The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductory system; it is the size of a walnut found in front of the rectum right below the bladder. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, a tube that takes the urine from the penis to the bladder. Prostate cancer is a condition that begins in the prostate gland cells. Prostate cancer does not give out any early symptoms and is the second most common cancer among men above 70.

Causes of prostate cancer
Doctors and researchers are yet to identify a specific cause for prostate cancer. It begins when some changes happen in the DNA of the cells in the prostate. This causes the cells to multiply abnormally, forming a tumor; however, with the patient’s data, coordinated research has shown that there are many risk factors associated with it that can increase a person’s chance of getting prostate cancer. Age, being of African American descent, family history, mutation of BRCA2 gene, high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), obesity, an inflammed prostate, and exposure to cadmium all are risk factors for prostate cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages. Some of the symptoms are common to other diseases. Doctors may link it to cancer only if there is no improvement after initial treatment. The common symptoms of prostate cancer are frequent urination at night, difficulty while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, leaking urine after emptying the bladder, bloody urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment
Doctors diagnose prostate cancer using blood examinations and digital rectal exams. They conduct a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer if they suspect prostate cancer. A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, doctors, and oncologists decides on the best treatment based on the stage of cancer and the patient’s current health. Imaging tests, bone scans, or a pelvic node dissection helps the doctors to pinpoint the location of cancer, its spread, and its stage. The following are the treatment options for prostate cancer:

Surgery

• Radical prostatectomy is a surgery that removes the prostate gland and the surrounding tissues to stop the spread of cancer. It can be an open surgery or a keyhole surgery.
• Nerve sparing prostatectomy removes only the tissues without removing the prostate gland.
• Radical prostatectomy is done for younger men with localized cancer, spreading slowly.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation that can kill cancer-causing cells. It is best suited for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy
Prostate cancer thrives on testosterone, which is produced by the testicles. Hormone therapy blocks the production of testosterone and reduces the risk of recurrence of cancer after surgery and radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy
Doctors administer chemotherapy orally or intravenously to destroy cancer cells. It can be used before surgery or other therapies based on the stage of cancer.

Meal regimen for prostate cancer
A plant-based meal regimen is ideal for those diagnosed with prostate cancer and those recovering from treatment effects. Cancer treatment causes many side effects like diarrhea, mouth ulcers, dehydration, fatigue, infection, and changes in appetite and taste. A plant-based meal plan will suit the patient’s palette and help them regain energy, improve symptoms, gain weight and fight infection.

Fruits and vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables that contain phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants helps. It is best to eat a variety of vegetables and fruits to get all the key nutrients. One must eat cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage. Patients should also include carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, pomegranates, grapes, oranges, lemons, avocados, peppers, apples, and berries in their meal plan.

Increase the number of whole grains
Whole grains contain fiber, magnesium, and protein that help recover after treatment. Include food made with whole-grain rather than refined grains. One must eat brown rice, oatmeal, corn, whole wheat, barley, bulgar, millets, and quinoa.

Increase the intake of plant-based protein
Plant-based proteins contain substances like quercetin and lignans, which help fight cancer cells. One must include tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, almonds, mixed beans, chia seeds, and hemp seeds in their meal regimen.

What to avoid
It is equally important to avoid food that can aggravate cancer cells. It is essential to avoid red meat, dairy products, carbonated beverages, high sugar desserts, and processed food.