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Diet, Exercise May Slow Early Prostate Cancer
Aug. 11, 2005 - An intensive diet and lifestyle program can slow - or possibly stop - the growth of early prostate cancer.
A new study shows that diet may play a significant role in stopping, or even reversing, early prostate cancer. Exercising more frequently, even in moderation, may also go a long way in retarding the disease.
The study findings apply only to men with early prostate cancer. This means that under a microscope the cancer cells do not appear aggressive. It also means that the prostate cancer had not spread outside the prostate.
No man should ever rely on lifestyle changes alone to treat prostate cancer without first talking to their doctor.
No. 1 Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second deadliest cancer in men, behind lung cancer. Most prostate cancers occur in men over 65.
Past research has indicated that men who eat high-fat diets may be more likely to develop prostate cancer.
"This study provides important new information for men with prostate cancer and all men who hope to prevent it," says Peter Carroll, chairman of the department of urology at the University of California, San Francisco, in a news release.
Researchers studied 93 men whose biopsies had shown they had early prostate cancer. The participants were divided into two groups. All of them agreed to forgo any conventional prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate cancer is often a very slowly progressive cancer. Therefore, some men, particularly those with early prostate cancer, opt to delay treatment and wait and see how things go. This is called "watchful waiting."
The Program
The first group underwent intensive changes in diet and lifestyle including the following:
- Vegan diet of predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products.
- Soy supplements (one daily serving of tofu plus 58 grams of a fortified soy protein powdered beverage.
- Fish oil (3 grams daily), vitamin E (400 IU daily), selenium (200 micrograms daily), and vitamin C (2 grams daily).
- Moderate aerobic exercise (walking 30 minutes six days weekly).
- Stress management techniques (gentle yoga-based stretching, breathing, meditation, imagery, and progressive relaxation for 60 minutes daily).
- Participation in a one-hour support group once weekly to help stick to the program.
The diet is "intensive but palatable and practical," according to the researchers. Previous studies have shown that most patients were able to stick to the diet for at least five years, they add. The program has already been shown to reverse progression of heart disease.
Three men in this group dropped out of the study because they said it was too difficult to follow.
The second group was asked to follow their doctors' advice regarding lifestyle changes.
The researchers then followed PSA blood levels, a marker for prostate cancer progression. A rise in PSA indicates prostate cancer progression that may require treatment. Imaging studies were also done to look for any progression.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
