New study: What You Eat when you have Prostate Cancer

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has not metastasized generally have a long life expectancy. Most men with prostate cancer don’t die from the disease, but instead die of unrelated causes. This study looks at to what extent post-diagnostic diet may affect disease-specific and overall mortality.

Two dietary patterns were identified in this study: the Prudent pattern and the Western pattern. The Prudent pattern consists of a higher intake of legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, garlic, soy products, fish, and oil and vinegar dressing. The Western pattern consists of a higher intake of processed and red meats, eggs, potatoes, high-fat dairy products, butter, refined grains, snacks, sweets, and desserts.

Among the men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer, the men who ate a Western diet post-diagnosis had a higher risk of disease-specific and all-cause mortality. The men who ate a Prudent dietary pattern had much lower mortality risks. The connection between the Western pattern and a higher risk of disease-specific and all-cause mortality appeared to be fueled by the consumption of processed meats. The association between the Prudent pattern and a lower risk for all-cause mortality appeared to be driven by the consumption of oil and vinegar dressing. These findings support previous research suggesting that dietary choices after prostate cancer diagnosis may have an impact on disease progression and survivorship.

The best diet for optimal health after being diagnosed with prostate cancer consists of a plentiful amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, olive oil, and fish. At the same time, it’s important to eat a diet low in saturated fat from meat and whole dairy products; trans fatty acids from fried foods, sweets, salty foods, and refined grains.