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Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

Some risks for prostate cancer such as genes and aging cannot be changed. However, changes to diet may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Watch Calcium Intake

High calcium levels have been linked to prostate cancer. Some calcium is OK.
  • People with prostates who are ages 19 to 50 should not take more than 1,000 mg of calcium per day
  • People who have prostates and are ages 50 and above should not take more than 1,200 mg of calcium a day
This includes by eating foods with calcium or taking calcium supplements.

Tips for Healthier Eating

Limiting red meat can help reduce the risk of having more severe prostate cancer.

There are many steps that have been linked with a lower risk for getting some types of cancers, including prostate cancer. These are:

  • Eat more fish. Fish may protect against prostate cancer because they have “good fat.”
  • Do not eat trans fatty acids. They can often be found in things like cookies, cakes, muffins, doughnuts, and fried foods. Some places have tried to limit the amount of foods with trans fats that can be bought in stores and at restaurants.
    • To avoid trans fats, look for "0 g trans fat" on food packages.
    • If hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils are in a food's ingredient list then the food has trans fat.
  • Try to eat more vegetables such as:
    • Bok choy
    • Broccoli
    • Cauliflower
    • Cabbage
    • Collard greens
    • Kale
    • Radishes
    • Watercress
  • Do not smoke.
  • For those who drink, do not drink too much alcohol.

Exercise and a Healthy Weight

Eating less calories or working out more to have a healthy weight can also help prevent more severe prostate cancer.

Working out regularly may also help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Adults should try to get 2 1/2 hours to 5 hours of activity each week.

References

  • Can prostate cancer be prevented? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html.
  • Prostate cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/prostate-cancer.
  • Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet.
  • Rock, C.L., Thompson, C., et al. American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. ACS Journals, 2020; 70(4): 245-271.
  • Trans fats. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-02-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.