The role of food

The evidence points to food being a significant factor in cancer development. Several instances have been reported of increased prostate cancer in populations who have switched from their traditional food to Western-style foods. Although there is much more to be learned on this topic, we can be pretty sure from research findings that those who consume food rich in meat, dairy and sugar have a higher incidence of prostate cancer than those who don’t. The food you consume creates your cells and atoms. You are continually rebuilding your body.

On a more positive note, there is much talk now about how your food and lifestyle, and in particular, some specific food groups, can delay or even possibly prevent cancer. Here are a couple of examples

Pomegranates

The BBC reported in September 2005 on research suggesting that pomegranate juice may help slow the progress of prostate cancer. Click here for the whole story.

We were fortunate to have the support of POM Wonderful at our 2008 Gala Dinner, who donated bottles of their pomegranate juice for every attendee.  Research using POM Wonderful undertaken by retired PCRF Trustee Arie Belldegrun at UCLA has suggested that drinking pomegranate juice can delay PSA doubling time.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has long been thought to assist in the delay and prevention of many cancers. A large body of study supports this. Lycopene is by no means a miracle cure for prostate cancer, but regular consumption of tomatoes will undoubtedly provide a degree of nutritional benefit, along with other foods.

Find out more about Lycopene here. As usual, read and digest thoroughly.

Vitamin D

Research has also suggested that sunlight can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is thought that the body’s manufacture of Vitamin D, which is produced after exposure to sunlight, helps protect the prostate. Click here for the whole story.

Complementary Therapies

A great deal of work is now being done on complementary therapies and how they can be used alongside traditional treatments for prostate cancer. Comprehensive information can be found at the Cancer Research UK Cancerhelp site.

The Prostate Care Cookbook

Launched in June 2009, the Prostate Care Cookbook is dedicated to foods that sustain prostate health. Working with Prof Margaret Rayman and her team at the University of Surrey, they have pulled together all the latest thinking on the effectiveness of different foods and written some imaginative recipes to incorporate these into your daily eating regime.

You can order the cookbook via Amazon (Healthy Eating-The Prostate Care Cookbook). There are many such books available.