Ask a Dietitian

The lifelong risk of prostate cancer is one in ten men, almost as high as the risk for breast cancer in women.  Only about 25% of those who get prostate cancer will die from it.  A blood test measuring PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen can be used as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer and is also helpful in determining the success of treatment.  Although prostate cancer is much more prevalent in older men aged 70-80 years of age, microscopic clusters of cancer cells are now being identified in the prostates of men in their 30’s.  These cells can lie dormant for years and then something trigger them to start multiplying later in life.  The triggers are not well understood, yet what may delay the progression of cancer cell growth may be in part related to diet.

It is not just about drinking less alcohol and eating less saturated fat from meat and dairy.  There are several foods which have been shown to have prostate protective benefits.

Lycopene, a carotenoid in tomatoes, particularly in processed tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato juice and stewed tomatoes, has been clearly linked to a lower risk for prostate cancer.  Cooked tomato products contain a greater amount of available lycopene than their raw counterparts, and because lycopene is fat soluble, a small amount of oil in the tomato product can help improve absorption.  Consider making a homemade pasta sauce with stewed tomatoes or a vegetarian chili for dinner tonight.  Lycopene is also found in watermelon, guava and pink grapefruit.

Limit saturated fats from meats and include more fats from fish oils in fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, trout, and monounsaturated fats in olive oil, canola oil and avocadoes.  These types of fat are not known to promote prostate cancer.

Plant hormones or phytoestrogens from soy may help shield the prostate gland from cancer cell growth.  Get isoflavones from soy products such as tofu, soymilk, soy burgers, miso and tempeh.  Try chocolate soymilk with a banana and peanut butter in a smoothie, have a veggie burger instead of a beef burger for lunch or try almond flavoured dessert tofu on strawberries for a snack.

Sesame seeds and flax seeds may also have some prostate protective benefits.  The fibrous part of the seed is digested by bacteria in our intestine and a phytoestrogen called a lignan is produced.  However, beware of the calories from seeds.  If you are watching your waistline, keep seed butters to 1-2 Tbsp per serving and use it in place of butter or margarine.

Aim to eat at least 9 servings of vegetables and fruit per day, potato not included.  In particular, the cucurbit family, including cucumber, melon, squash and pumpkin and their seeds contain phytosterols that may have prostate protective benefits.  Mash squash instead of potatoes for a side dish and add pumpkin seeds to a trail mix or salad.

Recent studies on prostate cancer in dogs found that selenium, an antioxidant, may also help reduce the damage of DNA in prostate cells.  Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, seafood and vegetables.  Be cautious with selenium supplements, too much can lead to nausea, vomiting, nerve damage and loss of hair and nails.

Prostate Cancer Fighting Meal of the week:

Try a pasta with tomato sauce, grilled salmon or tofu kebobs, green salad with pumpkin seeds and flax oil in the dressing, 1 cup soymilk and watermelon wedges for dessert.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!