Could plant-based diet slow cancer progression?

The consumption of fruits and vegetables has long been promoted by dietitians and doctors as a means for people to incorporate vitamins and fibre into their diet. And, more recently, researchers have sought to understand if the consumption of a plant-based diet could also help to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. And that research has garnered some positive results.

Recent studies have linked the consumption of a plant-based diet to improving Alzheimer’s symptoms​, preventing chronic diseases in women​, and reducing the risk of developing type two diabetes​. Now scientists believe they have found a link between the consumption of a plant-based diet and the slowing of prostate cancer progression.

Could a plant-based diet slow the progress of prostate cancer?​

A new study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco has found that increasing daily consumption of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, while reducing intake of animal products, is linked to a nearly 50% decrease in the risk of prostate cancer progression.

According to the study, published in JAMA Network Open, men with prostate cancer, could significantly lower the risk of their disease progressing by increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil.

Facts on prostate cancer​

Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and the second most common cancer in men.Age, ethnicity, family history, diet and weight gain, have all been identified as potential contributing factors to the development of prostate cancer.Prostate cancer is treatable and has a high survival rate, with a 95% survival beyond the first year and a 90% survival beyond five years.

Encouraging consumers to eat plant-based​

Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular across the globe, with numbers of adopters of the diet continuing to rise, and evidence to support the health benefits of a plant-based diet is also growing. However, a recent report​ from the European Fresh Produce Association, Freshfel Europe, found that consumers in the majority of EU nations are failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) minimum recommended daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, figures show that just six of the 27 EU member states are meeting the minimum recommended intake of 400 grams of fresh fruits and vegetables, per person, per day, with the current average sitting at just 350 grams. The reasons given for this reduction include the increased cost of fresh produce and the reduced costs of convenience foods. But the study researchers are keen to emphasise that small changes could make a difference.

“Making small changes in one’s diet each day is beneficial,” said Stacey A. Kenfield, UCSF professor of urology and senior author on the study. “Greater consumption of plant-based food after a prostate cancer diagnosis has also recently been associated with better quality of life, including sexual function, urinary function, and vitality, so it’s a win-win on both levels.”

Healthy plant-based diet linked to slowed progression of prostate cancer. GettyImages/VioletaStoimenova

How was the study conducted?​

The study, which comprised of 2062 men who had been diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, found that eating a predominantly plant-based diet was associated with a 47% lower risk of cancer progression. In particular, it was found that eating just one to two more servings of healthy plant-based foods per day had an impact on the study group.

Healthy plant-based foods were defined by the researchers as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. While unhealthful plant-based foods were defined as fruit juices, refined grains and potatoes. The study group were also required to reduce their intake of animal products, such as meat and dairy products.

The researchers measured consumption using a plant-based index and compared the men who scored in the highest 20% to those who scored in the lowest 20%.

“These results could guide people to make better, more healthful choices across their whole diet, rather than adding or removing select foods,” said Vivian N. Liu, first author of the study. “Progressing to advanced disease is one of many pivotal concerns among patients with prostate cancer, their family, caregivers, and physicians. This adds to numerous other health benefits associated with consuming a primarily plant-based diet, such as a reduction in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality.”

Source: Plant-Based Diets and Disease Progression in Men With Prostate Cancer
Published online: 1 May 2024
DOI: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2818122
Authors: Vivian N. Liu, Erin L. Van Blarigan, Li Zhang et al.

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