Foods Making Up Most Americans' Diets Linked to Higher Prostate Cancer Risk
The senior author told Newsweek there are simple ways men can improve their diet without drastic changes.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine reveals a potential link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of prostate cancer in American men. Researchers analyzed data from 17,024 U.S. men, discovering that those with higher intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) experienced a 29% greater risk compared to those consuming the least.
Ultra-processed foods, which include items like soft drinks, packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, processed meats, and ready-to-eat meals, make up over half of the calories consumed in the U.S. daily.
Lead researcher Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, a professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Florida Atlantic University, explained that these industrially manufactured foods are often high in refined fats, sugars, starches, and additives, but provide little nutritional value. Despite adjusting for factors like age, race, smoking, and poverty, the increased risk remained significant, ranging from 24% to 31%.
Hennekens emphasized that while men do not need to overhaul their diets immediately, practical steps to reduce UPF intake include replacing sugary drinks with whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, and opting for healthier cooking methods like steaming or grilling instead of frying.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the U.S., with over 333,000 new diagnoses expected in 2026. The American Cancer Society notes that it is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men after lung cancer. The study underscores the need for healthier dietary habits and further research to fully understand the potential health impacts of ultra-processed foods.
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