The facts of prostate cancer

The prostate, an organ located under the bladder, produces semen. Prostate cancer is the second most common source of cancer among men in the United States. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

The risk of developing prostate cancer progressively increases with age. About 60 percent of all prostate cancers in the United States are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older. It is rare for men to develop prostate cancer before age 40.

There’s no absolute prostate cancer prevention, but evidence suggests diet plays a key role. Keep reading for diet tips and more information.

Eat tomatoes and other red foods

Tomatoes, watermelon, and other red foods owe their bright color to a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Some recent studies show that men who consume this fruit and tomato-based products have a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who don’t. However, the American Institute for Cancer Research cautions that studies linking tomatoes to prostate cancer prevention are limited and ongoing.

A 2018 study from Spain suggest that cooking tomatoes makes it easier for your body to absorb lycopene. The redder the tomato, the better because lycopene accumulates during ripening. That means that pale, store-bought tomatoes that are picked too early have less lycopene than vine-ripened tomatoes.

Recognize the power of fruits and veggies

Nutrients and vitamins contained in fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of getting prostate cancer. Green vegetables contain compounds that help your body break down cancer-causing substances called carcinogens. A nutrient-rich diet may also help slow the spread of cancer.

By eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day, you’ll be less likely to fill up on processed junk food.

Consider soybeans and tea

A nutrient called isoflavones has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.  Isoflavones are found in: tofu; chickpeas; lentils; alfalfa sprouts; peanuts.

Also, a 2008 studyTrusted Source showed that men who drink green tea, or take green tea extract supplements, have a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer than those who don’t.

Pour another cup of coffee

Drinking four to five cups of coffee every day can lower your chances of fatal and high-grade prostate cancer, according to a 2014 review of clinical studies.

How coffee is prepared can also be a factor. A 2015 study in NorwayTrusted Source looked at coffee brewed with a filter, and boiled coffee, which doesn’t use such a filter. Men who drank boiled coffee seemed to have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who drank coffee prepared another way or not at all.

The chemicals cafestol and kahweol have well-known cancer-fighting abilities. Researchers believe these chemicals are trapped when coffee runs through a paper filter. Boiled coffee may allow these cancer-fighting chemicals to stay in your daily brew.

Make good choices about fat

A 2014 study notes there may be a link between animal fats and an increased risk of prostate cancer. In addition to meat, animal fats are found in lard, butter, and cheese. Whenever possible, replace animal-based fats with plant-based fats.

Stop smoking

Prostate cancer patients who smoke are more likely to have a recurrence of the disease. Smokers also have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.

It’s not too late to quit. When compared with current smokers, prostate cancer patients who quit smoking for more than 10 years had the same mortality risk as those who never smoked.

Make time for exercise

Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Benefits of exercise include increased muscle mass and better metabolism. Try: walking;     running; bicycling; swimming.

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Vary your routine and invite your friends to participate. You’re more likely to work out if it’s fun.

Talk to your doctor

Ask your doctor about your risk for developing prostate cancer. Some points to discuss include: what medical screening tests you should have as you age; family history of cancer; dietary recommendations.

Tell your doctor if you’re just beginning a new exercise program, or if you have the following symptoms: discomfort anywhere in your pelvic or rectal areas;    difficulty urinating; blood in your urine or semen.