From Comments by John F. Sacco, MD, radiation oncologist with OHC who is also board certified in integrative and holistic medicine. Original article by Scott Harris, Medical News Today, August 16, 2018

September 26, 2018

It isn’t possible to completely prevent prostate cancer, but it is possible to reduce a person’s risk. According to the American Cancer Society, the best ways to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer are to make positive changes involving diet and exercise. If a person tries to reduce their risk in other ways, these are less likely to be effective without a healthful diet and exercise program.

“It’s estimated that 35-70 percent of all cancers are directly related to our lifestyle choices, of which diet is a major component,” said John F. Sacco, MD, radiation oncologist with OHC who is also board certified in integrative and holistic medicine. “In a landmark study of the effects of a plant-based diet, exercise, mediation, and group support, Dean Ornish, MD, demonstrated the same can stabilize prostate specific antigens (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer who elect active surveillance.”

Some natural approaches, like a plant-based diet, that are commonly used to lower the risk of prostate cancer include the following:

  • Soy and Isoflavones. Isoflavones are a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 study concluded that isoflavones could benefit health in several ways, including helping to protect against prostate cancer. The medical community currently holds that, while isoflavones cannot treat or prevent the disease, they can play a protective role. The foods with the highest concentrations of isoflavones are soybean products, including tofu, soy milk and miso. Other foods that contain isoflavones include chickpeas, beans and alfalfa.
  • Tomatoes. A review from 2016 found that increased tomato consumption resulted in a reduced risk of prostate cancer, though the authors note that more research is needed. Processed tomatoes, including all cooked and canned varieties, contain a compound called lycopene. Some studies suggest that this compound may reduce the risk of cancers, especially those of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Lycopene is also found in grapefruit, watermelon, and apricots.
  • Coffee. In 2016, researchers published a review of 105 studies that considered the effects of coffee on cancer risk. They concluded that coffee and its antioxidant capabilities may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and some other types of the disease.
    “Some studies have suggested that coffee may decrease risk of prostate, oral and colon cancer, though more research is required to determine if these are cause and effect associations. In addition, several large studies have found that coffee drinkers live longer than non-coffee drinkers and have a lower risk of dying from any chronic disease,” said Dr. Sacco.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are present in fish and other types of seafood. Additional sources include walnuts, flax seeds, and soybeans. There is some evidence that omega-3s fatty acids may reduce prostate cancer risk. However, many experts no longer believe that the acids have significant cancer-fighting properties.
    “When it comes to breast cancer prevention, studies have shown that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish can help. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any evidence that omega-3s can help with prostate cancer prevention,” said Dr. Sacco.

What to avoid

Some compounds in foods may increase a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Consider avoiding the following:

  • Vegetable oils. A diet excessively high in fat can increase the risk of many types of cancer, and the omega-6 fatty acids in vegetable oils may promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Oils derived from corn, sunflowers, safflowers, cottonseed, and soybeans, for example, can contain substantial amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Grilled or fried meats. The National Cancer Institute in the United States advises against eating meats cooked at high temperatures, typically by grilling or frying. When a person cooks muscle meat, including beef, pork, and poultry, at high temperatures, the meat may form chemicals that cause changes in DNA, resulting in an increased risk of cancer.
  • Sugar and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates help fuel the proper functioning of our bodies and especially the brain, so cutting out carbs from your diet like many fad diets suggest isn’t always healthy. However, it’s important to avoid refined carbohydrates from foods made with white sugar, white flour, white pasta, white rice, and concentrated fruit juices.
    “You can get the carbohydrates you need to fuel your body through vegetables and fruits because they are loaded with fiber, and evidence suggest that diets high in fiber prevent cancers and promote weight control,” Dr. Sacco explained.
  • Selenium and vitamin E. The medical community once considered selenium and vitamin E to be opponents of cancer. However, more recent research suggests that these compounds, when taken together or alone, can increase the risk of prostate cancer in some men. Anyone concerned about prostate cancer should talk with their doctor these supplements.

“No single food can prevent or fight cancer on its own,” added Dr. Sacco, “so aim for a plate of food that is at least two-thirds whole grains, vegetables, beans, nuts, or fruit. Dairy products, fish, and meat should take up no more than a third of your plate.”

For more information about the health benefits of a natural approach to reducing cancer risk, contact Dr. Sacco at OHC at 1-888-649-4800.

OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than three decades. We are the region’s leading experts in the treatment of nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder. OHC offers the latest medical, gynecologic and radiation therapy, and is always seeking better treatment options through participation in clinical trials. OHC is certified by the American Society for Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program, is an accredited Oncology Medical Home, and is one of only 179 practices nationally to be accepted into the Medicare Oncology Initiative. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple – to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer. For more information about services and careers at OHC, visit ohcare.com.