A recent study suggests that maintaining a healthy diet could help slow the progression of low-grade prostate cancer, particularly for men under active surveillance. Published in JAMA Oncology on October 17, 2024, the research found that men who adhered to a nutritious diet were less likely to experience cancer growth or spread over time.
The study followed 886 men, averaging 66 years of age, who had been diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer—a form of the disease that grows slowly and is less likely to spread. These men were monitored through active surveillance, meaning they did not undergo immediate treatment but were regularly checked for changes in their condition.
As part of the study, participants completed food questionnaires that helped researchers calculate their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. Ranging from zero to 100, the HEI score evaluates diet quality based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It considers factors such as the diversity of food groups consumed, as well as the limits on saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and total fat intake.
The study found that over a period of 6.5 years, men with higher HEI scores—indicating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in harmful fats—were less likely to see their prostate cancer progress. Conversely, those with lower HEI scores, who had poorer diets, experienced more significant cancer development.
One potential explanation for this link is the role of inflammation in cancer growth. Diets high in anti-inflammatory foods—such as those followed by men with higher HEI scores—may help reduce inflammation, which is known to contribute to cancer progression. In contrast, diets with more inflammatory foods were linked to higher cancer growth rates.
This study highlights the importance of a balanced diet in managing low-grade prostate cancer and offers potential dietary strategies for men seeking to reduce the risk of their condition worsening.
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