Lycopene May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk 40101

Lycopene May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

MONTREAL--Consuming a diet rich in tomato products or lycopene maylower the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to Canadian researchers(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 13, 3:340-5, 2004) (cebp.aacrjournals.org).

Researchers came to their conclusion after analyzing data from 21 studiesinvolving daily intake of one serving or more of tomato products; studiesinvolving tomatoes, tomato products or lycopene were included.

The meta-analysis showed subjects with the highest intake (fifth quintile ofintake) of raw tomato products had an 11-percent reduced risk of developingprostate cancer compared to subjects with the lowest intake (first quintile ofintake); subjects who consumed high amounts of cooked tomato products had a19-percent reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to subjects who consumed lowamounts. Prostate cancer risk was reduced by 3 percent in case-controlled studysubjects who consumed one serving per day of raw tomato products compared to areduction of 22 percent in cohort study subjects who consumed the same amount.The researchers concluded only a high intake of tomato-based products maysignificantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer; however, further research isneeded to determine the type and quantity of tomato products and their role inprostate cancer prevention.