A recent study conducted by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health delved into the connection between diet and post-treatment quality-of-life outcomes in over 3,500 men who underwent prostate cancer treatment. Published in the journal Cancer, the study suggests that a diet rich in healthful plant-based foods may lead to modestly higher quality-of-life scores in various domains for prostate cancer patients.
Lead author Stacy Loeb, a professor at NYU Langone Health, highlighted that increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing meat and dairy intake could potentially improve quality of life post-treatment, offering hope to those grappling with significant side effects from prostate cancer therapies.
Notably, the research revealed that individuals consuming higher proportions of plant-based foods scored better in sexual function, urinary health, hormonal health, vitality, and bowel function. These findings underscore the potential benefits of plant-based diets in mitigating symptoms associated with prostate cancer treatment.
While the study underscores the health advantages of plant-based diets, it acknowledges limitations such as a predominantly white participant pool. Future research aims to include a more diverse cohort and explore the effects of diet on individuals in advanced stages of the disease. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to understand the interplay between nutrition and serious illnesses like prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices in enhancing quality of life post-treatment.
