The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that more than 23,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.Among other risk factorsA growing number of studies indicate that diet is an important factor in the development of prostate cancer, as is the case with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Using data from a study conducted in Montreal between 2005 and 2012, a research team led by Professor Marie-Élise Parent from the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS) has demonstrated a link between diet and prostate cancer. The report was published in the journal Nutrients at the end of June.
Three main nutritional profiles were analyzed
INRS doctoral student Karine Trudeau, the study's lead author, based her analysis on three main nutritional profiles: healthy diet, high-salt "Western" diet including alcohol, and high-sugar "Western" diet with beverages. The first profile is rich in fruits, vegetables and plant proteins such as tofu and nuts. The high-salt diet includes more meat and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. The third profile is rich in pasta, pizza, desserts andsugary and carbonated drinks. The study considered factors such as age, ethnicity, education, family history and date of most recent prostate cancer screenings.
Marie-Élise Parent and Karine Trudeau have found a connection between a healthy diet and onelower risk of prostate cancerfound. Conversely, the high-sugar diet was associated with a higher risk and appeared to be a factor in more aggressive forms of cancer. The study showed no clear link between a Western diet containing salt and alcohol and the risk of developing the disease.
Look at eating habits as a whole
In a departure from the typical approach in epidemiological studies, which examines just one nutrient or food group at a time, the researchers collected data from a broader nutritional profile. “It is not easy to isolate the effect of a single nutrient,” Ms. Trudeau explained. “For example, foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, promote iron absorption,” Ms. Trudeau explained. And calcium is often found in dairy products, which also contain vitamin D. Our targeted approach takes this synergy into account to produce more meaningful results that health authorities can use to formulate recommendations. Instead of relying on a miracle cure, people should pay attention to their entire diet.”
“For a long time we have suspected that diet may play a role in the development of prostate cancer, but it has been very difficult to pinpoint the specific factors involved,” Professor Parent said. “This study is significant because it looks at the diet as a whole. We have found evidence that will hopefully lead to the development ofProstate cancer prevention strategiescan be used,” said Professor Parent.
