Men's Health Week
Nutrition for Prostate Cancer

For Men’s Health Week we wanted to highlight a common issue among men which is no secret - prostate cancer. In Australia, it is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men, and over 63% of cases are over 65 years of age. But, like most chronic diseases, nutrition can play a vital role in the prevention and management of prostate cancer. 

There are two diets which are associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer - the Japanese diet (high in green tea, soy, vegetables, and fish), and the Mediterranean diet (high in fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and fish). Studies have focused on the different components of these diets, and current evidence suggests incorporating the following nutrients to assist in preventing and managing prostate cancer:

• Omega-3 found in fish, nuts and seeds 

• Lycopene found in tomatoes, guava and watermelon 

• Selenium found in brazil nuts, fish and wholegrains 

• Catechin found in green tea

• Isoflavones in legumes, including chickpeas, peanuts, and soy products

• Zinc in pumpkin seeds, baked beans and oysters

It is recommended to limit your intake of red and processed meats (e.g. deli meats, bacon and hot dogs), as excessive amounts are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Saturated fat, found in meats, butter and fried or baked goods, should also be limited. Overall, eating a plant based diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds and limiting your intake of saturated fat, red and processed meats is a great place to start. For individualised advice on how nutrition can best support you, be sure to speak with your Dietitian. 

Currently, population-based screening of prostate cancer is not recommended and there is no screening program. However, if you have a family history or any urinary symptoms (such as difficulty passing urine, frequent urination, pain while urinating, or blood in the urine or semen) you should speak to your GP.