Everything from how much fruit and vegetables make up your diet to smoking to ancestry and even environmental, behavioral, socioeconomic, and infection-related factors contribute toward a risk of prostate cancer. Although the exact reasons why certain regions have a higher incidence than others are unclear, experts point toward diet and lifestyle as possible factors.
For example, a diet rich in saturated fat is considered a risk factor. Red meat, well-done meat, dairy, and a high intake of calcium are thought to be associated with prostate cancer risk too. Lower consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in relation to meats and fats is a concern as well. With lifestyle-related concerns, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of adequate sleep, lack of exercise, and being exposed to environmental contaminants make up the list.
Interestingly, prostate cancer incidence is increasing in Asian people living in urbanized settings too, like Hong Kong, Singapore, and India. “India’s eating setting has changed significantly in recent years as a result of globalization and urbanization. Young Indians are consuming more and more processed foods, sweetened beverages, and high-fat meals as part of their Westernized diets,” explained Dr. Dinesh Singh, Andromeda Cancer Hospital’s Chairman of Radiation Oncology (via Times of India).