Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting men worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men after skin cancer. The good news is that it is treatable if diagnosed early.

However, prevention is always better than cure, and lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk of developing this cancer. One of the key lifestyle changes you can make is to watch what you eat. In this article, we look at some foods to avoid if you want to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Red and Processed Meats

Red and processed meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and bacon are high in saturated fats which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Urology found that men who consumed large amounts of red meat were 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate smaller amounts. Similarly, men who frequently ate processed meats had a 1.5 times higher risk of prostate cancer than men who did not consume processed meats.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter are high in calcium which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that men who consumed more than two servings of dairy products per day had a 34% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men who consumed less than one serving per day. Additionally, another study found that consuming high amounts of calcium supplements may increase the risk of prostate cancer by up to 30%.

Fried Foods

Fried foods such as french fries and fried chicken are high in trans fats which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who consumed large amounts of deep-fried foods had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not. The study also found that men who ate fried foods more than once a week had a 30-37% higher risk of prostate cancer than those who consumed it less frequently.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and fruit juice are high in sugar which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study conducted by the University of California San Francisco found that men who consumed sugary drinks daily had a 40% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not. Additionally, another study found that consuming high amounts of fructose, a type of sugar found in many sweetened beverages, may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer by up to 87%.

Processed Foods

Processed foods such as fast food, snack foods, and microwave meals are high in additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who consumed high amounts of processed foods had a 30% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less processed foods. The study also found that men who consumed a high glycemic load diet, which is typically found in processed foods, had a 74% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed a low glycemic load diet.

Salt

High amounts of salt can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that men who consumed high amounts of salt had a 50% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less salt. Additionally, another study found that men who consumed high amounts of salty foods such as pickled vegetables had a 23% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less salty foods.

Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who consumed more than three drinks per day had a 50% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men who did not drink alcohol. Additionally, another study found that men who drank more than six drinks per week had a 29% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who drank less alcohol.

Caffeine

Caffeine may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who consumed large amounts of caffeine had a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less caffeine. Another study found that men who consumed three or more cups of coffee per day had a 41% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed two or fewer cups per day.

Soy Products

Contrary to popular belief, consuming soy products may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Soy contains phytoestrogens which are believed to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and may promote tumor growth.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that men who consumed high amounts of soy had a 32% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less soy.

Canned Foods

Canned foods such as canned soups and vegetables are often high in sodium and preservatives which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that men who consumed high amounts of canned foods had a 54% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less canned foods. Additionally, another study found that men who consumed canned tomato products such as tomato soup had a 47% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not consume canned tomato products.

Conclusion

There are several foods that you should avoid if you want to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.

These include red and processed meats, dairy products, fried foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed foods, salt, alcohol, caffeine, soy products, and canned foods. Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.