6 Modifiable risk factors on Prostate cancer prevention

Last updated: May 18, 2026

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Whereas the patients at my office asking lots on prostate cancer prevention so in this topic, I will show you the 6 modifiable risk factors prostate cancer prevention strategy that you may consider and try to make it possible for your own. But in the meantime, you must know that prostate cancer also mainly related with ethnicity and family history which cannot be modified. Here we go! (The reference was from World Journal of Oncology 2019)

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Evidence-based prostate cancer prevention

1. Diet
   • Saturated animal fat – High intake of meat, fat and dairy products significantly increase the prostate cancer risk.
   • Red meat – 5 or more serving of cooked meat per week shows higher risk of prostate cancer.
   • Calcium – More than 2,000 mg of daily calcium intake associated with greater risk of prostate cancer.
   • Cruciferous vegetables – Can reduce prostate cancer risk. (Examples: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage)
   • Dietary soy and green tea – Catechins in green tea and Isoflavones in soybean show protective effect against prostate cancer.
   • Tomatoes and lycopene – Lycopene is a potent antioxidant with protective effect. 2–4 servings of tomato sauce per week can decrease prostate cancer risk.

2. Vitamin and mineral supplements
   • Vitamin D – Vitamin D deficiency might increase risk of prostate cancer.
   • Selenium – 50–60% prostate cancer risk reduction in high Selenium consumption.

3. Alcohol consumption
   • Heavy alcohol intake associated with higher risk of prostate cancer.
   • 5% prostate cancer risk increases for 1 regular alcoholic drink per day.
   • 21% prostate cancer risk increases for 4 regular alcoholic drinks per day.
4. Coffee intake
   • Coffee consumption shows protective effect on prostate cancer activity.
   • Heavier coffee consumption per day is more likely to prevent aggressive type of prostate cancer.

5. Obesity
   • Obesity and high BMI associated with aggressive type of prostate cancer.
   • Exercise is the easiest way in prostate cancer prevention.
   • One study showed prostate cancer patients who exercised regularly delayed hormonal therapy by 2 years compared with non-active patients.
6. Cigarette smoking
   • Most studies have not shown a direct relation between smoking and prostate cancer incidence.
   • However, if prostate cancer patients smoke, their cancer-specific mortality rate doubles.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in males and is commonly detected at routine health checkups. Prostate cancer prevention strategy is an important tool in patient education for lifestyle modification before it is too late.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer Prevention

What foods should I avoid or eat to reduce prostate cancer risk?

Foods to limit include high amounts of saturated animal fat (meat, dairy), red meat (more than 5 servings/week), and calcium intake exceeding 2,000 mg/day. Protective foods include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), soy products, green tea, and tomatoes or tomato sauce rich in lycopene. Coffee consumption also appears to have a protective effect, particularly against aggressive prostate cancer.

Does alcohol and smoking increase prostate cancer risk?

Alcohol does increase prostate cancer risk in a dose-dependent manner: 1 drink per day raises risk by approximately 5%, while 4 drinks per day raises it by 21%. Heavy alcohol intake should be avoided. Cigarette smoking has not been consistently shown to increase prostate cancer incidence, but prostate cancer patients who smoke have double the cancer-specific mortality rate, making smoking cessation an important part of prostate cancer management.

Does exercise help prevent prostate cancer?

Yes. Obesity and high BMI are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. Regular physical exercise is one of the most accessible and evidence-based preventive strategies. Studies have shown that active prostate cancer patients can delay the need for hormonal therapy by up to 2 years compared to sedentary patients. Combined with a healthy diet and avoidance of alcohol, regular exercise is a cornerstone of prostate cancer prevention.

For a comprehensive prostate health evaluation and personalized cancer prevention counseling, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.