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18-04-2025

Things That May Slow Prostate Cancer Progression

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and often follows a slow-growing course. Active surveillance is the preferred strategy for many patients, especially those diagnosed early. But regardless of the treatment pathway, lifestyle choices and targeted interventions may be influential in slowing the disease’s progression, improving quality of life, and even extending survival.

This article explores evidence-based practices and lifestyle factors that may help slow down the progression of prostate cancer.

1. Diet: A Powerful Ally Against Progression

Nutrition is among the most researched and influential factors in prostate cancer prevention and progression.

Mediterranean Diet
Rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fatty fish, and low in red meat and processed foods, the Mediterranean diet has been associated with:

  • Lower prostate cancer mortality
  • Slower PSA progression
  • Better overall health and cardiovascular support
     

Lycopene (Tomatoes, Watermelon, Pink Grapefruit)
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant in red fruits and vegetables, mainly cooked tomatoes. Research suggests:

  • Lycopene intake is associated with lower PSA levels
  • It may reduce tumor growth and inflammation
     

Green Tea and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
These foods are rich in polyphenols and catechins, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Green tea in particular has shown promise in clinical trials as a supportive intervention.

Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound known to:

  • Inhibit cancer cell proliferation
  • Promote detoxification enzymes
  • Protect DNA from oxidative damage
2. Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

Obesity is associated with:

  • Increased risk of aggressive or advanced prostate cancer
  • Worse outcomes and reduced treatment efficacy
  • Higher insulin levels and systemic inflammation

Even a modest weight loss (5–10%) has been shown to:

  • Lower inflammatory markers
  • Improve hormonal balance
  • Possibly reduce disease progression rates
3. Physical Activity and Movement

Exercise is more than just heart-healthy—it’s cancer-protective.
Benefits of regular activity include:

  • Improved immune surveillance
  • Lower levels of inflammation
  • Enhanced mood and resilience against treatment side effects

A study from Harvard showed that men with prostate cancer who exercised ≥3 hours/week of vigorous activity had a 61% lower risk of prostate cancer–specific mortality compared to inactive men. Both aerobic exercises (like walking, swimming) and light resistance training are encouraged.

4. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are drivers of cancer progression.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Nutrients:

  • Curcumin (from turmeric): Reduces tumor-promoting cytokines
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil, flaxseeds): Anti-inflammatory and possibly tumor-suppressive
  • Green tea extract: Inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis

These nutrients may synergize with medical treatments to enhance overall protection.

5. Managing Stress and Supporting Mental Health

Chronic psychological stress impacts the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to:

  • Elevated cortisol
  • Suppressed immune response
  • Increased tumor-promoting inflammation

Effective stress-reducing practices:

  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Group therapy and cancer support groups
  • Yoga or tai chi

Emotional well-being is a key aspect of holistic cancer care.

6. Hormonal Balance and Medical Therapies

Prostate cancer thrives in the presence of androgens (e.g., testosterone and DHT).
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT):

  • Slows or halts disease progression
  • Often used in combination with radiation or advanced cases
  • May have side effects such as fatigue, muscle loss, and bone thinning

Monitoring testosterone levels and bone density, and integrating lifestyle interventions can help mitigate these effects.

7. Limiting Dairy and Red Meat Consumption

Some studies suggest that high intake of dairy products and red/processed meats may:

  • Increase circulating levels of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1)
  • Contribute to inflammation and cancer cell growth

Replacing these with plant-based proteins and fatty fish may reduce disease progression risk.

8. Supplements and Phytotherapy (with Medical Supervision)

While supplements are not a cure, some may offer supportive benefits:

  • Pomegranate Extract: Inhibits PSA doubling, rich in antioxidants
  • Saw Palmetto: Commonly used for BPH, under investigation for anti-prostate cancer effects
  • Vitamin D: Deficiency is linked to increased risk and faster progression, may have immune-modulating effects

Important: Supplements should always be discussed with a physician to avoid drug interactions or overdose risks.

9. Regular Medical Monitoring

Lifestyle changes do not replace the importance of regular clinical follow-up:

  • PSA testing (every 3–6 months depending on risk)
  • Digital rectal exam (DRE)
  • MRI imaging
  • Biopsy if progression is suspected

Collaborative care between oncologists, urologists, and nutrition experts ensures the most comprehensive approach to disease control.

Conclusion

While prostate cancer often progresses slowly, it is not passive. The power to influence its trajectory lies not only in medical therapies but also in day-to-day lifestyle decisions.

A holistic strategy that integrates:

  • A protective diet
  • Consistent exercise
  • Mental health support
  • Targeted supplementation

And medical oversight can significantly enhance the chances of slowing progression, maintaining functionality, and improving overall well-being.

Each man’s journey is unique, but science increasingly supports the idea that your choices matter.

References
  1. Richman, E. L., et al. (2013). Mediterranean diet and prostate cancer progression in men on active surveillance. The Journal of Urology, 189(1), 194–199.
  2. Chan, J. M., et al. (2005). Tomato and lycopene consumption and prostate cancer risk: a review and meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 14(1), 174–181.
  3. Ornish, D., et al. (2005). Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer. The Journal of Urology, 174(3), 1065–1070.
  4. Friedenreich, C. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and survival after prostate cancer. European Urology, 65(6), 1040–1048.
  5. Ambrosone, C. B., et al. (2008). Diet, oxidative stress, and the risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Letters, 266(1), 1–10.
  6. Bosland, M. C. (2010). The role of steroid hormones in prostate carcinogenesis. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(2), 447S–450S.
  7. Schroder, F. H., et al. (2009). Screening and prostate-cancer mortality in a randomized European study. The New England Journal of Medicine, 360(13), 1320–1328.
  8. Pantuck, A. J., et al. (2006). Phase II study of pomegranate juice for men with rising prostate-specific antigen following surgery or radiation for prostate cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 12(13), 4018–4026.
  9. Kristal, A. R., et al. (2010). Dietary patterns, supplement use, and prostate cancer risk: results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. American Journal of Epidemiology, 172(5), 566–577.
  10. Van Blarigan, E. L., et al. (2015). Fat intake after prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality in the Physicians' Health Study. Cancer Causes & Control, 26(8), 1117–1126.
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