Empowering Prostate Cancer Patients Through Lifestyle Choices
- Dr. Jeff Jones, chief of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, emphasizes that prostate cancer patients have more agency in their cancer care than they may realize, and small changes in daily habits can make you feel better during treatment.
- “Diet is probably one of the biggest factors in the development of any type of cancer. Food is medicine in many cases,” Dr. Jones said.
- Diet, exercise, and eliminating harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking can significantly reduce cancer risk and support treatment outcomes.
Dr. Jeff Jones, chief of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, believes patients often have more agency than they realize. Through intentional lifestyle changes, they can not only support their medical treatment but also improve their overall quality of life.
Read MoreNutrition
Dr. Jones encourages patients to view food as a powerful tool in their cancer journey. He stresses that diet plays a central role in both the development and progression of cancer — and that small changes can make a big impact. “Diet is probably one of the biggest factors in the development of any type of cancer. Food is medicine in many cases,” he says.He recommends cutting back on processed foods and increasing consumption of whole, nutrient-rich options.
Certain compounds found in everyday foods may even help inhibit cancer stem cells, including:
- EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate): A compound in green tea shown to suppress cancer stem cell activity
- Resveratrol: Found in grapes and berries and known for its anti-cancer properties
Patients should keep in mind that while a balanced diet may help them feel better, it will not replace medical intervention. Eating well can make the treatment journey easier to manage.
Eliminating Harmful Habits
Beyond nutrition, Dr. Jones urges patients to take a hard look at habits and exposures that may be fueling cancer risk. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and recreational drug use are all contributors to cellular damage and mutation.
“Try to get rid of toxins in their environment — things they may be exposed to that are just driving more and more mutational events,” Dr. Jones urges.
He also advises patients to be mindful of environmental toxins, whether in household products, workplaces, or the air they breathe.
Exercise & Emerging Therapeutic Options
Physical activity is more than a wellness trend — it’s a therapeutic ally, Dr. Jones says.
“To exercise, to oxygenate the tissues, to improve the flow of blood… even just doing some of these lifestyle things can dramatically slow the progression of many types of cancer,” he says.
Patients should speak to their doctors about other approaches they can integrate into their treatment plans.
Prioritizing Quality Of Life
Ultimately, Dr. Jones emphasizes that lifestyle changes aren’t just about extending life — they’re about enriching it.
“There are a lot of things that can be done for men who have advanced prostate cancer… to enhance not only the response of the tumor to the treatment, but also their own quality of life.”
By taking proactive steps — through diet, movement, detoxification, and informed supplementation — patients can reclaim a sense of control and purpose, even in the face of a challenging diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- What changes can I make to my diet and exercise routine?
- What if I feel like I can’t work out the way I used to?
- Are there any supplements you recommend for me?
- Are there any integrative techniques I should be wary of?
Content independently created by SurvivorNet with support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
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