Health Information Library

By Mayo Clinic Staff

When you're living with prostate cancer — whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment or in survivorship — what you eat can support your overall health.

No single food can cure prostate cancer or guarantee it won't return. But research shows that long-term eating patterns may influence how the disease progresses. Just as important, your diet can help protect your heart and bones — two areas often affected by prostate cancer treatments.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly. Many people live with it for years. They either monitor the cancer closely, called active surveillance, or monitor it after treatment. That makes everyday lifestyle habits, including nutrition, especially meaningful over time.

Here's what experts recommend.

Heart disease is common in people with prostate cancer. Some treatments — especially hormone therapy for prostate cancer — can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain, diabetes and osteoporosis.

For that reason, many prostate cancer diet recommendations closely align with heart-healthy eating patterns. A plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet supports both prostate and heart health.

Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats may increase inflammation in the body and may be linked to worse prostate cancer outcomes. Saturated fats are found in red meat, full-fat dairy and processed foods. Trans fats are often in packaged snack foods and baked goods.

Some research also suggests that foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids may increase inflammation and promote tumor growth. These foods include highly processed foods and certain oils, such as corn, soybean and safflower oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease inflammation and boost the immune system. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in flaxseed and walnuts. Some studies suggest they may be associated with slower tumor growth or lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, although research is ongoing.

To reduce unhealthy fats:

• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin. Chicken breast, turkey and fish are good choices.
• Consider plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils and tofu as alternatives to meat.
• Select low-fat or reduced-fat dairy products. When shopping, choose skim milk, low-fat yogurt and reduced fat cheeses.
• Prepare foods using healthier cooking methods. Bake, broil, grill, roast or steam your food instead of frying.
• Cook with healthier oils. Use olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil instead of butter, lard or shortening.
• Read food labels. Pay attention to the labels on packaged foods to identify and choose products lower in saturated fats and trans fats.

Plant foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that support overall health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been linked to improved survival after prostate cancer treatment.

Some plant compounds show particular promise:

• Cruciferous vegetables — such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts — contain sulforaphane, which may help reduce prostate cancer recurrence risk.
• Tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene. Early research suggests lycopene may help lower PSA levels, but more research is needed.

During treatment, side effects such as nausea, taste changes or digestive issues can make some foods hard to tolerate. This includes raw vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables such as those listed above. It's OK to adjust food choices and eat what you can during this time. As symptoms improve, gradually work toward including a wider variety of fruits and vegetables.

Eating more fruits and vegetables also tends to be filling, so you have less room for other foods that aren't as healthy. When you're able, aim for about 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits every day.

Red meats and processed meats are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and overall cancer risk. Red meats include beef, pork, lamb and venison. Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats.

Cooking meats at very high temperatures — such as when charring on the grill — can create chemicals linked to cancer.

When eating chicken, turkey and other poultry, remove the skin to reduce saturated fat intake.

Eggs are a good source of lean protein and can be part of a balanced diet. Some studies suggest that eating a lot of eggs may result in a higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence, though evidence is not conclusive. If you eat eggs, moderation is reasonable.

Soy-based foods, such as tofu, edamame and soy milk, contain isoflavones. These are plant compounds that may help slow prostate cancer growth. Soy is also full of other nutrients that promote good health, including protein, fiber, calcium and B vitamins.

Sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, such as pastries, desserts and white bread, can raise insulin levels. Higher insulin levels may encourage cancer growth. Save sweets for occasional treats and choose whole grains instead.

Many experts recommend following a Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of prostate cancer. It also naturally supports heart health and reduces inflammation, which are especially important during and after prostate cancer treatment.

A Mediterranean diet is high in:

• Vegetables and fruits.
• Whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Olive oil as the primary fat.
• Seasoning with herbs and spices.

People who follow a Mediterranean diet eat moderate amounts of fish, poultry and eggs. And they avoid red meat, processed foods and added sugar.

Diets such as ketogenic, paleo and carnivore diets are not currently recommended for people with prostate cancer. Research is ongoing, but plant-based eating patterns remain the preferred approach for prostate cancer.

The Ornish diet refers to a small study of men who followed a very low-fat vegan diet alongside intensive lifestyle changes including daily exercise, daily stress management practices and support groups. Study participants had modest improvements in PSA levels. However, the study was small and lasted only one year, making it difficult to assess long-term effects.

Diet alone cannot prevent prostate cancer progression or replace medical treatment. Lifestyle changes should be used with cancer treatment, and not as a replacement for it.

Your nutritional needs may vary depending on your treatment.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, bone thinning, called osteoporosis, weight gain and diabetes.

A low-fat, plant-based diet can help protect heart health and manage heart disease. It also can help manage weight and blood sugar. For best results, combine a healthy diet with regular exercise.

To help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, your healthcare team may recommend:

• Calcium-rich foods. Examples include low-fat dairy, such as cheese, milk and yogurt, and leafy greens. Adult men should get 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily.
• Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and improves bone health. If you don't get enough vitamin D in your diet, your care team may recommend supplements.
• Weight-bearing exercises. Examples include walking and strength training. Exercise helps build strong bones and slow bone loss. Aim for 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercises most days of the week.

Radiation near the pelvis may irritate the bladder or bowel, causing diarrhea or constipation. These changes are usually temporary.

If you have diarrhea, your care team may suggest temporarily limiting high-fiber foods, including:

• Whole-grain breads and cereals.
• Beans and lentils.
• Raw or dried fruits and vegetables, except bananas.

Always follow guidance from your healthcare team, as recommendations may vary.

After surgery, nutrition supports healing and recovery.

A plant-based diet with lean meats and low-fat dairy products provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that can boost your immune system, aid healing and lower the risk of infection.

Protein helps your body repair tissue and heal after surgery. Many adults recovering from surgery need about 60 to 90 grams of protein a day, but your needs may vary. Ask your care team for recommendations.

Good sources of protein include beans and lentils, yogurt and cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, and soy milk.

Staying hydrated is also important for recovery. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water a day unless your care team advises otherwise. After catheter removal, your team may recommend increased fluid intake for a short time.

Avoid alcohol for several weeks after surgery or while taking pain medicines.

While diet alone cannot treat prostate cancer, long-term healthy eating can be a powerful part of your overall care plan.

A plant-based, heart-healthy diet that's low in processed meat, saturated fat and refined carbohydrates may help reduce prostate cancer progression risk while protecting your overall health.

Talk with your healthcare team or a registered dietitian for guidance tailored to you.