24: Prostate

Question 1

What are lab levels that are implicated for prostate cancer risk?

Answer 1

increased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), overexpression of cycloocygenase 2 (COX-2), and chronic inflammation have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer

Question 2

What are 3 main risk factors for prostate cancer?

Answer 2

Age: 60% are 65+
Ethnicity: more common in North America and northern Europe, but more common in black men in the US
Heredity: 5-10% of cases are family hx/genetics. Risk doubles with a first-degree relative having it

Question 3

How can prostate cancer be diagnosed (screening test)?

Answer 3

Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland and found in the blood.

Question 4

What are lifestyle risk factors and factors that could reduce risk?

Answer 4

Decrease: activity, diet high in lycopene, diet high in cruciferous vegetables, vegetable fat, fish, soy, tea, coffee

Increase: High BMI, smoking, diet high in dairy (calcium), processed meats, eggs (choline), poultry with skin, animal/saturated fat, selenium supplementation

Question 5

What diet is recommended for prevention/reoccurrence prevention for prostate CA?

Answer 5

Plant-based diet – lower in animal fat/saturated fats, more fruits/vegetables, monitoring Ca intake

Question 6

What is one dietary supplement that is a risk factor for prostate cancer?

Answer 6

Selenium supplementation – intake of more than 140 mcg/d after diagnosis had increased risk for prostate cancer mortality

Question 7

Should prostate cancer patients limit their egg intake?

Answer 7

Choline, which is found in the yolks, is highly concentrated in prostate cancer cells. Research supports a possible correlation so its recommended to limit the egg yolks if have prostate cancer (2 yolks/week)

Question 8

What is a treatment options for prostate cancer that could have nutrition concerns?

Answer 8

ADT Therapy — androgen deprivation (lowers testosterone by 95% and increases estrogen by 80%)

Can cause Bone loss (needs adequate Ca and Vit D), decreased insulin sensitivity, Elevated Lipids, Hot Flashes, sarcopenia and normochromic/normocytic anemia

Question 9

What is a phytochemical that’s been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk? What type of food has high levels?

How should it be incorporated?

Answer 9

Lycopene – tomatoes, guava, watermelon. Cooked tomato/juices have higher levels.

It should be consumed daily (not in supplement form) and its best absorbed when consumed with fat from sources such as olive oil, avocados and nuts