This is a frequently asked question by patients and physicians alike.
We know there are genetic risks for developing prostate cancer. For example, African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer and it is more often a more aggressive type.
There was a review by Dr. Eric Klein, of the Cleveland Clinic, that was one of the most read medscape articles last year. This review summarized the literature on medicines, vitamins, and other products that may lower the risk of prostate cancer.
The knowledge of the effects of these medicines, vitamins, and minerals is crucial to prevent and possibly even treat prostate cancer.
One thing that was not covered in this review is low fat diets. Low fat diets have been to decrease the risk of prostate cancer in some studies .
Studies are pending that should tell us the advantages of selenium and vitamin E in prostate cancer reduction. Until these studies are finished, my advice to patients is as follows:
Things that wont harm you, and may help you are beneficial.
A low fat diet is in this category.
Selenium is also in this category.
Vitamin E is probably in this category, but a recent study showed that Vitamin E in high doses can lead to more heart disease.
Tomatoes (lycopenes), green tea, and pomegranate juice are in this category as well.
Medicines such as finasteride or avodart may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but also have side effects, and are costly and are not recommended for prevention at this time.
For my poll of the week I ask,
Assuming we knew a low fat diet reduced your risk of prostate cancer from 12% to 4%, would you alter your life style accordingly?
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