Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and thus only affects men. While there is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer, it is manageable to some extent. While undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat right and ensure that the body gets the necessary nutrition. Since the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, it would require energy to repair cells that get damaged due to radiation and chemotherapy.

Foods to help battle prostate cancer

Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful:

• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form.
• Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%.
• A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells.
• Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer.
• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer.
• Some studies suggest that pomegranate is effective for men with prostate cancer, but there is no solid evidence. It is best to consult a doctor before consuming pomegranate as it can lead to adverse effects when taken with certain medications.

Foods to avoid

• Research shows that people who eat a lot of beef and red meat may face a higher risk of cancer. A study found that eating barbecued meat and grilled meat, particularly well-done beef, greatly heightened the risk of prostate cancer. Men should opt for lean meat, legumes, and beans instead to get their supply of proteins.
• Low-fat dairy foods may be permissible, but standard dairy products are likely to contain fatty acids and may not make for a good choice.
• A diet rich in calcium may be responsible for stimulating cancer growth and should be avoided, along with high-dose zinc supplements.
• It is best to steer clear of salted foods, preserved foods, or pickles.
• Flaxseed oil must also be avoided by patients as it can encourage the growth of prostate cancer.
• Saturated fat intake may be responsible for increasing the risk of prostate cancer. One can replace animal fats using vegetable oils as this might help prostate cancer patients to live longer. The better alternatives are avocado oil and olive oil, as it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.

In addition to changing one’s food habits, certain medicines and treatments can also be used to keep the symptoms in check. There are a number of studies on various medications and relief options to assess their effectiveness when it comes to managing prostate cancer.

Ibrutinib
Ibrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (btk) inhibitor. There is ongoing research to see if such inhibitor medicines can be used to treat prostate cancer. Currently, ibrutinib is only being considered for managing B-cell malignancies in different types of cancer. It could prove to be a promising alternative to chemotherapy available in the form of oral doses that can be taken once daily. One should always seek their doctor’s guidance before using ibrutinib for prostate cancer.

CAR T cancer relief option
Chimeric antigen receptors – therapy (CAR T) is a cancer treatment option that involves harvesting T-cells from the patient’s blood to be genetically modified in the laboratory. It is an immunotherapy that uses part of your immune system to fight cancer. Usually, the T-cells are responsible for identifying non-cancerous growth. During the modification, a gene is introduced into the T-cell, programmed to search and destroy cancer cell antigens. The modified cells are capable of finding and destroying cancer cells. Each modification is unique to the patient and the type of cancer, and this therapy can take several weeks to be processed. Although the CAR T cancer relief option is currently used for specific blood and bone marrow cancers, it is being explored to treat other forms of the disease, including prostate cancer. Generally, patients are eligible for the CAR T cancer relief option when chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant is unsuccessful.