About this page. This is a plain English summary of diet and lifestyle factors in prostate cancer. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
The headline message
Dr Kooner's main message to patients is simple:
What is good for your heart is good for your prostate.
That means losing extra weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and moving your body regularly.
Why weight matters
A higher body mass index (BMI) has been linked in some studies with:
- More aggressive prostate cancer.
- Lower cure rates.
- A higher chance of getting prostate cancer in the first place.
This is one reason regular exercise is encouraged for men with, or at risk of, prostate cancer.
Foods that may help
The evidence is not as strong as for heart disease, but the following are reasonable parts of a healthy eating pattern:
- Soya products like tofu, miso, and soya milk. They contain natural plant compounds called phytoestrogens.
- Wholegrain foods and red clover (also a source of phytoestrogens).
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
- Antioxidants like green tea and lycopenes (found in cooked tomatoes).
Vitamin D
Topping up low vitamin D, either through some safe sun exposure or supplements, is sensible. Some studies suggest it may help slow prostate cancer activity, although more evidence is still needed.
Things to be cautious about
- Vitamin E and selenium supplements. A large study in the United States found these did not reduce prostate cancer risk and were linked to more side effects. Dr Kooner does not recommend them.
- One particular prescription medication (sometimes used for an enlarged prostate or hair loss) was hoped to reduce prostate cancer risk. Overall it did, but a smaller group of men in the study had more aggressive cancers. Current advice is generally not to use this medication purely for prostate cancer prevention.
- Statins (cholesterol tablets) may slightly reduce prostate cancer risk in some studies. They should still only be started for usual heart-related reasons under your GP's care.
The simple bottom line
- Lose extra weight if you have it.
- Eat a diet that is good for your heart, lower in saturated fat.
- Exercise regularly.
This advice applies whether you are trying to lower your risk of prostate cancer, or you have already been diagnosed.
Important things to know
- No food, drink, or supplement has been shown to reliably prevent prostate cancer on its own.
- Diet and exercise are about reducing risk and supporting general health, not replacing medical treatment for cancer that has already been found.
- Be cautious of online claims that one specific food, juice, herb, or supplement can "cure" or "prevent" prostate cancer. There is no good evidence for that.
- Talk to your GP before starting new supplements, especially if you take other medications.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page with references.
- Short version overview of prostate cancer.
- Short version: active surveillance, where lifestyle changes also play a role.
- Request a second opinion on a treatment plan.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.