New Study Shows The Impact of Diet on Prostate Cancer | Mark Scholz, MD | PCRI

Summary

In a recent study published in the European Journal of Urology, a 20-year follow-up of 12,000 men revealed that a healthy lifestyle had no impact on the incidence of prostate cancer but significantly reduced mortality rates, especially in those with a genetic predisposition. The study emphasized the importance of avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and consuming more fish and tomato-based products while limiting processed meats. Dr. Scholes suggests that a rigorous vegetarian diet may have the most substantial impact on reducing prostate cancer mortality, with Mediterranean diets offering moderate benefits.

Takeaways

• 📚 A recent study published in the European Journal of Urology in May 2022 followed 12,000 men over 20 years to examine the impact of lifestyle factors on prostate cancer incidence and mortality.
• 🔍 The study evaluated six lifestyle factors: smoking, exercise, weight, consumption of processed meats, fish, and tomato-based products, assigning a 'lifestyle score' based on these behaviors.
• 🏥 Despite a healthy lifestyle, the incidence of prostate cancer was not affected, with the same number of men developing the disease regardless of their lifestyle habits.
• ⚠️ Mortality rates from prostate cancer were significantly higher for those with poor lifestyle habits, with healthier individuals having much lower death rates from the disease.
• 🧬 The study showed that even with a genetic predisposition to aggressive prostate cancer, a good lifestyle could drastically reduce the risk of death from the disease.
• 🥦 Protective factors identified in the study included a diet rich in fish and tomato-based products, which may have a positive impact on prostate health.
• 🚫 Unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, lack of exercise, being overweight, and consuming processed meats, were linked to a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.
• 🍳 The script suggests that even moderate consumption of animal proteins, like eggs, could be part of a balanced diet, as long as it's not the primary focus.
• 📉 Some anecdotal evidence from the script indicates that a switch to a vegetarian diet can lead to changes or stabilization in PSA levels in men with recurring prostate cancer.
• 🥗 For patients with aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer, a more rigorous commitment to a vegetarian or macrobiotic diet may have a significant impact on reducing mortality rates.
• 💪 The importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength through resistance training was highlighted, as it can help prevent the frailty associated with aging and has additional health benefits.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the study published in the European Journal of Urology in May 2022?

The study focused on the long-term impact of lifestyle factors on the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer among 12,000 participants over a period of 20 to 25 years.

What were the six lifestyle factors assessed in the study?

The six factors assessed were smoking, exercise habits, body weight, consumption of processed meat, intake of fish products, and tomato-based products.

Did the study find a correlation between lifestyle and the incidence of prostate cancer?

The study found no impact of lifestyle on the incidence of prostate cancer; the same number of men with both poor and healthy lifestyles developed the disease.

How did a healthy lifestyle impact mortality rates in the study?

A healthy lifestyle had a significant impact on mortality rates, with those following a poor lifestyle having two to four times higher mortality rates from prostate cancer.

What is the significance of the study's findings regarding genetic predisposition and lifestyle?

The study showed that individuals with a genetic predisposition to aggressive prostate cancer could significantly reduce their risk of dying from the disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

What dietary factors were identified as protective against prostate cancer in the study?

Dietary factors that were protective included a higher intake of fish and tomato-based products, which are more plant-based and vegetable-rich.

Why might processed meats and animal proteins be harmful in the context of prostate cancer?

While not specifically addressed in the article, the theory is that prostate cancer cells may grow more vigorously with the intake of animal fats and proteins, suggesting a different metabolic process compared to other cancers.

Can a vegetarian diet potentially influence PSA levels in men with prostate cancer?

Anecdotal evidence from the script suggests that implementing a rigorous vegetarian diet can lead to changes in the rate of rise or stabilization of PSA levels, especially in men with recurring cancer after surgery.

What dietary recommendations does Dr. Scholes suggest for patients with aggressive prostate cancer?

Dr. Scholes suggests a more rigorous commitment to a vegetarian or macrobiotic diet for the most significant impact, although a Mediterranean diet may also be beneficial.

How does resistance training benefit prostate cancer patients, especially those on hormone therapy?

Resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and strength, which can counteract age-related muscle loss, improve metabolic rate, boost well-being, and potentially enhance cognitive functions such as memory.

Can weight loss drugs like Wegovy (Ozempic) be effective for prostate cancer patients on hormone therapy?

While specific studies on this combination are not mentioned, there is no reason to believe that Wegovy would not be effective for weight loss in patients on hormone therapy, as it works by reducing appetite.