Prevention of Prostate Cancer

While prostate cancer itself cannot be prevented, measures can be taken to prevent progression of the disease. It is important for men over 40 to have an annual prostate examination. When identified and treated early, prostate cancer has a high cure rate.

Diet
Changing your eating habits may be able to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends choosing foods and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Eat a variety of healthy food.
  • Limit your intake of red meats, especially high-fat or processed meats.
  • Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Whole-grain breads, cereals, rice, pasta, and beans are also recommended.
  • Vitamin or mineral supplements might affect prostate cancer risk.
  • Some studies have suggested that taking vitamin E daily might lower risk.
  • Before starting vitamins or other supplements, you should talk with your doctor, as taking any supplements can have risks and benefits.

Medicines
Some drugs may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

  • 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors - 5 alpha-reductase is the enzyme that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent androgen found in high levels in the prostate. DHT is the hormone which causes the prostate to grow. These drugs that block that enzyme and prevent the formation of DHT.
  • Finasteride (Proscar) is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that is already used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride was used it the prostate cancer prevention trial (PCPT) and found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 25%. However, patients who used Finasteride had higher rates of developing higher grade cancers.
  • At this time, not all doctors agree whether taking finasteride to prevent prostate cancer is a good thing. The results of the PCPT will become clearer over the next few years.
  • Dutasteride (Avodart), another 5 alpha–reductase inhibitor, was used in the trial RedUCE, and shown to reduce prostate cancer by 23%. It did not demonstrate any higher risk of prostate cancer.