Expert’s five key diet changes that help prevent killer cancer

Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer, with about one in eight men likely to receive a diagnosis during their lifetime and one in 44 facing dying from it.

Yet, five straightforward lifestyle adjustments could significantly alter the odds for men throughout the UK. Consultant urological surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, Dr Declan Cahill, has divulged his advice for dramatically reducing the risk of prostate cancer to Mail Online, practices he’s adopted personally to fend off the disease.

Daily exercise

An active lifestyle is key to diminishing the likelihood of prostate cancer, with Dr Cahill emphasising the benefits of “cardiovascular exercises and resistance training” for heart health and muscle mass maintenance, which tends to decline with age. He said: “Maintaining muscle supports the skeleton, burns calories, improves quality of life and potentially makes cancer less likely and has been shown to suppress cancer cells.”

Regular physical activity also strengthens the immune system, aiding in the swift identification and effective combat against potential cancer cells, according to Cancer Research UK. Furthermore, a study by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences indicated that a yearly minimum three percent increase in cardiorespiratory fitness correlates with a 35 per cent decreased risk of developing prostate cancer, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Fatty foods

Dr Cahill has emphasised the importance of diet in the battle against cancer, suggesting that cutting out fatty foods and keeping a healthy weight are crucial steps. Research from McGill University discovered that a gene associated with the progression of prostate cancer, known as MYC, can be driven by fatty foods and red meat, increasing the risk of death from prostate cancer fourfold for those with high levels of MYC due to fat intake.

“Aim to consume a higher volume of unsaturated fats where possible, such as olive oil… Limit daily consumption of saturated fats which are in many processed foods and fast foods” Dr Cahill advised, advocating for a diet “rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains” to fend off a slew of health issues, including prostate cancer.

On the topic of weight management, Dr Cahill pointed out: “There is strong evidence that being overweight or obese increases the risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.” He recommended a “calorie-conscious diet” for those carrying extra weight, noting that obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer, as per Cancer Research UK’s findings.

Being overweight can increase the risk of developing advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body. The charity highlighted that smoking and obesity are the two leading preventable causes of cancer. Dr Cahill also warned that being overweight can delay diagnosis or make treatment more challenging.

Cut down on alcohol

Lowering your alcohol intake can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, regardless of the specific drink you prefer. Prostate Cancer UK noted: “We don’t know if (alcohol) increases the risk of prostate cancer,” but still recommended staying within the NHS guidelines of no more than 14 units per week for “your overall health”.

Dr Cahill added: “It’s also worth noting that alcohol is high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain. For example, a pint of beer can contain up to 230 calories, and a standard glass of wine around 180 calories.”

Eat a prostate-friendly diet

Dr Cahill suggested incorporating “prostate-friendly” foods into your diet, such as berries, leafy greens, and fish. He said: “Certain foods have been shown to benefit prostate health due to their lycopene, selenium, and vitamin E content. Incorporate cooked tomatoes, poppy seeds, cauliflower, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts into your diet.”

The doctor’s go-to foods for a health boost include antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid-packed berries and fish, but he admits the evidence on which foods specifically aid prostate health is “somewhat limited and not conclusive”. He advises: “It’s best to focus on consuming a healthy, nutrient rich, varied and balanced diet overall.”

Source: bing.com