Firstly, I would like to make it clear that this article suggests some positive steps to be taken that may help with prostate cancer, but this is not to be confused with the general prostate issues that many men do experience as they age.

Prostate enlargement is a very common condition and it is estimated that more than 1 in 3 of all men over 50 will have some symptoms. of prostate enlargement.

It’s not known why the prostate gets bigger as men get older, but it is not caused by cancer and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Having said that, the statistics are not encouraging on prostate cancer  and currently it is not clearly linked to any preventable risk factors.

However, there are some steps that may help reduce the risk and slow its progress so these self-help measures may be worth trying but do always consult a doctor if receiving treatment for this condition.

Step 1: Diet and exercise

It’s early yet, but some research shows a healthy diet and regular exercise can slow the progress of prostate cancer and more studies are under way.

In the meantime, cut back on sugar, eat leaner meat and lots of colourful fruit and vegetables and stay away from high fat dairy products.

Most helpful exercise involves both cardio and weights.

Step 2: Stress reduction

It’s not generally realised that stress can affect the nerves around a tumour and that may play a role in the spread of prostate cancer.

Any stress-relieving activities — like yoga, tai chi or meditation — might slow its progress.

Step 3: Flaxseed

Called ‘one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet’ there’s some evidence it may help reduce the risk of cancer, strokes, heart disease and diabetes.

Recent studies from the University of Toronto have suggested that flaxseed may have a protective effect against prostate and colon cancer with at least two of the components in flaxseed seeming to contribute, but this has not been conclusively established.

Step 4: Green Tea

It is a compound in green tea, called EGCG that may decrease and kill cancerous cells.

Studies are still ongoing, but the results are promising and switching to a couple of cups a day will help overall health too.

Step 5: Vitamin D

Men with prostate cancer tend to have less vitamin D as do many people as they age

Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity.

Boosting levels may not be as simple as getting more sun or drinking more milk. Vitamin D supplements can increase your levels and may slow the growth of cancerous cells and so research is ongoing.

The best food source for vitamin D is oily fish, so including those 2 to 3 times a week will be helpful.

Step 6: Pomegranate Juice

Early research says drinking 8 ounces a day may slow prostate cancer’s progress.

Studies are still under way, but one says pomegranate juice works best if your cancer is in an early stage.

Step 7: Lycopene

This natural pigment has long been studied for its effect on cancers.

Findings are mixed but foods with lycopene are part of a healthy diet and eating food that’s good for you may help slow the disease.

Highest sources are found in red, pink, and orange fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, apricots, melons, papayas, grapes, peaches, watermelon and cranberries.

Step 8: Turmeric

Taken as a supplement, early research shows this might help prevent the onset of prostate cancer and it also eases inflammation.

Taken as a supplement or tea, or adding to cooking, it does have a number of health benefits and studies are under way.

Step 9: Bioidentical progesterone

While there has been no specific research done with regards to natural progesterone usage in men, there have been interesting anecdotal reports from patients with prostate cancer which has been diagnosed both by blood test and biopsy.

These patients have found that, as a result of using bioidentical progesterone for about a year, the levels of PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) in their blood have decreased to normal levels.

The mechanism for this apparently beneficial effect of natural progesterone is not clear but may relate to progesterone being a precursor of testosterone. Men as they get older have a tendency to produce less testosterone and more di-hydrotestosterone, which seems to have an over stimulating effect on cells.

Progesterone could have the effect of neutralising the di-hydrotestosterone, which would thus help to maintain testosterone levels.

Dr Tony Coope has commented that certainly it seems that men can also suffer from oestrogen dominance but whether supplementing with Serenity (not 20 to one) would help proactively against future problems we do not know, but certainly it cannot do any harm.

As progesterone is so safe, and is believed by some experts to be helpful in prostate cancer (John Lee et al), I think it would be definitely worth trying for a month or two to see how the response.

Helpful information: 

Please do share this information with the men in your life and it is always a good idea to tell the doctor of any additional supplements or therapies.

An excellent resource for more information on prostate cancer is here:

https://prostatecanceruk.org/