There is growing scientific evidence that strongly suggests diets rich in certain foods can help prevent prostate cancer and its spread.
There is also evidence to indicate the harmful effect of other foods. Prostate cancer is often slow to develop and spread, so strategies that can influence its progression are worth considering.
For those with the condition, a controlled diet may provide the only means of active treatment. Here we untangle the science and show how, by following our tips and enjoying recipes by celebrity chefs from Raymond Blanc to Gordon Ramsay, you can improve the health of your prostate.
Each year there are 35,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer to affect men in the UK with about 80 per cent having evidence of prostate cancer at post-mortem examination, although it accounts for only 12 per cent of male cancer deaths.
Prostate cancer has become more common during the past two decades, though this is partly due to more widespread screening.
The numbers vary greatly between countries, with the highest rates reported in the U.S. and Sweden and the lowest in Japan, India and China.
This reported variation may also be partly due to differences in the availability of screening and detection techniques, but it is widely accepted that at least some of it is due to differences in diet.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE PROSTATE DO?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and its function is to secrete a fluid that forms a constituent of semen.
This fluid is alkaline and protects sperm from the acidity inside the female reproductive organs. The prostate also contains muscles that help to expel semen during ejaculation.
Sexual dysfunction, fertility problems and incontinence are common problems experienced once the prostate has been removed, which is why this is not done unless absolutely necessary.
By Professor Margaret RaymanLast updated at 11:48 PM on 08th August 2009.
There is also evidence to indicate the harmful effect of other foods. Prostate cancer is often slow to develop and spread, so strategies that can influence its progression are worth considering.
For those with the condition, a controlled diet may provide the only means of active treatment. Here we untangle the science and show how, by following our tips and enjoying recipes by celebrity chefs from Raymond Blanc to Gordon Ramsay, you can improve the health of your prostate.
Each year there are 35,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer to affect men in the UK with about 80 per cent having evidence of prostate cancer at post-mortem examination, although it accounts for only 12 per cent of male cancer deaths.
Prostate cancer has become more common during the past two decades, though this is partly due to more widespread screening.
The numbers vary greatly between countries, with the highest rates reported in the U.S. and Sweden and the lowest in Japan, India and China.
This reported variation may also be partly due to differences in the availability of screening and detection techniques, but it is widely accepted that at least some of it is due to differences in diet.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE PROSTATE DO?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and its function is to secrete a fluid that forms a constituent of semen.
This fluid is alkaline and protects sperm from the acidity inside the female reproductive organs. The prostate also contains muscles that help to expel semen during ejaculation.
Sexual dysfunction, fertility problems and incontinence are common problems experienced once the prostate has been removed, which is why this is not done unless absolutely necessary.
By Professor Margaret RaymanLast updated at 11:48 PM on 08th August 2009.
