Interesting question! Could improving your nutrition or eating vegetables prevent your cancer from getting worse, or maybe even make it go away? To explore this possibility, let’s see together the results of a randomized phase III study called Men’s Eating And Living (MEAL Study), published at the beginning of the year the prestigious scientific journal JAMA.

The aim of the study, in which 443 patients aged 50 to 80 years participated, was to determine if diet could alter the progression of prostate cancer in men under active surveillance. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the following two groups. The two groups were followed for two years.

1. In a control group who received written information on diet and prostate cancer
2. In a behavioral intervention program by telephone coaching that encouraged participants to eat foods rich in carotenoids, such as leafy vegetables, carrots and tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage.

Results

Although many studies support dietary health as a potential way to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, once the disease has started, it does not appear that eating more vegetables and fruits has an impact on its progression or not.

Things to keep in mind:

While eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and exercising more may not cure cancer, it can keep the body stronger and healthier, which can help patients tolerate cancer treatments.

Most importantly, dietary change is an investment in your overall health. Healthy men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer tend to have better long-term results than men in poor health (diabetics, obese men, those with compromised cardiovascular function, etc.).

In short, there is really no excuse to not embrace a healthy diet. You are most likely to be your best and to feel better about yourself and your relationships when you not only look healthy but ARE healthy.

When to consult a nutritionist

Nutritional requirements may be higher during treatment for prostate cancer. You will need a good supply of protein, nutrients and fluids, but not necessarily extra calories.

You can discuss this with a dietitian or nutritionist. Together, you can determine if you are eating well and choosing foods that are right for you. If this service is not offered in your hospital center, you can always consult externally. For example, Isabelle Huot, a nutrition doctor, and her team offer nutrition consultations (click here to find out more) and her website is full of information, tips, recipes and advice.

So gentlemen, time to eat lots of tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. And do not deprive yourself!

Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease with our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us at 1 855 899-2873 to discuss with a nurse specializing in uro-oncology. It’s simple and free, like all our services.

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Source and reference
iParsons JK, Zahrieh D, Mohler JL, Paskett E et al. Effect of a Behavioral Intervention to Increase Vegetable Consumption on Cancer Progression Among Men With Early-Stage Prostate Cancer: The MEAL Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020 Jan 14;323(2):140-148.

Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2020