Can diet fight prostate cancer?
As a radiation oncologist in the Seattle area, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of prostate cancer.
The standard of care for select men with low-risk disease is often active surveillance. This means closely monitoring the cancer but not treating it immediately.
However, this can be a stressful and uncertain time for patients.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role of diet in prostate cancer prevention and management.
Several studies have shown that certain dietary patterns. For example, the so-called Mediterranean diet may be associated with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
This essay will discuss the latest diet and prostate cancer research. We’ll look at the potential benefits of a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-6 fatty acids.
Managing Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Active surveillance is a management option for localized prostate cancer. It involves closely monitoring the cancer with regular tests, such as PSA tests, digital rectal exams, and MRI scans, rather than treating it right away.
The goal is to delay or avoid unnecessary treatment and its potential side effects while still ensuring that the cancer is detected and treated if it progresses.
Clinicians typically recommend active surveillance for men with low-risk prostate cancer that is slow-growing and confined to the prostate gland.
It may also be an option for highly select men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer who wish to avoid or delay treatment.
If the cancer shows signs of progression — such as an increase in PSA levels or changes in MRI scans — the patient may not need treatment.
Research has shown that active surveillance is a safe and effective way to manage low-risk prostate cancer. Men on active surveillance have the same chances of living for 10 years or more as men who choose immediate treatment.
A New Study Examining Diet and Prostate Cancer
For those choosing active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, can diet reduce the chances that progression will occur?
Maybe.
To investigate the impact of dietary fatty acids on early-stage prostate cancer, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers conducted a single-center, phase 2, randomized trial in 100 men on active surveillance.
They randomly assigned 100 men to one of two groups:
- Current diet maintenance for one year
- A low omega-6/high omega-3 diet supplemented with 2.2 grams of fish oil daily for one year
Results: Diet Matters
New data from the CAPFISH-3 study, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, suggest that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-6 fatty acids, along with fish oil supplements, may benefit men with early-stage prostate cancer.
The study found that a diet high in omega-3 (and low in omega-6) fatty acids + fish oil significantly decreased the Ki-67 index, a biomarker for prostate cancer progression.
The diet intervention also lowered triglyceride levels.
My Thoughts
These findings are promising and suggest that diet may be a valuable tool in the fight against prostate cancer.
While the study focused on those with low-risk prostate cancer, I am going to make a leap of faith and optimize my diet to reduce my risk.
Of course, we need more research to confirm these results and to determine the optimal dietary interventions for men with this disease.
A plant-based diet is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends:
- Vegetables: Include cooked tomatoes (especially cooked with olive oil) and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower in your weekly meals. These, along with other fruits and vegetables, are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Fats and Proteins: Limit your intake of saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products, as some studies suggest a link between saturated fat and an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. Whole milk consumption has also been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer progression. Avoid processed meats (like lunch meats) containing nitrates and minimize charred meat consumption, which may have cancer-promoting properties. Opt for lean protein sources like fish and poultry and plant-based options like nuts and beans.
- Vitamins: Prioritize obtaining vitamins through a balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole grains rather than relying solely on supplements (vitamin D may be an exception; consult your doctor about your individual needs). Good plant-based sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, soy, and almonds.
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