Can food prevent the growth of cancer cells? Three foods that help prostate cancer patients

Reducing omega-6 and increasing omega-3 decreases the cancer progression prediction index by 15%.

Research has shown that even simple dietary changes can prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, eating a lot of fish, olive oil, and walnuts while consuming fewer potato chips, biscuits, and mayonnaise can slow the progression of early prostate cancer.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the United States divided 100 men with low to moderate risk of prostate cancer into two groups. One group continued with a normal diet, while the other followed a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3, supplemented with fish oil. The group supplementing with fish oil was given fish oil capsules to further increase omega-3 intake and was advised to reduce consumption of foods high in omega-6, such as chips, biscuits, mayonnaise, and processed foods.

Subsequently, the researchers tracked changes in both groups through a biomarker called the Ki-67 index, which indicates how rapidly cancer cells proliferate. The Ki-67 index is a key indicator used to predict cancer progression, metastasis, and survival.

The group that followed a diet low in omega-6 and rich in omega-3, along with fish oil intake, showed a 15% decrease in Ki-67 index after one year, whereas the group following a normal diet experienced a 24% increase in the index.

Prostate cancer is a relatively low-risk type of cancer. Most men diagnosed with it choose active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. However, nearly half of these patients eventually need surgery or radiation therapy within five years. Ultimately, the findings of this study suggest that patients can delay the timing of surgery or treatment.

Dr. William Aronson, the lead researcher, said, "This is an important step in understanding how diet can influence prostate cancer outcomes," and "It appears that simply adjusting one's diet can slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive intervention becomes necessary."