In January 2021, a groundbreaking study published in the journal “Cancer” illuminated the profound influence of the Mediterranean diet on the progression of localized, low-grade prostate cancer in men. The findings provided compelling evidence that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet significantly reduces the risk of disease progression, ultimately mitigating the need for invasive treatments such as prostate removal surgery or radiation therapy.

The study tracked 410 men diagnosed with low-grade localized prostate cancer, specifically with Gleason scores of 1 and 2. These individuals were placed on a watchful waiting protocol, allowing specialists to monitor the pace at which their cancer might advance. Throughout the study, participants underwent regular testing of their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels.

The trial’s demographics revealed a diverse group, with 82.9% of participants being Caucasian, 8.1% Black, and 9% belonging to other or unknown ethnicities. The median age of the subjects was 64, with 15% having diabetes, and 44% utilizing statin drugs for managing high cholesterol. Each participant’s customary dietary habits were assessed, and they were assigned a Mediterranean diet score based on their typical daily and weekly eating patterns.

The results of the study were nothing short of remarkable. Men who closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet exhibited a substantially lower risk of prostate cancer progression. In fact, for every one-point increase in their Mediterranean diet score, researchers observed a remarkable reduction of over 10% in the risk of disease progression over the course of the three-year study.

The Mediterranean Diet: A Prescription for Prostate Health

Digging deeper into the study’s findings, it becomes evident that men who embraced a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and fish experienced a reduced likelihood of their prostate cancer advancing to a critical stage necessitating aggressive treatment options like radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. These treatments can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making the Mediterranean diet an appealing alternative.

Even among participants with diabetes using metformin and those with high cholesterol relying on statin drugs, adherence to these dietary principles translated into a reduced risk of prostate cancer progression. The study’s conclusion underscores the significance of the Mediterranean diet: “A Mediterranean diet is non-invasive, promotes overall health, and, as demonstrated by this study, holds the potential to influence cancer progression positively.”

The Nutrient-Rich Nexus

These findings echo those of Dr. Dean Ornish MD, who previously demonstrated that a vegan diet designed to combat heart disease also yielded improved outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer of low to moderate grade. Dr. Ornish’s patients supplemented their diets with vitamins E and C, selenium, and other key nutrients. What these findings emphasize is the presence of an array of nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and legumes that exhibit the capacity to inhibit the development and progression of prostate cancer. Several studies have even shown that natural agents from these foods, such as soy isoflavones, lycopene, ground flaxseed, green tea catechins, and vitamin D, can effectively restrain prostate cancer in clinical trials when employed during the watchful waiting stage or as part of a holistic medical management approach.

Prevention Through Diet: The Promising Route

The Adventist Health Study-2 offers additional insights into the preventative potential of dietary choices. It revealed that vegan men experienced a 33% reduced risk of developing prostate cancer, underscoring the role of a plant-based diet in mitigating the risk. Other research studies published in the International Journal of Cancer suggest that prudent dietary practices can reduce the risk of up to 75% of prostate cancer cases. The mounting evidence suggests that adopting a diet rich in plant-based foods containing various phytonutrients with anti-prostate cancer properties should be a top consideration for all men. Prostate cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related death in this region, with significant potential for prevention through dietary and lifestyle improvements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study published in “Cancer” in January 2021 underscores the formidable impact of the Mediterranean diet on mitigating the progression of localized, low-grade prostate cancer. It offers hope for those diagnosed with the condition, providing a non-invasive, health-promoting alternative to more aggressive treatments. Additionally, the findings reinforce the value of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and key nutrients as an essential tool in the fight against prostate cancer. As we strive to reduce the prevalence of this disease, it is increasingly clear that prudent dietary and lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in safeguarding prostate health.

References:

January 2021 Study:

1. Justin R. Gregg et al. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and grade group progression in localized prostate cancer: An active surveillance cohort. Cancer, January 2021                                                                                                                                                                                          [Read more](https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.33182)
2. Supplements Used in Complementary Management of Prostate Cancer Studies: National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements (PDQ) – Patient Version                                                                                                                                                                                  [Learn more](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/prostate-supplements-pdq)
3.  Dr. Dean Ornish MD Study of Localized Prostate Cancer with Low-to-Moderate Gleason Score:                                                                                 [Read the study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1518978/pdf/envhper00368-0167.pdf)
4.  Adventist Health Study-2 (Vegans and Prostate Cancer):                                                                                                                                                           [Learn more](https://www.adventistreview.org/church-news/story3607-vegan-diet-cuts-risk-of-prostate-cancer-adventist-study-finds)
5. Prevention of Prostate Cancer by 75%: Willett W. Diet, nutrition, and avoidable cancer. Environmental Health Perspectives. 1995,103(Suppl 8):165-170                                                                                                                                                                                                                         [Read more](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1518978/pdf/envhper00368-0167.pdf)

Dr. Meschino