By Ana Ravier
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with 26,400 new cases reported this year alone—equating to over 100 diagnoses each day. Various treatment options are available, with the most common being surgical removal of the prostate, Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), and radiation therapy.
ADT, a hormone therapy designed to reduce androgen levels in the body and control cancer growth, is highly effective but comes with a range of side effects, including increased body fat and decreased bone mineral density. Over time, these side effects can lead to osteoporosis, heightened risk of obesity, sarcopenia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The Role of Nutrition in Prostate Cancer Management
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Taking care of yourself during treatment can help you cope better with any emotional and physical challenges and can help keep your mind and body strong and resilient. Nutrition plays a big role in managing side effects of treatment, such as nausea, poor appetite, constipation, fatigue or taste changes. Strategies include modifying temperature or textures, introducing smaller meals, bulking up your snacks, or tweaking your diet to alleviate digestive symptoms. Working with a dietitian during that time can significantly improve your overall quality of life.
Optimising Treatment Outcomes
Personalised nutrition can optimise treatment outcomes by helping you manage your weight and preserve muscle mass during treatment, improving compliance and long term health. Protein and energy requirements can go up significantly during treatment, often leading to rapid weight loss. Making sure you have someone in your corner to help you get the nutrients you need can make a big difference.
Supporting Long-Term Health & Reducing the Risk of Recurrence
Because treatment can lead to increased body fat and reduced bone density, adapting your lifestyle to counter those side effects can significantly help protect your health long term. Maintaining a healthy body weight, optimising your diet and staying active are the best tools to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer recurrence.
From a nutritional perspective, this might involve reducing saturated fats, optimising vitamin D and calcium intake (essential for maintaining bone health), and increasing healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants. The Mediterranean diet, abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein, is recognised for its protective health benefits. Working with a dietitian can help turn these guidelines into practical, actionable steps.
Note
Always tell your doctor if you are making any changes to your diet. If you have diabetes, ensure your blood glucose levels are regulated. Unstable blood glucose levels can affect your appetite and energy levels and can cause urinary issues.
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