Each week, 3,850 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and 602 men die from this devastating disease, the second-leading cancer killer in men. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 17-24), Shari Belafonte, the daughter of entertainer and prostate cancer survivor Harry Belafonte, is reaching out to educate the public about the role of nutrition in prostate cancer prevention, particularly lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomato products.

"Fortunately, my father's prostate cancer was diagnosed early, so we know how crucial regular check-ups are," said Shari Belafonte. "But now we also know that men can do even more to take control in the fight against prostate cancer. Simple steps -- like following a sensible diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables -- can make a big difference."

Several studies have suggested a correlation between lycopene and prostate cancer. Three of the largest epidemiological studies to date, (the Seventh Day Adventist Study, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Physicians Health Study), as well as many smaller studies, found men with high intakes of lycopene and/or lycopene- rich foods had a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

"A new study showed an 83 percent prostate cancer risk reduction in men with the highest amounts of lycopene in their blood," said Mary Lee Chin, a registered dietitian. "Men should aim to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are rich sources of lycopene."

In the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, intake levels associated with the highest protection for prostate cancer were 10 or more servings of tomatoes and tomato-based products per week, or 6.5 mg of lycopene per day. Among the lycopene-rich foods Ms. Chin recommends are:

• pizza sauce
• tomato soup
• watermelon
• spaghetti sauce

Lycopene is also available in dietary supplements.

In addition to reducing the risk for prostate cancer, a new study, published in the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, suggests that lycopene may be beneficial to patients with cancer. In the first clinical intervention trial of prostate cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo surgery, researchers found that lycopene supplementation may decelerate the
aggressiveness of cancerous growths. The spread of the cancer was reduced in 73% of the patients given 15 mg lycopene supplements twice a day, compared to 18% of the controls. In addition to decreased prostate cancer growth, patients in the supplement group also had reduced PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. Elevated PSA levels are one of the first warning signs of prostate cancer.

Consumers can log on to the American Cancer Society web site to get the latest information on prostate cancer and prevention.

The Vitamin Nutrition Information Service (VNIS) was founded by Roche Vitamins Inc. in 1979 as a source of accurate and credible vitamin information for health professionals, educators and communicators. The VNIS monitors and disseminates vitamin research, sponsors professional symposia on current vitamin topics and generates materials to educate professionals about the roles of vitamins in health.

Vitamin Nutrition Information Service news release
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