Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with over 190,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States alone.

While many cases of prostate cancer can be treated successfully, others are more aggressive and require more aggressive treatment. Fortunately, research has shown that certain dietary changes can help to combat aggressive prostate cancer and improve the chances of successful treatment.

What Is Aggressive Prostate Cancer?

Aggressive prostate cancer is a form of prostate cancer that grows and spreads quickly, often requiring more aggressive treatment options.

While many men are diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer, which may not require immediate treatment, aggressive prostate cancer requires immediate medical attention to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

The Link Between Diet and Prostate Cancer

Research has shown that diet can play a significant role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Studies have found that men who consume a diet high in saturated fat and red meat are more likely to develop prostate cancer, while those who consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

One study found that men who followed a vegetarian diet had a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who ate meat.

Another study found that men who consumed more than 10 servings of tomato-based products per week had a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than two servings per week.

The Role of Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Many of these compounds have been found to be particularly effective in combating prostate cancer.

Some of the most effective phytochemicals for prostate cancer include:.

Lycopene: Found in tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit, lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin has been found to have anti-cancer properties and may help to slow the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.
EGCG: Found in green tea, EGCG has been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and may help to prevent prostate cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Resveratrol: Found in grapes and red wine, resveratrol has been found to have anti-cancer properties and may help to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

These fatty acids have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to prevent the development and progression of prostate cancer.

One study found that men who consumed high levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a 63% reduced risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.

Another study found that men with prostate cancer who consumed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids had a slower rate of cancer growth than those who consumed a low-omega-3 diet.

The Benefits of Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. There is growing evidence to suggest that a high-fiber diet may help to prevent the development and progression of prostate cancer.

One study found that men who consumed 30 grams of fiber per day had a 30% reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Another study found that a high-fiber diet may help to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

The Bottom Line

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for combating aggressive prostate cancer, research has shown that certain dietary changes can help to improve the chances of successful treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources such as fish can provide the phytochemicals, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber needed to support prostate health.