ZERO – ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER NEWS
WINTER 2022/2023
OPTIMIZING LIFESTYLE IN PROSTATE CANCER: The Importance of Healthy Sleep and Plant-Based Diets
Nutrition is also extremely important for patients with prostate cancer and their families. Fortunately, the same dietary patterns that are good for the heart are also good for prostate cancer.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is extremely important in prostate cancer. This is especially true for men with advanced prostate cancer who are taking hormonal therapy. These treatments can cause changes in metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Stacy Loeb M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D. (hc), New York University
Men with advanced prostate cancer are also more likely to have disturbances in their sleep. There are many reasons for this. Progression of the cancer may lead to pain or anxiety that can disturb sleep. The treatments for prostate cancer may also cause problems for sleep, such as hot flashes. Poor sleep has many negative effects for physical and mental health, and can lead to accidents.
One important tip is to reduce consumption of meat, or better yet, to avoid it altogether. The World Health Organization considers processed meat (such as hot dogs, deli meats, and bacon) a Group 1 carcinogen. This means that it definitely causes cancer in humans, and is in the same category as asbestos and tobacco. Other types of meat such as beef, lamb, and pork are considered Group 2a carcinogens, which mean they probably cause cancer in humans. Meat and dairy products are also leading sources of saturated fat in the diet, which contributes to cardiovascular disease. By contrast, healthy plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes contain important cancer-fighting components like fiber and antioxidants. Several new studies came out this year showing the benefits of eating more healthy plant-based foods for prostate cancer, and other major health issues such as erectile function and diabetes. ANNOUNCEMENT: We have a new study at NYU Grossman School of Medicine to examine the value of a website with sleep and lifestyle recommendations for patients with prostate cancer and their families. If you are interested in learning more about the study, please contact us by phone or email: Nataliya Byrne: Nataliya.Byrne@nyulangone.org, 646-501-2681, or Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco: Tatiana.Sancheznolasco@nyulangone.org, 646-501-2550.
Some of the most common sleep disturbances include insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. If you have symptoms like snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness, consider seeing a sleep specialist for evaluation and treatment. It is also important to practice good sleep hygiene as part of your daily habits. This includes maintaining a comfortable bedroom environment, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding bright light, caffeine, big meals, strenuous exercise, and stressful activities shortly before bedtime.
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