinary function, and vitality — so it’s a win on many levels.”