"One in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives," according to a shocking forecast from Cancer Research UK, recently published in the British Journal of Cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the UK, with over 50,000 new cases reported each year. Fortunately, prostate cancer has one of the highest 10-year survival rates when compared to other cancers, often being a disease men live with rather than die from, as it typically progresses very slowly. However, it remains the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the UK.

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis or learning that you are at an elevated risk for the disease can be incredibly distressing, impacting mental and emotional well-being. Standard treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, come with significant side effects. As a result, many men opt for 'watchful waiting' or 'active surveillance,' which can feel like living with a ticking time bomb, often sparking anxiety and depression.

In this month's blog, we explore natural ways to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer or potentially slow its progression if you are under 'active surveillance' or undergoing treatment.

Understanding the Prostate

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, located between the penis and the bladder, surrounding the urethra, and is about the size of a walnut. Its function is to produce a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen.

Early Detection

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating, and a feeling that your bladder is not fully emptied afterwards. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but they are worth discussing with a doctor. Diagnostic tests for prostate cancer include blood tests, physical examinations of the prostate (known as a DRE or digital rectal examination), MRI scans, and biopsies.

A key tool in early detection is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. While PSA levels can also be elevated by non-cancerous conditions, it is still considered by organizations like Prostate Cancer UK as a cheap, safe, and effective method for identifying men who would benefit from further testing. Take the 30-second prostate cancer risk checker.

Cigarettes & Alcohol

The risks of smoking are well-documented; according to Cancer Research UK, it is the largest single preventable cause of cancer in the UK. Smoking has also been identified as a risk factor for prostate cancer death, based on research led by epidemiologist Elizabeth Platz of Johns Hopkins University.

Alcohol, on the other hand, presents a more complex picture. For example, moderate consumption of red wine has been suggested in some studies to have a protective effect, while others indicate alcohol as a potential risk factor for prostate cancer. The type and amount of alcohol consumed appear to play a significant role. Given the lack of a clear scientific consensus, it’s advisable to consume only moderate amounts of alcohol, if any.

Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods

Another key preventive measure is to avoid or minimize your intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF). These foods often contain additives, preservatives, and ingredients not commonly found in home cooking, which may contribute to an increased cancer risk. Epidemiological evidence suggests that in areas where the consumption of highly processed foods rises, so too does the rate of chronic disease. Learn more about the risks associated with ultra-processed foods here.

Watch Your Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to protect yourself against cancer. There is strong evidence that being overweight or obese increases the chance of developing 13 different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. If you're interested in learning about diets from communities with the lowest disease rates, check out Blue Zones for insights into their plant-based eating habits.

Manage Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of cancer, including prostate cancer. While the exact link remains unclear, there is some research suggesting a genetic connection. Managing your diabetes through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication can significantly reduce your cancer risk. For more on diabetes and cancer, read Diabetes UK's insights.

Incorporate Cancer-Fighting Foods

Certain foods may have protective effects against prostate cancer, helping to slow its growth or reduce the likelihood of recurrence after treatment. These foods include lycopene-rich tomatoes, soya and pulses, pomegranate juice, green tea, shiitake mushroom extract, citrus fruits, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. While research is ongoing, a balanced diet rich in these foods is likely beneficial.

One standout in the cancer-fighting food category is broccoli. Many studies have linked diets rich in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables with a reduction in cancer risk at several sites, including prostate cancer. For instance, men who consumed three or more portions of broccoli or cruciferous vegetables weekly had a reduced incidence of prostate cancer, according to a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Urology.

Foods to Avoid

Bacon and barbecued meats should be consumed in moderation. Processed meats like ham, sausages, and bacon are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning they are definitively linked to cancer. Additionally, the char on barbecued meats contains a chemical known as heterocyclic amine (HCA), which is also a known carcinogen.

Why Aging Impacts Cancer Risk

The single biggest risk factor for cancer is ageing, with over half of all cancer cases diagnosed in people over 65. While ageing is inevitable, positive lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and moderating alcohol consumption, can help mitigate some of the risks associated with ageing.

Traditional vs. New Treatments

The most common treatments for prostate cancer include surgery and radiotherapy, which, while effective, come with risks of significant side effects. However, new pioneering treatments are emerging, including robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and various forms of focal therapy using lasers or ultrasound. For more information on these state-of-the-art treatments, you can visit Prostate Cancer UK's treatment page.

Complementary Therapies

While standard treatments are essential, complementary therapies like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and acupuncture can also play a crucial role in reducing stress and improving overall well-being during cancer treatment. Exercise, in particular, has shown promise in reducing the risk of prostate cancer progression, making it a valuable addition to any treatment plan.

For a broader look at cancer prevention, take a look at the World Cancer Research Fund's tips.