Localised prostate cancer can be classified into:
- Low-risk group
- Intermediate risk group
- High-risk group
This is based on the stage and grade of cancer as well as the PSA level.
Management of Low-Risk Group
Active Surveillance
Low-risk cancers are most commonly treated by active surveillance.
This is a program of monitoring with:
- PSA
- MRI
- Biopsies
This is to check that the cancer has not progressed to a higher risk group.
Most men with low-risk prostate cancer never progress, and the 10-year survival for men with low-risk prostate cancer can be as high as 99.7%.
However, some men do progress and require radical treatment either by surgery or radiotherapy.
Certain Foods and/or Nutrients
Some foods and/or nutrients can lower PSA as a marker for prostate cancer progression. However, more evidence is needed on the long-term effects to determine if changes in PSA affect prostate cancer progression and survival.
Foods are the preferred source for nutrients as they have additional nutritional value. This includes a rich variety of phytonutrients and fibre that are not found in supplements.
Supplements
For supplements, it is best to avoid doses that are greater than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) unless under medical supervision.
Pomi-T® is a polyphenol food supplement combining broccoli, turmeric, green tea. It was tested in a double-blind randomised controlled trial of men with localised prostate cancer in the UK who were on active surveillance (https://www.nature.com/articles/pcan20146).
This trial showed that the rise in PSA in the men who were taking Pomi-T was much lower than those who were taking a placebo.
How to Prevent the Progression of Low-Risk Prostate Cancer?
The risk of prostate cancer progression may be lowered by lifestyle changes that emphasises:
- A balanced, healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- A healthy body weight.
This will bring benefits beyond prostate cancer and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease— the number 1 cause of death in men in Singapore.
Recommended Diet for Low-risk Prostate Cancer:
- Food that is rich in lycopene such as cooked tomatoes, watermelons, and guavas.
- Soy foods such as soybeans, soy beverages, and tofu
- Green tea
- Ground flaxseed
For more information on prostate cancer, read this article on the ultimate guide to dealing with prostate cancer as written by a Singaporean Urologist.
