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Prostate cancer and diet: Lessons learned

Posted at 5:18 PM, Sep 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-10 20:53:15-04

WACO, TX — Scientists have shown the mysterious link between diet and prostate cancer. They know the link exists they can't figure out how.

In the meantime, ads push certain foods or supplements, and we have some risk factors we cannot change.

You may not get to pick your family, but you can pick your groceries. Experts say both could impact your chances of getting prostate cancer.

"Maybe the studies have shown that people who eat more vegetables perhaps, in general, lead a healthier lifestyle, the exercise more regularly, their normal weight and all that is associated with the better prostate cancer outcomes," said Urologist Dr. Preston Milburn, of Baylor, Scott & White, Hillcrest.

But those with a family history must maintain vigilance in a world in which the temptations have grown like never before.

At a 2011 Cancer research event, Surena F. Matin, an associate professor in the Department of Urology at Houston's MD Anderson Cancer Center, described the problem by quoting a commentator, popular at the time.

"To use her words, 'we live in the fattest, most anxiety-ridden, more heart-diseased, drug-addicted, culture than the world has ever known," he said.

Making the fight all the harder, as marketers hawk pills meant to spare life, but do next to nothing.

"A frozen blueberry in the middle of February, in most states in the United States are going to be more nutrient-dense than a fresh blueberry from South America," said Kristin Kirkpatrick, Registered Dietician with The Cleveland Clinic.

They do have an impact, but their exact link remains elusive, even now.

"They've done study after study trying to figure this out," Milburn reminded.

So, eat up, America: But Instead of another helping at the buffet of life, go for a run, walk, or bike ride. How about a swim?

"When it comes to prostate cancer, if you think about it, heart-healthy is prostate healthy. And so, if you can improve things that are healthy for your heart, like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, those are gonna be better for your prostate and you're gonna have better outcomes," Milburn concluded.

Doctors and researchers say good exercise and diet doesn't just help with Prostate Cancer, it helps us avoid many other serious troubles too.

So look for ways to make some positive changes, no doubt your friends and family will appreciate the chance to have you around a little longer.