Researchers reviewed hundreds of studies about how food affects prostate cancer risk in men. They found that eating certain foods—like fish, broccoli, and whole grains—may lower the chance of getting prostate cancer or help slow it down. On the flip side, eating lots of red meat, processed foods, and sugary items might increase risk. While scientists don’t have all the answers yet, the evidence suggests that making smart food choices could be an important way for men to protect their health. The researchers say we need more studies to be completely sure about which foods help the most.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How different foods and nutrients affect whether men get prostate cancer, how fast it grows, and how long men survive after diagnosis
- Who participated: This wasn’t a single study with participants—instead, scientists looked at hundreds of previous studies involving thousands of men to find patterns about diet and prostate cancer
- Key finding: Eating more fish, broccoli, and whole grains appears to lower prostate cancer risk, while eating lots of red meat, processed foods, and sugary foods may increase it
- What it means for you: Men may be able to reduce their prostate cancer risk by choosing healthier foods, though diet is just one factor. This doesn’t guarantee prevention, but it’s one thing you can control. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and what diet changes make sense for you.
The Research Details
Scientists searched through medical databases for all published research about food and prostate cancer from the past several decades. They looked at many different types of studies—some that followed men over time, some that compared men who got cancer to those who didn’t, and some that tested specific nutrients in controlled experiments. They then organized all this information to see what patterns emerged about which foods seemed to help or hurt.
This type of review is like being a detective who gathers all the clues from different investigations to figure out the bigger picture. The researchers didn’t do their own experiment with patients; instead, they analyzed what other scientists had already discovered and tried to find common themes.
They looked at many different dietary factors: the types of carbohydrates people ate (simple sugars versus whole grains), different protein sources (fish versus red meat), different fats, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. For each food or nutrient, they examined whether it was linked to getting prostate cancer, the cancer getting worse, or men surviving longer after diagnosis.
This approach is important because prostate cancer is very common in men, and doctors don’t have clear, evidence-based nutrition guidelines to give patients. By pulling together information from many studies, scientists can see which dietary changes have the strongest evidence behind them. This helps doctors give better advice and helps men make informed choices about their diet.
This is a narrative review, which means the researchers used their expert judgment to organize and interpret the findings rather than using strict mathematical formulas. This type of review is helpful for getting an overview, but it’s not as definitive as a systematic review that follows very strict rules. The researchers looked at studies up to 2025, so the information is current. However, they noted that evidence is often inconsistent across studies, meaning different studies sometimes reached different conclusions. The researchers were honest about this uncertainty and called for more high-quality experiments to get clearer answers.
What the Results Show
The research suggests several foods may help lower prostate cancer risk. Fish consumption appears particularly beneficial, likely because of healthy fats called omega-3s. Cruciferous vegetables—like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage—showed strong protective effects in multiple studies. Soy products also showed promise for reducing risk. Complex carbohydrates (like whole grains and beans) were associated with better health outcomes compared to simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.
On the other side, several foods appeared to increase risk or worsen outcomes. Red meat and processed meats (like bacon and deli meats) were linked to higher risk and more aggressive disease. High-fat dairy products, particularly whole milk, were associated with worse outcomes. Foods high in saturated fat and simple sugars also showed concerning associations with prostate cancer risk.
For vitamins and minerals, the picture was more complicated. Natural lycopene (found in tomatoes) and normal levels of vitamin E from food appeared helpful. However, taking high-dose vitamin supplements—particularly vitamin A, folic acid, and selenium—actually seemed to increase risk in some studies. High calcium intake from dairy products was also associated with increased risk in some research.
The researchers emphasized that while these patterns are encouraging, the evidence isn’t perfect. Some studies disagreed with others, and scientists still don’t fully understand exactly how these foods work to prevent or promote cancer.
The research found that overall dietary patterns matter more than single foods. Men who followed diets emphasizing plant-based foods, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats had better outcomes than those eating typical Western diets high in processed foods and red meat. The evidence also suggests that avoiding unnecessary supplements is important—getting nutrients from food appears safer and more effective than taking pills. Additionally, the research hints that the timing and amount of food consumed may matter, though more research is needed on these details.
These findings align with what scientists have learned about diet and other cancers, as well as heart disease. The pattern of fish and vegetables being protective while red meat and processed foods increase risk matches recommendations for overall health. However, some findings are newer—the potential risks of high-dose supplements and the benefits of soy are areas where understanding has evolved. The research also confirms that prostate cancer is different from some other cancers in how it responds to dietary factors, particularly regarding dairy products and certain nutrients.
The biggest limitation is that most studies were observational—meaning researchers watched what people ate and what happened to them, but couldn’t prove that food caused the differences. People who eat healthy diets often exercise more and have other healthy habits, so it’s hard to know if the food itself made the difference. Additionally, studies used different methods and measured things differently, making it hard to compare results. Some nutrients were studied extensively while others had very little research. The review also couldn’t include unpublished studies, which might have shown different results. Finally, most studies involved men in developed countries, so results might not apply equally to all populations.
The Bottom Line
Based on moderate evidence, men concerned about prostate cancer should consider: eating fish 2-3 times per week, eating cruciferous vegetables several times weekly, choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates, limiting red and processed meats, choosing low-fat or plant-based protein sources, and avoiding high-dose vitamin supplements unless recommended by a doctor. These changes align with general healthy eating advice. However, it’s important to understand that diet is just one factor—genetics, age, and family history also play major roles. These dietary changes may help reduce risk, but they’re not a guarantee.
All men, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer or those over 50, should pay attention to these findings. Men at very high genetic risk should discuss personalized nutrition strategies with their doctor. However, these recommendations aren’t just for men worried about cancer—they’re generally healthy eating patterns that benefit overall health. Women shouldn’t feel they need to follow these guidelines specifically, though many of these foods are healthy for everyone.
Dietary changes typically take months to years to show effects on cancer risk. You won’t feel immediate differences, but over time, these changes may reduce your risk. If you already have prostate cancer, dietary changes might help slow progression, though this would need to be monitored by your medical team over months to years. It’s important to have realistic expectations—diet is helpful but isn’t a substitute for medical treatment.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly servings of fish, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains consumed, plus servings of red/processed meat and sugary foods. Aim for 2+ fish meals weekly, 3+ cruciferous vegetable servings weekly, and limit red meat to 1-2 times weekly.
- Set a weekly goal to try one new fish recipe or one new cruciferous vegetable preparation. Use the app to plan meals that emphasize these protective foods and set reminders to limit processed meat purchases.
- Monthly review of dietary patterns to ensure consistency. Track any health markers your doctor monitors (if applicable) and note energy levels and overall wellness. Reassess quarterly to adjust goals based on what’s working for your lifestyle.
This review summarizes research about diet and prostate cancer but is not a substitute for medical advice. The evidence presented is often inconsistent, and diet alone cannot prevent or cure prostate cancer. Men concerned about prostate cancer risk should discuss screening, prevention strategies, and dietary changes with their healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, work with your medical team and a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, as some recommendations may interact with treatments. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance.