Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of death from malignancy with research showing that 60-70% of all men in their 80s have some microscopic evidence of prostate cancer. New diagnoses are increasing both in Europe and in Greece, where around 6,500 cases and 1850 deaths were recorded in 2018. Data even show that by 2040, prostate cancer cases may double from 1.4 million per year in 2020 to 2.9 million per year by 2040. Unless, of course, we take action.
There is, however, growing evidence supporting the role of plant-based diet in the prevention of prostate cancer and in healthy survival after diagnosis and treatment. In fact, all six pillars of lifestyle medicine (a basically plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of dangerous substances like alcohol and tobacco, restorative sleep and social relationships) are all important for prostate health.
New study shows interesting data on sexual function, urinary irritation and hormonal health
The study included 3505 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study with a diagnosis of non-metastatic prostate cancer. Dietary data were used to calculate the total index and the healthy plant-based index. This was linked to everyday life indicators measured at an average of 7 years after cancer treatment. The quality of everyday life factors included sexual function, urinary irritation/obstruction, urinary incontinence, bowel and hormonal health.
The results showed that adopting an overall balanced plant-based diet was associated with better sexual/rectal function, less urinary irritation/obstruction and urinary incontinence, better bowel function and higher scores in hormonal health.
How can a plant-base diet actually help
The study authors report that their results are consistent with the results of previous studies. The positive effects of a plant-based diet are likely to be due to the higher intake of fibre and the effects of numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in plants, along with the absence of harmful nutrients found in foods of animal origin. They also report that none of the participants were following a completely plant-based or vegan diet and therefore there could be additional benefit for those who follow an entirely plant-based diet. They even devote an entire paragraph reminding us the benefits of a plant-based diet for the planet and suggest that since there are no disadvantages to this way of eating, this should be the dietary pattern of choice.
According to the experts, people with prostate cancer should be aware that incorporating more plant-based foods into their diet could not only reduce the risk of comorbidities, but also help improve functional outcomes.
Resources
https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/plant-based-diets-improve-quality-life-after-prostate-cancer
Dizon DS, Kamal AH. Cancer statistics 2024: All hands on deck. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024. doi:10.3322/caac.21824
Loeb S, Hua Q, Bauer S, et al. Plant-based diet associated with better quality of life in prostate cancer survivors. Cancer. 2024. doi:10.1002/cncr.35172
Ornish D, Weidner G, Fair WR, et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer. J Urol. 2005;174(3):1065-1069; discussion 1069-1070. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000169487.49018.73
