Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent cancers; 1 in 8 American men are diagnosed with this cancer yearly. While patients diagnosed with slow-developing prostate cancer may not require any treatment, ceasing cancer growth and lowering the risk for prostate cancer to develop is important and can be managed with certain lifestyle and dietary changes. If you are at risk of prostate cancer or have been diagnosed prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about the many lifestyle changes and treatment drugs—such as advanced prostate cancer drugs like XTANDI (Enzalutamide), ERLEADA (Apalutamide), Rubraca (Rucaparib), and ORGOVYX (Relugolix)—that may help. The following foods should be avoided for patients with prostate cancer:

1. Red meat cooked at high temperatures

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diets rich in well-done red meat cooked at high temperatures via broiling, pan frying, or grilling directly over open flames may heighten an individual’s overall risk of developing prostate cancer. Scientists believe well-done red meat cooked at high temperatures are rich in carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that can cause cancer.

2. Alcohol

According to several studies published by WebMD.com, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases the more one drinks, especially in men. One study conducted by the University of Victoria’s Center for Addictions Research noted that imbibing even just 2 alcoholic drinks per day was linked to a 23 percent increase in prostate cancer risk. In addition to increasing the risk of prostate cancer, researchers noted that alcohol consumption is also linked to increased digestive, skin, pancreas, and breast cancers.

3. Dairy products

A 2015 study, published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that diets rich in dairy (i.e., whole and low fat milk, cheese, sour cream, butter, etc.) are linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer development. Not only did the findings reveal diets rich in dairy (i.e., roughly 3 or more servings per day) increased prostate cancer development by up to 73%, but the findings also indicated that diets rich in dairy products heightened the overall risk of death from prostate cancer.

4. Cured and processed meats

According to the National Cancer Institute, regular consumption of cured or processed red meats have a major impact on prostate cancer development. The 2009 study monitored the diets of 175,000 male participants between age 50 to 71 for a duration of 9 years. Findings revealed that participants with diets rich in cured and processed red meats (i.e., bacon, sausage, red deli meats, and hot dogs) were more likely to develop prostate cancer, and up to 12% more likely to develop advanced stage prostate cancer. 

5. Fatty fast foods high in saturated fats

Several studies link diets rich in saturated fats (mainly found in animal products, dairy, and high fat frying oils) to increased prostate cancer risk. Health scientists believe that dietary fat increases the production of male sex hormones, which are greatly responsible for prostate cancer development. Findings from Canada’s McGill University also noted that saturated fats trigger free radicals when they metabolize, which can damage DNA and contribute to prostate cancer development. 

Maintaining optimal health and lowering your overall risk of prostate cancer begins with regular exercise, lowering stress, and consuming a healthy diet that consists of a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich and unprocessed whole grains, lean meats like chicken and fish, vegetable proteins such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes, and moderate amounts of low-fat dairy products. To find the best prostate cancer foods that minimize the risk of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor or nutritionist today.