A group of medical experts suggests that enhancing the diets of individuals battling prostate cancer could potentially eliminate the need for surgical procedures. In an international study, prostate cancer patients were given supplements containing vegetables and beneficial bacteria, leading to a deceleration in the advancement of a key prostate cancer indicator in the bloodstream. This approach aims to assist patients in coping with the anxiety of living with a slow-growing tumor that might not pose a threat.
Regularly undergoing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests is standard for these patients, as elevated PSA levels can signal tumor development, although not in all cases. In a recent trial conducted by Bedfordshire University, men with slow-growing tumors were provided with a supplement consisting of broccoli, turmeric, pomegranate, green tea, ginger, and cranberry. Additionally, half of the participants received a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus, a beneficial type of bacteria.
The progression of PSA levels was notably slower in both groups, with a more significant reduction observed in the group receiving the probiotic supplement. This breakthrough paves the way for diet-enhancing treatments, especially for patients with slow-growing tumors that may not require immediate intervention but are closely monitored by the NHS.
Professor Robert Thomas, the lead author and a consultant clinical oncologist, highlighted the importance of dietary interventions in assisting men with lower-risk disease to remain under active surveillance. He emphasized the potential of these supplements to reduce the need for major interventions like surgery or radiotherapy.
While the United Kingdom’s National Screening Committee rejected widespread prostate cancer screening for high-risk individuals last year, routine PSA testing is not currently a part of NHS screenings. However, some campaigners advocate for extending screening to men with a familial history of the disease and Black men over 50 years old.
Despite the potential benefits of early screening, the committee emphasized the risks of unnecessary treatments and highlighted the challenges men face in opting for a watchful waiting approach. As a result, a significant percentage of patients on active surveillance eventually opt for treatment, indicating the need for more personalized and effective screening strategies.