Page 2 - Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer prevention
Can I prevent prostate cancer?
While there are some things that you cannot change,
as mentioned above, there are a few things you
can do to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Diet
is one of the most important things you can do to
reduce your risk. Men who are obese are more likely
to develop prostate cancer. Furthermore, the majority
of men with prostate cancer ultimately die of other
causes–especially heart disease (e.g. heart attacks
or strokes). Therefore, a healthy diet that prevents
both obesity and heart disease will be beneficial in
preventing prostate cancer. A diet low in fat, red
meat, charred meats, processed meats (sausages,
bacon and hot dogs) may reduce your risk of prostate
cancer. There is some evidence that stopping smoking
will help prevent the development of prostate cancer.
Eating a diet high in vegetables reduces the risk of
prostate cancer. Sulphur-containing vegetables such
as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
contain antioxidants that may prevent cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found particularly in
fish oils, are thought to be protective against prostate
cancer. In the same context, exercise may also be
beneficial.
Do vitamins reduce my risk?
There are no vitamins or supplements that have been
shown to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin E
and selenium were thought to be beneficial, but
this has recently been refuted in a large study. There
is some evidence that men with higher levels of
vitamin D in their body are at lower risk for developing
prostate cancer, but there are no studies that show
that taking vitamin D supplements helps to reduce
prostate cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables,
This publication is produced by
The information in the publication is not intended to convey medical advice or to substitute for direct consultation with a qualified medical
practitioner. The Canadian Urological Association disclaims all liability and legal responsibility howsoever caused, including negligence, for the
information contained in or referenced by this brochure.
© 2014. Canadian Urological Association. All rights reserved.
particularly carotenoids and cooked tomato products
has been shown to help reduce the risk of prostate
cancer. Lycopenes, especially, may be beneficial.
Sources of lycopene include tomatoes, papaya and
watermelon. Lycopenes are best absorbed into your
body after cooking.
Are there any medications to help
prevent prostate cancer?
Two separate studies have been performed in a large
number of men (>20,000) which have demonstrated
that a class of medicines called 5-alpha reductase
inhibitor decreases the risk of being diagnosed with
prostate cancer by 25% compared to men taking
placebo (sugar pill). There are two 5-alpha reductase
inhibitors currently available: finasteride or dutasteride.
These medications are typically prescribed for men
with symptoms from an enlarged prostate gland (BPH)
in order to shrink their prostate and relieve symptoms.
You can speak to your physician to see if it would be
appropriate for you to take this medication to help
prevent prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Although you cannot change some things like
the genes you inherit from relatives, there is good
evidence that avoiding obesity helps prevent
prostate cancer. A healthy diet, exercise and smoking
cessation are not only good for your prostate, but also
good for your heart and overall health. Speak to your
physician about taking a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
to determine whether or not it is for you. As always,
regular check ups with your physician will also keep
you on track for a healthy life.
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