Can Diet Prevent Prostate Cancer?

There are some associations between certain foods and a decrease in prostate cancer risk.

• Folate

Folate is a type of vitamin B that is water-soluble and found in foods such as dark-green leafy vegetables, legumes and orange juice. Studies have found that a folate deficiency is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. However, the excessive consumption of the man-made version of folate, folic acid, is associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer. Folic acid, taken as oral supplements or found in fortified foods, is converted to tetrahydrofolate in the liver by enzymes called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). It is hypothesized that excessive consumption of folic acid may saturate the enzyme, resulting in unreduced folic acid, which may be a possible mechanism of carcinogenesis.

The relationship between folate and prostate cancer risk still remains unclear due to the varying levels of associations found.

• Coffee

Various studies have shown a link between the consumption of coffee and a reduced prostate cancer risk. However, it is not confirmed whether coffee consumption is a causal determinant of prostate cancer. More in-depth research is needed to determine this. Coffee has many bioactive ingredients (over 1000) and many of these compounds have shown to have anticancer potentials. It is hypothesized that the cumulative effects of these compounds contribute to the reduction of prostate cancer risk. However, there are many factors that may affect or alter the impact of coffee consumption on prostate cancer risk such as the type of coffee and brewing method used, most of which have not been adequately studied for formal recommendations of coffee consumption.

• Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice derived from the Curcuma longa plant, contains a compound called curcumin that has garnered interest for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties which may allow it to play a role in cancer prevention and treatment.

However, an existing challenge of curcumin as an anti-cancer compound is its low bioavailability. Overcoming this challenge may increase the potential of curcumin for its purpose in cancer prevention and treatment.

• Soy

The soybean is a type of legume native to East Asia. Foods containing soy include tofu, edamame, miso and soymilk. These foods are associated with a decrease in prostate cancer risk. The exact mechanism behind this protective effect is unfortunately still not fully understood.

It is important to note that while these foods are linked to a lower prostate cancer risk, there is still insufficient evidence and data to formulate a formal dietary recommendation with regards to preventing prostate cancer. As such, it is crucial to communicate with your doctors before making any major dietary changes.

Cancer is a complex disease with many factors contributing to its occurrence. Current research and knowledge cannot specifically pinpoint a cause of any cancer. As such, while diet can contribute to the occurrence of prostate cancer, it is not the only factor. If you are concerned about your prostate cancer risk, do talk to a healthcare professional who will guide you on what you can do.