Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and it is estimated that over 191,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020 in the United States alone.

The causes and risk factors for prostate cancer are not fully understood, but there is evidence that diet may play a role. In this article, we will examine how dietary factors may increase your risk for prostate cancer.

The Western Diet and Prostate Cancer Risk

The Western diet, which is high in saturated fat, red meat, processed foods, and refined grains, has been linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that men who eat a Western diet have a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer compared to men who follow a healthy, plant-based diet.

Saturated Fat and Prostate Cancer

Saturated fat is a common component of the Western diet, and research suggests that it may play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that men who consume high amounts of saturated fat have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who consume lower amounts of saturated fat.

Red Meat and Prostate Cancer

Red meat, particularly processed meat, has also been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that men who eat a lot of red and processed meat have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who eat less. This is believed to be due to the high amounts of saturated fat and carcinogens, such as heterocyclic amines, found in red meat.

Dairy and Prostate Cancer

While dairy is often associated with a healthy diet, there is evidence to suggest that it may increase your risk for prostate cancer.

Some studies have found that men who consume a lot of dairy products have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who consume less. The exact reason for this is not known, but it has been suggested that the high levels of calcium and other growth factors in dairy may play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

Refined Grains and Prostate Cancer

Refined grains, such as white bread, pasta, and rice, are a staple in the Western diet and have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

A study conducted in Sweden found that men who consumed a lot of refined grains had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who consumed fewer refined grains. This is believed to be due to the fact that refined grains have a high glycemic index, which can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

What You Should Be Eating

If you want to decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer, it is important to make healthy dietary choices.

A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein sources, such as fish and poultry, has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is also important to limit your consumption of red and processed meats, saturated and trans fats, and refined grains.

Additionally, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important factors in reducing your risk of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Diet can play a significant role in your risk for prostate cancer.

A diet that is high in red meat, saturated fat, refined grains, and dairy has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, while a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources has been shown to reduce the risk. By making healthy dietary choices, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer.