Benefits of a plant-based diet

Higher adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk for prostate cancer progression and recurrence. As part of the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), researchers from the University of California, San Francisco analyzed data from 2038 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire at a median of 31.5 months post-diagnosis.

In a subgroup analysis for men older than 65 years, greater consumption of a healthful plant-based diet was associated with a lower risk for recurrence. There were additional benefits in lower risk of recurrence in men older than 65 years who had a brisk or fast walking pace (more than three hours/week).

While findings from this observational study are promising, more research through randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm these findings.

Practice Update. 2023; February 24.