Nutrition and Prostate Cancer

For many men, a diagnosis of prostate cancer is a wake-up call to take better care of themselves, by improving their diets, getting more exercise, and breaking bad habits, such as smoking and drinking.

A better diet can help you prepare for surgery, help speed your recovery after cancer treatment, and may help keep your cancer from coming back.  In addition, a nutritionist can recommend dietary changes to help you deal with side effects of cancer treatment, including:

• Osteoporosis
• Weight gain
• Fatigue, which can be a side effect of hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy
• Nausea, a common side effect of chemotherapy
• Taste changes, sometimes related to chemotherapy
• Constipation, or other gastrointestinal problems, which can result from radiation therapy and other treatments.

"A lot of people in cancer treatment don't realize that nutrition counseling can help them enjoy eating again," says Jean Stern, an SCCA dietitian and patient education coordinator who works with prostate cancer patients.  "If you have questions or symptoms, ask for help."

Nutritionists are available to meet with you at the SCCA clinic or at the SCCA Prostate Center at University of Washington Medical Center. Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you for an appointment, or if you have questions, e-mail nutrition@seattlecca.org.

You may want to read more about the services offered by SCCA Nutrition Services or more about nutrition guidelines for men with prostate cancer. 

• Fat
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Fiber
• Soy
• Bone Health
• Exercise
• Supplements
• Red Wine
• Vitamin E Clinical Trial

February 2008