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Diet You cannot alter most of the risks of prostate cancer but you can change your diet to take some control over your own health and actively do something to improve it. Research is emerging which suggests that some foods not only help to prevent prostate cancer, but may also slow down the growth of prostate cancer in men who already have the disease or reduce the chance of prostate cancer returning after treatment. Improving your diet will also have other health benefits such as reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Westerners have higher rates of prostate cancer than people living in Far Eastern countries such as China and Japan. However, prostate cancer rates have increased in men who have migrated from Japan to the USA. Researchers think that this may be due to the Western diet. This view is supported by the fact that cancer rates have been increasing in Eastern countries since more people have begun to eat more Western foods. Over the last 50 years, the British diet has included less fruit and vegetables and more saturated fats and meat products. This change may increase the risk of men developing prostate cancer over many years. The exact link between diet and prostate cancer is unclear. One of the reasons for this is because our diet is made up of so many different foods. Scientists have not yet identified all of the nutrients that are involved in protecting the body from cancer and those that may cause the disease. However, if you are already a prostate cancer patient then you may feel that you do not have the time to wait for scientists to reach a definitive conclusion. Try to cut down on unhealthy foods but do not totally exclude whole groups of food from your diet. All food groups play a part in making sure you have a balanced diet. Cutting out one food group completely can make it difficult to get the right balance of nutrients that you need. In general, a diet that is good for your heart is also good for your prostate. What can I do to reduce my risk of prostate cancer? The table suggests some foods that you may wish to eat more of or add to your diet. A healthy diet, together with regular exercise, will benefit your overall health and reduce your risk of several health problems including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This page is based on http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/pdf/toolkit/diet.pdf | What should I eat more of? | What does it do? | How do I include it in my diet? | | Fruit and vegetables | Reduces your risk of cancer and other medical problems | Eat at least five portions each day Try to include a ‘rainbow of colours’ in your diet | | Cruciferous vegetables | May reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer | Eat more cabbage-like vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, pak choi and kale | | Green tea | May protect against development and growth of prostate cancer | Try drinking green tea in place of any hot drinks you have throughout the day | | Oily fish | Fats in oily fish may help prevent prostate cancer developing and growing | Eat fresh, canned or frozen oily fish two or three times each week Examples of oily fish include sardines, pilchards, mackerel, salmon, tuna (fresh or frozen tuna only) and shrimp | | Soy | May reduce the risk of prostate cancer | Choose traditional forms of soy such as tofu, miso and tempeh, available from supermarkets and health food shops | | Pulses | May help to prevent prostate cancer | Include more beans, peas and lentils in your diet | | Whole grains | May reduce your risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer | Whole grain foods include brown bread, whole grain cereals, whole grain pasta | | Fresh Herbs and Spices | May increase protection against prostate cancer | Use to flavour food rather than adding salt. Many spices contain anti-oxidant properties, especially turmeric. Eating garlic has many health benefits |
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