A Patient's Guide to Colorectal Cancer
The Anti Prostate Cancer Diet
Our easy, seven-day meal plan will help you to combat prostate disease
MONDAY
BREAKFAST: Wholewheat fortified cereal (e.G. All Bran Plus or Bran Flakes) with soya milk. Top with scooped flesh from half a small cantaloupe melon.
How it helps: Wholegrains and soya contain hormone-modulating substances that could help cut prostate cancer risk. Orange-fleshed fruit and vegetables such as cantaloupe melon contain beta carotene, a dietary antioxidant that is also protective.
LUNCH: Half a carton of fresh vegetable soup (red pepper, sweet potato, pumpkin or carrot), whole grain bread roll. Orange.
How it helps: Vegetable consumption is linked to reduced prostate cancer ri
sk. Brightly coloured sources generally contain more of the valuable antioxidants, vital to fight disease in the prostate.
DINNER: Spaghetti bolognaise made with very lean mince and oodles of tomato puree. Serve with whole wheat spaghetti and broccoli or cabbage. Dessert: Sorbet.
HOW IT HELPS: Bolognaise sauce is another source of processed tomatoes rich in protective lycopene which keeps the prostate 'clean' of germs. Very lean beef contains only a little saturated fat, so it is fine if eaten occasionally.
TUESDAY
BREAKFAST: Muesli sprinkled with handful of ground-up linseeds. Skimmed organic milk or soya milk. Glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
HOW IT HELPS: Linseeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids and lignans, both thought to protect prostate health.
LUNCH: Vegetable pizza (eat it with a side salad of leafy greens). Banana.
HOW IT HELPS: Pizzas (piled with vegetables not pepperoni) are a great way to get more of the processed tomato products that cut prostate cancer risk by up to 30 pc.
DINNER: Vegetable lasagne served with whole grain bread and a side salad of leafy greens. Dessert: Pecan pie.
HOW IT HELPS: More protective vegetables. Nuts in pecan pie are full of zinc and fatty acids. Occasional pastry puddings are fine as long as there is only one layer of pastry to cut down on saturated fat.
WEDNESDAY
BREAKFAST: Grill rashers of very lean bacon, poach a free-range egg, and serve with grilled mushrooms and tomatoes and lots of tomato ketchup.
HOW IT HELPS: If you stick to lean bacon and shun fatty sausages it's possible to have a cooked breakfast that isn't too high in harmful saturated fat. Adding ketchup supplies the carotenoid lycopene - linked in a few studies to reduced incidence of prostate cancer.
LUNCH: Pot of ready-made kidney bean and chick pea salad. Wholefood flapjack containing no more than 10g fat. Two clementines.
HOW IT HELPS: Beans supply yet more of the hormone-regulating plant compounds that could reduce prostate cancer. Flapjack is full of oats which provide zinc and iron.
DINNER: Tomato soup, tinned or fresh. Grilled oily fish
(choose from salmon, trout, herrings or mackerel) with boiled or baked potatoes, peas and sweetcorn. Dessert: Any fresh fruit.
HOW IT HELPS: Tomato soup is packed with lycopene which reduces risk of prostate cancer. Oily fish is a rich source of the omega-3 fats. Eating fish in place of sausages and meat pies helps cut saturates which can increase prostate cancer risk.
THURSDAY
BREAKFAST: Whole grain toast with thin spreading of butter and honey or marmalade. Half a large can of ruby grapefruit segments.
HOW IT HELPS: Supplies more healthy whole grains and antioxidants believed to cut cancer risk overall (red grapefruit is another source of lycopene).
LUNCH: Baked potato with vegetable chilli topping. Apple.
HOW IT HELPS: Packs in more protective vegetables, plus extra fibre.
DINNER: Curry ready meal ?Opt for one vegetable dish and and one chicken or prawn dish and serve with rice or naan bread and half a can of chickpea dahl. Choose dishes with drier, preferably tomato-based sauces rather than those containing cream. Dessert: Fresh or tinned pineapple.
HOW IT HELPS: Ready meals and curries aren't out of bounds if you make the right choices. Vegetable and tomato-based curries are another opportunity to eat more valuable antioxidants.
FRIDAY
BREAKFAST: Porridge with banana and seeds. Make porridge using 1oz (25g) of oats, half a pint of water and quarter of a pint of soya milk. Chop one banana into the made up orridge and sprinkle over a handful of ground sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
HOW IT HELPS: Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of ssential fatty acids and zinc, both crucial prostate nutrients. Sunflower seeds supply vitamin E ? Another protective antioxidant. Porridge is also full of zinc.
LUNCH: Baked beans on whole grain toast. Serve with half a
chopped avocado. Small bunch of red grapes.
HOW IT HELPS: The tomato sauce in baked beans supplies more lycopene, plus vitamin E and healthy fats from the vocado.
DINNER: Grilled white fish with oven chips. Top fish with lots of tomato salsa and serve with spinach and another vegetable. Dessert: Frozen yoghurt.
HOW IT HELPS: Oven chips are a healthy low-fat alternative to the chip shop or deep-fried variety and combined with ingredients such as spinach, tomato salsa and white fish make a healthy low-fat (and therefore cancer-protective) meal.
SATURDAY
BREAKFAST: Corn flakes with skimmed or soya milk. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of wheatgerm and a handful of sultanas.
HOW IT HELPS: Sprinkling wheatgerm on cereal is another way to boost intake of protective vitamin E.
LUNCH: Carrot and hummus sandwich. Small bag of unsalted nuts. Mango.
HOW IT HELPS: Hummus (made from chick peas) contains more of the plant hormones that may help block the cancer-promoting action of testosterone.
DINNER: Lamb and tofu kebabs. Alternate pieces of cubed lamb, marinated tofu and red pepper on to kebabs sticks. Grill until cooked through and serve with couscous and red onions sauteed in a little olive oil. Dessert: Miniature 95pc fat-free Christmas pudding.
HOW IT HELPS: Tofu is another great source of plant hormones that could reduce prostate cancer risk. Christmas pudding is full of essential fatty acids and anti-oxidating dried fruits.
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST: Boiled free-range egg with wholemeal 'soldiers'. Breakfast smoothie made by blending 1 peeled ripe banana with 1*2 pint skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, 1 tsp honey and 1 tbsp wheatgerm.
HOW IT HELPS: Supplies more valuable whole grains and antioxidants. Eggs are often thought to be high in saturated fat, but they actually contain only 1.5g each ? Or 5 pc of the maximum daily amount recommended for a man.
LUNCH: Chicken or tuna sandwich with lots of salad and no mayonnaise. Pack of reduced fat crisps. Two kiwi fruit.
HOW IT HELPS: Sticking to sandwich fillings such as chicken and tuna helps keep saturated fat low. The occasional bag of plain crisps (rich in polyunsaturates, not saturates) doesn't do any harm.
DINNER: Mediterranean vegetable steamfry. Chop a selection of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and mange tout, and saute in a dab of olive oil for 5 minutes. Then add 1 level tablespoon of fresh mixed herbs, 2oz (50g) black olives and some pasta sauce to taste. Put the lid back on the pan and steam for 5 minutes. Dessert: Blackberry and apple crumble with skimmed organic milk custard.
HOW IT HELPS: Another great source of the brightly coloured fruits and vegetables that contain minerals, lycopene and beta-carotene which improves mmunity.
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=3017, assetTypeId=1"}Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Early detection saves lives, but these subtle symptoms frequently go unrecognized
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men during their lifetime, making it the second most common cancer among American males. Despite its prevalence, this disease often develops without obvious symptoms until it reaches advanced stages.
The walnut-sized prostate gland sits below the bladder, surrounding part of the urethra, which explains why urinary changes often become the first noticeable signs. However, many men dismiss these early warning signs as normal aging or minor health issues, potentially delaying life-saving early detection.
Understanding the subtle ways prostate cancer announces its presence could mean the difference between straightforward treatment and more complicated interventions. While some symptoms mirror those of benign conditions, recognizing the warning signs prompts timely medical evaluation.
Changes in bathroom habitsFrequent urination, especially overnight, often emerges as the first noticeable symptom. When prostate cancer develops, the growing tumor may press against the urethra, creating an urgent sensation of needing to urinate despite having recently emptied the bladder.
Difficulty starting urination can frustrate men who suddenly find themselves standing at the toilet waiting for flow to begin. This hesitancy stems from the narrowed urethra as cancer enlarges the prostate gland, requiring more bladder pressure to initiate urine flow.
Interrupted streams present another subtle warning sign, as men notice their urination starts and stops unpredictably. This intermittent flow pattern occurs when the enlarged prostate partially blocks the urethra, causing bladder muscles to work harder against the obstruction.
Sensation of incomplete emptying leaves many men feeling like they need to return to the bathroom shortly after urinating. This persistent fullness happens when prostate enlargement prevents the bladder from completely emptying, leaving residual urine behind.
Dribbling after finishing urination becomes increasingly common as the disease progresses. The compromised sphincter control resulting from prostate changes makes it difficult to stop urination completely, leading to embarrassing leakage after leaving the bathroom.
Unexplained pain patternsDeep pelvic discomfort that comes and goes without obvious cause may signal prostate changes. This pain typically feels like a dull ache deep within the pelvis that persists for days before temporarily subsiding, creating a cyclical pattern that differs from typical muscle strains.
Lower back pain concentrated just above the buttocks occasionally indicates prostate cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or bones. Unlike mechanical back pain that improves with rest or position changes, this discomfort tends to persist regardless of activity level or rest.
Hip or upper thigh discomfort, particularly on one side, sometimes indicates bone metastasis from advancing prostate cancer. This pain typically feels deep within the bone rather than in surrounding muscles and may worsen at night when lying down.
Rectal pressure or discomfort affects some men as their prostate enlarges posteriorly toward the rectum. This sensation creates a feeling of fullness or pressure that remains constant regardless of bowel movements, differentiating it from common hemorrhoids or constipation.
Unexplained testicular pain occasionally develops despite no injury or infection. While less common than other symptoms, this referred pain sometimes occurs when prostate cancer irritates nerves shared between these anatomically connected areas.
Sexual function changesErectile dysfunction sometimes serves as an early warning sign when prostate cancer affects nerves controlling blood flow to the penis. While occasional difficulties affect most men, sudden onset or rapidly worsening erectile function warrants medical evaluation, especially when accompanied by other prostate symptoms.
Painful ejaculation represents another potential indicator that something may be wrong. When cancer inflames the prostate or nearby tissues, the forceful contractions during ejaculation can cause discomfort ranging from mild to significant pain.
Reduced ejaculate volume sometimes occurs as prostate cancer advances, since this gland produces approximately 30% of semen fluid. Men might notice dramatically decreased ejaculate without other obvious causes such as recent medications or surgical procedures.
Blood in semen, while alarming, often goes unreported due to embarrassment. This symptom, called hematospermia, happens when tumors disrupt small blood vessels within the prostate gland. Even one occurrence justifies prompt medical evaluation.
Decreased libido beyond normal aging patterns sometimes indicates hormonal changes associated with advancing prostate cancer. While interest naturally fluctuates throughout life, a dramatic and persistent drop in sexual desire can sometimes reflect the body's response to an underlying condition.
Unusual physical changesUnexplained weight loss without dietary changes or increased exercise sometimes signals how cancer increases metabolic demands. Losing more than 5% of body weight within six months without trying warrants medical investigation, particularly for men at prostate cancer risk due to age or family history.
Swelling in the legs or pelvic area occasionally develops when enlarged lymph nodes block proper fluid drainage. This swelling typically affects both legs symmetrically and worsens throughout the day, improving somewhat after elevating the legs overnight.
Unusual fatigue that persists despite adequate rest can indicate advanced prostate cancer's systemic effects. This exhaustion typically feels different from normal tiredness—it doesn't improve with sleep and often prevents engaging in previously enjoyable activities.
Anemia sometimes develops with advanced disease, causing pallor, shortness of breath, and weakness. This condition occurs when cancer affects bone marrow function or causes small amounts of ongoing bleeding that gradually depletes iron stores.
Unexplained bone fractures from minimal trauma occasionally indicate metastatic disease that has weakened the skeletal structure. These fractures typically occur in the spine, hips, or ribs—areas where prostate cancer commonly spreads when it moves beyond the pelvis.
Changes in urinary appearanceBlood in urine, even just once, requires immediate medical attention. This symptom, called hematuria, ranges from visibly red urine to microscopic amounts detectable only through testing. When prostate cancer erodes into urinary tract tissues, bleeding can result.
Darker urine color that persists despite adequate hydration sometimes reflects microscopic blood or other substances released when prostate cells break down. This change typically appears consistent rather than varying throughout the day.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine occasionally develops when partially obstructed urine flow allows bacteria to multiply. While most often indicating infection, persistent cloudiness despite antibiotics might suggest an underlying obstruction caused by prostate enlargement.
Foamy urine that continues for several days might indicate protein leakage associated with kidney changes. In rare cases, advanced prostate cancer affecting nearby structures can impact kidney function, resulting in protein appearing in urine.
Unusual particles in urine sometimes become visible when prostate inflammation causes shedding of cellular material. These particles typically appear as tiny threads or specks that persist across multiple urinations.
When to seek medical attentionUnderstanding these warning signs empowers men to take charge of their health, but knowing when to consult a doctor remains equally important. Any persistent changes in urinary patterns lasting more than two weeks warrant medical evaluation.
Men experiencing pain during urination or ejaculation should schedule appointments with healthcare providers rather than assuming symptoms will resolve independently. These sensations often indicate inflammation requiring treatment, whether cancerous or not.
Blood in urine or semen, even just once, justifies immediate medical consultation. While most cases stem from non-cancerous causes, this symptom always requires proper evaluation to determine its source.
Family history significantly impacts prostate cancer risk. Men with fathers, brothers, or sons diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin discussions about screening approximately five years before the age their relative was diagnosed.
Age-appropriate screening recommendations vary based on risk factors. Men should discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctors around age 45, or earlier with family history or African American heritage, which increases risk.
Proactive steps for prostate healthWhile some prostate cancer risk factors like age, race, and family history cannot be changed, certain lifestyle modifications may support prostate health and overall wellbeing.
Mediterranean diet patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains correlate with lower prostate cancer rates in population studies. This eating approach provides anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect prostate tissue.
Regular physical activity appears protective against aggressive prostate cancer forms. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, which improves hormone balance and reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Maintaining healthy weight reduces risk, as obesity correlates with more aggressive prostate cancer variants. Fat tissue produces estrogen and inflammatory compounds that potentially influence prostate cell behavior.
Tobacco avoidance benefits overall health while potentially reducing prostate cancer risk. Smokers diagnosed with prostate cancer typically experience more aggressive disease progression than non-smokers.
Stress management techniques including meditation, deep breathing, or counseling help moderate stress hormone levels that might influence cancer development and progression when chronically elevated.
The journey toward prostate health begins with awareness and continues with appropriate medical consultation. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive steps, men can ensure early detection when treatment options remain most effective and least invasive.
Remember that many prostate symptoms stem from benign conditions rather than cancer, but professional evaluation remains the only way to determine their true cause. With prostate cancer, knowledge truly becomes power—the power to protect your health through timely intervention and appropriate care.
What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer And How Common Is It?
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Your support makes all the difference. Read moreFormula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died, aged 76, after a year-long battle with prostate and bladder cancer.
The Irishman revealed in December he was suffering from bladder and prostate cancer which had spread to his spine and pelvis.
On Thursday (20 March), it was announced by his family that Jordan, who also worked as a television pundit for BBC and Channel 4, had passed away.
Their statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.
"He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025."
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the UK, affecting approximately one in eight men during their lifetime.
While the condition is more likely to affect men over the age of 50, it can be diagnosed at a younger age.
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Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76 (PA Wire)From symptoms to treatment, here's everything you need to know about the condition.
What is prostate cancer?
As the name suggests, prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, which is located at the base of the bladder.
The main function of the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ, is to secrete prostate fluid, which mixes with sperm to create semen.
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut but enlarges as men age.
It surrounds the first part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen.
When prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, this usually occurs in the outer gland cells of the prostate, Cancer Research UK states. These cells are called acinar adenocarcinomas.
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A prostate cancer screening (Getty Images)Cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to divide and grow uncontrollably.
According to the charity, the majority of cases of prostate cancer grow slowly and do not usually spread to other parts of the body.
When prostate cancer has spread to another part of the body, it becomes known as advanced prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include needing to urinate more frequently; having to rush to the toilet; straining to urinate; feeling as though your bladder has not fully emptied while going to the toilet; and blood in urine or semen, the NHS states.
The NHS adds that these symptoms may not necessarily be indicative of prostate cancer.
Older men may experience similar symptoms due to prostate enlargement, which is a non-cancerous condition.
Signs that prostate cancer has spread to other areas of the body may include back, hip or pelvis pain; erectile dysfunction; blood in urine or semen; and unexplained weight loss, Prostate Cancer UK states.
For more information about prostate cancer symptoms, you can visit the Prostate Cancer UK website here.
What are the causes?
While it is not known what causes prostate cancer, several factors may increase one's risk of developing the condition.
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The ribbon colour for prostate cancer is light blue (Alamy/PA)These include being over the age of 50; whether one has a brother or father who developed prostate cancer before turning 60; being overweight; and following an unhealthy diet, the NHS states.
Those of African or African-Caribbean descent may also be at greater risk of being diagnosed with the condition.
How common is it?
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the UK, Prostate Cancer UK states.
Around 47,500 men across the UK are diagnosed with it on an annual basis.
Approximately 35 per cent of new cases every year are among men aged 75 and over.
It can affect anyone with a prostate gland, which can include men, transgender and non-binary people.
How can it be treated?
Some diagnosed with prostate cancer will not require any treatment at all, the NHS states.
A person's treatment may depend on whether their prostate cancer is localised in the prostate gland or has spread to other parts of the body.
The NHS explains that a patient with cancer should be cared for by a team of specialists, called a multi-disciplinary team.
This team of medical professionals may include oncologists, radiographers and specialist nurses, among others.
The NHS adds that treatment for prostate cancer is undertaken to either cure the disease, or control symptoms so that they do not shorten a patient's life expectancy.
Some older men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer may be advised to carry out "watchful waiting", which is when they keep a close eye to see whether or not they develop any progressive cancer symptoms.
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Men over the age of 50 can ask their GP for a PSA test, even if they do not have symptoms (Alamy/PA)They may also be told to do "active surveillance", which involves undergoing tests such as MRI scans and biopsies while avoiding other treatments deemed "unnecessary".
Other treatments that patients diagnosed with prostate cancer may undergo include radical prostatectomy, which is the surgical removal of the prostate gland; radiotherapy; hormone therapy; and chemotherapy.
If a person's prostate cancer has become too advanced, then it may not be able to be cured.
However, treatments such as radiotherapy, hormone treatment and chemotherapy may slow down its progression.
For more information about prostate cancer treatment options, visit the NHS website here.
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