Diet and prostate cancer:

Maintaining a healthy diet during prostate cancer is crucial for your overall health and recovery. It can also help you stay at a healthy weight and reduce the risk of other conditions.

The testicles

The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.

Image of the testicles (cruk)

Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.

The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.

Testosterone:

The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:

A deeper voice
Facial hair growth
Increased muscle mass
The ability to achieve an erection
Male sexual drive (libido)

Where does testicular cancer start:

The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:

Seminoma
Non-seminoma

Testicular cancer and the lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that spans the entire body. They, along with lymph vessels, contain a yellow fluid known as lymph. This fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, collecting waste products and draining into veins for waste removal. Cancer can spread to lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. In testicular cancer, it’s common for the disease to spread to lymph nodes located at the back of the abdomen, known as retroperitoneal lymph nodes. These retroperitoneal lymph nodes are situated behind the intestines and in front of the spine. They lie next to the main blood vessels in the abdomen, the aorta, and the inferior vena cava. Image of the lymph nodes with testicles Who gets it: Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer. Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven’t had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy). Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it. It then becomes less common as men get older.

There’s no strong evidence that you need to eat or avoid specific foods.

Prostate cancer treatments can sometimes cause dietary issues, like diarrhea after radiotherapy. Some men might struggle to keep a healthy weight, either gaining or losing too much. If you face these challenges, your doctor can refer you to a dietitian for help.

What is healthy diet:

A healthy diet means balancing different types of foods and picking options that are both delicious and nutritious.

Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help you:

– Recover from treatment

– Feel better overall

– Feel more in control of your health

– Maintain a healthy weight

A healthy diet is:

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses: Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. You can choose from fresh, canned, frozen, or dried options.

Variety of colors: Try to eat fruits and vegetables of different colors to get a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

Daily starchy foods: Include starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta in your diet every day.

Whole grains: Whenever possible, choose wholegrain options for cereals, bread, and pasta.

Pulses: Don’t forget to include pulses like beans, lentils, and peas. They are low in fat, high in protein, and a great alternative to meat.

Low in red and processed meat, saturated fat and salt.

Low in foods that contain a lot of sugar:

Reduce your intake of high-calorie foods.

This includes items like chocolate, cake, and sugary sodas.

Drink enough fluids:

Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids daily.

Options include water, low-fat milk, tea, coffee, and sugar-free beverages.

Limit fruit juice or smoothies to 150 ml a day due to their high sugar content.

How prostate cancer causes diet problems:

Cancer treatments can sometimes cause long-term changes to your diet, affecting what and how you eat.

If you’re underweight, you might need to eat high-calorie foods, like full-fat products, to increase your calories.

Always consult your doctor, specialist nurse, or dietitian if you’re having issues with your diet or losing weight. They can provide guidance on how to adjust your eating habits.

Bowel problems after radiotherapy:

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer can alter your bowel function, causing more frequent and loose bowel movements. Adjusting your diet can help manage these changes.

This treatment can also impact tissues and organs in the pelvic region. If you experience any of the following, consult your doctor:

– Frequent nighttime bowel movements

– Urgent bowel movements or accidents

– Bleeding from the rectum

– Other bowel issues affecting your daily life

These symptoms may make it challenging to maintain a completely balanced diet.

Alcohol and smoking:

There’s no direct evidence that alcohol and smoking impact the growth of prostate cancer. However, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall well-being.

Government guidelines suggest that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption. If you choose to drink, follow these recommendations:

– Limit your intake to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, equivalent to about 6 medium glasses of wine or 6 pints of 4% beer.

– Spread your alcohol consumption evenly over at least 3 days.

– Include some alcohol-free days each week to help reduce your overall intake.

Making these changes supports better health and wellness.

Confidential Mencan Helpline: 84510 09760

Diet and prostate cancer: