Prostate Cancer: A Whole Person Approach

Dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis and cancer care can be stressful. You may wonder if natural therapies can support your cancer experience. In this article, we’ve detailed the benefits of an integrative approach to prostate cancer care. These therapies can help your body better handle treatments, feel better, and reduce the risk of cancer coming back. 

At CancerChoices, we use the term complementary therapy. This describes the use of safe, evidence-based, holistic and natural therapies and practices in addition to standard medical care. When you combine these complementary therapies with lifestyle changes and modern cancer medicine in a safe, coordinated way, we call this an integrative approach. 

Integrative cancer care planning is a way to care for yourself as a whole person, not just a person with cancer. It can help you manage side effects, improve your overall well-being and may even improve treatment outcomes. An integrative approach can be beneficial at any stage of prostate cancer.

Additionally, CancerChoices founder Michael Lerner often remarks that prostate cancer is a poster child for an integrative approach. This is especially true in early-stage, low-risk disease. At this stage, these changes may help slow down or even prevent cancer growth and spread. 

This article shares therapies with evidence specific to prostate cancer. Complementary therapies without prostate cancer-specific studies may still be worth exploring. You can find them in our Supplements and Therapies Database.

Watchful waiting and active surveillance 

In the early stage of low-risk prostate cancer, your doctor may suggest holding off on intensive cancer treatments. Instead, they’ll closely monitor you. “Watchful waiting” is when they regularly check in for signs like worsening symptoms. 

An “active surveillance” approach includes more regular testing for markers of cancer activity. This can include prostate specific antigen (PSA) level tests. Rising PSA levels could signal that cancer is growing or spreading. 

During this period, there is an opportunity to make lifestyle changes and add integrative care to your routine. This approach is sometimes called active holistic surveillance (AHS). These programs are for men with low-risk, early-stage prostate cancer. They combine close monitoring, lifestyle changes, and other natural and holistic treatments.

AHS includes programs developed by Dr. Aaron Katz and Dr. Dean Ornish. They include changes to diet, stress reduction, exercise, social support, mind-body approaches, and dietary supplements.¹Berg CJ, Habibian DJ et al. Active holistic surveillance: the nutritional aspect of delayed intervention in prostate cancer. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2016;2016:2917065; Werneburg GT, Kongnyuy M et al. Patient-reported quality of life progression in men with prostate cancer following primary cryotherapy, cyberknife, or active holistic surveillance. prostate cancer and prostatic diseases. 2018;21(3):355–363. 

Compared to men under traditional active surveillance, those who followed Ornish’s program had better test results. These included lower PSA levels, less cancer growth and better weight, blood pressure and lipid profiles. 

We list many of the lifestyle changes and supplements used in this program below. You can add them to your routine, under the supervision of your care team, without following a specific program.²Ornish D, Weidner G et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer. Journal of Urology. 2005 Sep;174(3):1065-9; discussion 1069-70; Ornish D, Magbanua MJ et al. Changes in prostate gene expression in men undergoing an intensive nutrition and lifestyle intervention. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2008 Jun 17;105(24):8369-74; Ornish D, Lin J et al. Increased telomerase activity and comprehensive lifestyle changes: a pilot study. Lancet Oncology. 2008 Nov;9(11):1048-57; Dewell A, Weidner G et al. Relationship of dietary protein and soy isoflavones to serum IGF-1 and IGF binding proteins in the Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Trial. Nutrition and Cancer. 2007;58(1):35-42.

Key foods for prostate cancer recovery

Research shows that what you eat can play a significant role in helping prevent and manage prostate cancer. There is strong evidence supporting the benefits of specific foods. Talk to your doctor about any diet changes you’d like to make.³Schmidt JA, Huybrechts I et al. Protein and amino acid intakes in relation to prostate cancer risk and mortality—a prospective study in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Cancer Medicine. 2023 Feb;12(4):4725-4738; McCann SE, Ambrosone CB. Intakes of selected nutrients, foods, and phytochemicals and prostate cancer risk in western New York. Nutrition and Cancer. 2005;53(1):33-41; Kolonel LN, Hankin JH et al. Egg intake and cancers of the breast, ovary and prostate: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015 Oct 14;114(7):1099-107; Su ZT, Mamawala M, Landis PK, et al. Diet quality, dietary inflammatory potential, and risk of prostate cancer grade reclassification. JAMA Oncology. 2024 Oct 17; Gregg JR, Zheng J et al. Diet quality and Gleason grade progression among localised prostate cancer patients on active surveillance. British Journal of Cancer. 2019 Feb;120(4):466-471.

• Move toward Mediterranean: Research has shown that a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet can have protective effects for prostate health. Include plenty of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Eat more tomatoes and pomegranates and sip on green tea regularly. Eat foods high in marine omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish and shellfish.⁴Watling CZ, Schmidt JA et al. Risk of cancer in regular and low meat-eaters, fish-eaters, and vegetarians: a prospective analysis of UK Biobank participants. BMC Medicine. 2022 Feb 24;20(1):73; Sinha R, Park Y et al. Vegetables, fruits, legumes and prostate cancer: a multiethnic case-control study. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2000 Aug;9(8):795-804; McCann SE, Ambrosone CB. Intakes of selected nutrients, foods, and phytochemicals and prostate cancer risk in western New York. Nutrition and Cancer. 2005;53(1):33-41; Keum N, Lee DH et al. Vegetable and fruit intake after diagnosis and risk of prostate cancer progression. International Journal of Cancer. 2012 Jul 1;131(1):201-10.
• Flaxseed fix: In addition to a plant-based diet, studies show that the addition of flaxseed to your diet can reduce markers of cancer growth. Try adding a tablespoon to your yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or baked goods like muffins and bread—it’s a great egg substitute in baking.⁵Azrad M, Vollmer RT et al. Flaxseed-derived enterolactone is inversely associated with tumor cell proliferation in men with localized prostate cancer. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2013 Apr;16(4):357-60; Demark-Wahnefried W, Polascik TJ et al. Flaxseed supplementation (not dietary fat restriction) reduces prostate cancer proliferation rates in men presurgery. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2008 Dec;17(12):3577-87.
• Eating more soy: Research suggests adding more soy to your diet can improve prostate health. Multiple studies have shown good evidence of lower risk of prostate cancer among people eating more soy. Choose whole soy foods like soy milk, tofu, edamame, tempeh, and miso.⁶Applegate CC, Rowles JL et al. Soy consumption and the risk of prostate cancer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2018 Jan 4;10(1):40; Hamilton-Reeves JM, Rebello SA et al. Effects of soy protein isolate consumption on prostate cancer biomarkers in men with HGPIN, ASAP, and low-grade prostate cancer. Nutrition and Cancer. 2008;60(1):7-13; Hamilton-Reeves JM, Rebello SA et al. Soy protein isolate increases urinary estrogens and the ratio of 2:16alpha-hydroxyestrone in men at high risk of prostate cancer. Journal of Nutrition. 2007 Oct;137(10):2258-63; Hamilton-Reeves JM, Rebello SA et al. Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate suppresses androgen receptor expression without altering estrogen receptor-beta expression or serum hormonal profiles in men at high risk of prostate cancer. Journal of Nutrition. 2007 Jul;137(7):1769-75.
• What to avoid: It is equally important to avoid saturated fats and high-fat dairy products. Studies show that a diet low in these foods helps improve prostate health. Studies link eating a lot of dairy, specifically, to a higher risk for prostate cancer. Try swapping your meat for tofu and milk for soy.⁷Scialo TE, Pace CM, Abrams DI. The dairy and cancer controversy: Milking the evidence. Current Oncology Reports. 2024;26(3):191-199; Allen NE, Key TJ et al. Animal foods, protein, calcium and prostate cancer risk: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. British Journal of Cancer. 2008 May 6;98(9):1574-81; Sinha R, Park Y et al. Meat and meat-related compounds and risk of prostate cancer in a large prospective cohort study in the United States. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2009 Nov 1;170(9):1165-77; Michels N, Specht IO, Heitmann BL, Chajès V, Huybrechts I. Dietary trans-fatty acid intake in relation to cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews. 2021 Jun 4;79(7):758-776; Schmidt JA, Huybrechts I et al. Diet Quality, Dietary Inflammatory Potential, and Risk of Prostate Cancer Grade Reclassification. JAMA Oncology. 2024;10(12):1702–1706; Su ZT, Mamawala M et al. Fat intake after diagnosis and risk of lethal prostate cancer and all-cause mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2013 Jul 22;173(14):1318-26; Meyer F, Bairati I, Shadmani R, Fradet Y, Moore L. Dietary fat and prostate cancer survival. Cancer Causes and Control. 1999 Aug;10(4):245-51; Richman EL, Carroll PR, Chan JM. Vegetable and fruit intake after diagnosis and risk of prostate cancer progression. International Journal of Cancer. 2012 Jul 1;131(1):201-10.

Lifestyle medicine for prostate cancer

Adopting the 7 Lifestyle Practices can strengthen your resilience as you face cancer and its treatment challenges. These seven evidence-backed approaches act on your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. 

Adopting them can help manage symptoms and side effects. They may also make your body less hospitable to cancer and other diseases. 

Research suggests these practices may help you live longer and lower the risk that cancer will come back. Discuss with your doctor if you have any other health concerns.

• Move more: Studies show that being active after a prostate cancer diagnosis improves outcomes. One study shared that 45-75 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, like treadmill walking, five days a week decreased PSA. Try adding more movement into activities you already do daily or plan an activity with a loved one, like a yoga class or a walk.⁸Liu Y, Hu F et al. Does physical activity reduce the risk of prostate cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology. 2011 Nov;60(5):1029-44; Friedenreich CM, Neilson HK, Farris MS, Courneya KS. Physical activity and cancer outcomes: a precision medicine approach. Clinical Cancer Research. 2016 Oct 1;22(19):4766-4775; Benke IN, Leitzmann MF, Behrens G, Schmid D. Physical activity in relation to risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Oncology. 2018 May 1;29(5):1154-1179; Kang DW, Fairey AS et al. Effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical progression in men with localized prostate cancer under active surveillance: the ERASE randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncology. 2021 Oct 1;7(10):1487-1495; Macmillan Cancer Support. Physical Activity and Cancer. November 1, 2023. Viewed September 1, 2025; Brown JC, Ligibel JA. The role of physical activity in oncology care. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs. 2017 Nov 1;2017(52); Lopez P, Taaffe DR, Newton RU, Galvão DA. Resistance exercise dosage in men with prostate cancer: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2021 Mar 1;53(3):459-469; Jones LW, Moskowitz CS, Lee CP, et al. Neoadjuvant Exercise Therapy in Prostate Cancer: A Phase 1, Decentralized Nonrandomized ControlledTrial. JAMA Oncology. 2024;10(9):1187-1194.
• Manage stress: Studies show that for men with early-stage prostate cancer, better stress management can lower PSA levels. This can be as basic as getting more exercise, talking with friends, or learning stress management practices in therapy.⁹Batty GD, Russ TC, Stamatakis E, Kivimäki M. Psychological distress in relation to site specific cancer mortality: pooling of unpublished data from 16 prospective cohort studies. BMJ. 2017 Jan 25;356:j108; Ornish D, Weidner G et al. Intensive lifestyle changes may affect the progression of prostate cancer. Journal of Urology. 2005 Sep;174(3):1065-9.
• Share love and support: One study found that married men had less advanced prostate cancer at diagnosis and better survival. Love and support often comes from family members or friends. Find community through support groups, church organizations, colleagues and neighbors—it can help you heal.¹⁰Tyson MD, Andrews PE et al. Marital status and prostate cancer outcomes. Canadian Journal of Urology. 2013 Apr;20(2):6702-6.
• Sleep well: Studies show a lower risk of prostate cancer among people who sleep 9 hours or more each night. Quality sleep may play an important role in prostate health. Tai chi, qigong, melatonin and acupuncture can all help improve sleep while offering additional benefits. Protect your sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed. Talk to your care team if you’re having trouble sleeping.¹¹Zhao H, Yin JY et al. Sleep duration and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2013;14(12):7509-15.
• Create a healing environment: Air pollution seems to raise prostate cancer risk, in some studies. Other studies show that time in nature can lower the risk of prostate cancer. Consider an air purifier and a walk in the woods.¹²Datzmann T, Markevych I et al. Outdoor air pollution, green space, and cancer incidence in Saxony: a semi-individual cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2018 Jun 8;18(1):715; Leng L, Chen X, Li CP, Luo XY, Tang NJ. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibezo-p-dioxin exposure and prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Public Health. 2014 Mar;128(3):207-13.; Demoury C, Thierry B et al. Residential greenness and risk of prostate cancer: a case-control study in Montreal, Canada. Environment International. 2017 Jan;98:129-136.
• Exploring what matters now: A serious illness invites deep introspection. It is an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters. You can realign your life with purpose and rediscover joy and will, even in the face of uncertainty or loss. Asking “What matters now?” during illness helps guide your choices. It helps you make treatment decisions and clarifies your deepest values. It’s an opportunity to align your actions with what brings you meaning, purpose, and the will to live fully.

Managing chronic health issues

Managing chronic health issues you have will better support your body in fighting cancer. Talk to your doctor about chronic health issues like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

• Improve your metabolic health: Studies link unstable blood sugar, high insulin levels, and insulin resistance to worse prostate cancer outcomes. These include cancer coming back and a higher risk of death. Research has also shown that the use of the drug metformin seems to improve survival. It can even lower risk of progression in prostate cancer, especially in men with type 2 diabetes.¹³Lee H, Kuk H, Byun SS, Lee SE, Hong SK. Preoperative glycemic control status as a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 21;10(4):e0124761; Saboori S, Rad EY, Birjandi M, Mohiti S, Falahi E. Serum insulin level, HOMA-IR and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2019 Jan-Feb;13(1):110-115; Patel T, Hruby G, Badani K, Mckiernan J. The impact of diabetes and metformin use in clinically localized prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy. Journal of Urology. 2010;183:e102; Spratt DE, Zhang C et al. Metformin and prostate cancer: reduced development of castration-resistant disease and prostate cancer mortality. European Urology. 2013 Apr;63(4):709-16; Currie CJ, Poole CD et al. Mortality after incident cancer in people with and without type 2 diabetes: impact of metformin on survival. Diabetes Care. 2012;35(2):299-304; Rowlands MA, Holly JM et al. Serum insulin-like growth factors and mortality in localised and advanced clinically detected prostate cancer. Cancer Causes & Control. 2012 Feb;23(2):347-54. Joshua AM, Armstrong A et al. Statin and metformin use and outcomes in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide: a meta-analysis of AFFIRM, PREVAIL and PROSPER. European Journal of Cancer. 2022 Jul;170:285-295.
• Aim for a healthy body weight: Being at a healthy body weight can lower the risk of death during prostate treatment. Studies link higher body fatness and BMI after diagnosis to a higher risk of death from prostate cancer. Keeping an exercise routine and healthy diet are helpful strategies.¹⁴Lauby-Secretan B, Scoccianti C et al; International Agency for Research on Cancer Handbook Working Group. Body fatness and cancer–viewpoint of the IARC Working Group. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016 Aug 25;375(8):794-8; Troeschel AN, Hartman TJ et al. Postdiagnosis body mass index, weight change, and mortality from prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and all causes among survivors of nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2020 Jun 20;38(18):2018-2027.
• Control your cholesterol: Studies show it’s key to manage your high cholesterol with diet, and the cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. Statins appear to have protective effects in people with prostate cancer, including men on hormone therapy. Studies link statin use with a lower chance of death, lower risk of cancer coming back, and better outcomes in advanced prostate cancer.¹⁵Cao Z, Yao J et al. Association between statin exposure and incidence and prognosis of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis based on observational studies. American Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2023 Jul 1;46(7):323-334; Yang J, Li C et al. Impact of statin use on cancer-specific mortality and recurrence: a meta-analysis of 60 observational studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Apr;99(14):e19596; Raval AD, Thakker D et al. Association between statins and clinical outcomes among men with prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases. 2016 Jun;19(2):151-62; Luo Y, She DL, Xiong H, Fu SJ, Yang L. The prognostic effect of statin use on urologic cancers: an updated meta-analysis of 35 observational studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Sep;94(36):e1523; Meng Y, Liao YB, Xu P, Wei WR, Wang J. Statin use and mortality of patients with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis. OncoTargets and Therapy. 2016 Mar 21;9:1689-96; Zhong S, Zhang X et al. Statin use and mortality in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer Treatment Reviews. 2015 Jun;41(6):554-67; Joshua AM, Armstrong A et al. Statin and metformin use and outcomes in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide: a meta-analysis of AFFIRM, PREVAIL and PROSPER. European Journal of Cancer. 2022 Jul;170:285-295; Jayalath VH, Clark R et al. Statin use and survival among men receiving androgen-ablative therapies for advanced prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open. 2022 Nov 1;5(11):e2242676; Mariano R Jr, Tavares KL, Panhoca R, Sadi M. Influence of statins in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with new antiandrogen therapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2022 Apr 1;20:eRW6339; Yang H, Pang L et al. The effect of statins on advanced prostate cancer patients with androgen deprivation therapy or abiraterone/enzalutamide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2020 Jun;45(3):488-495.

Additional body terrain factors such as inflammation, the microbiome, and the immune system also have links to cancer outcomes. Explore here to be proactive about optimizing these factors.

Mind-body practices to support your well-being

Regular monitoring and testing when living with prostate cancer causes ongoing stress. It can negatively affect your health. When used with modern cancer care, mind-body practices can help reduce stress and the psychological impact of cancer. They may even improve your physical health. 

Mind-body practices are techniques that use the connection between the mind and the physical body to support quality of life. Research increasingly supports adding these practices into your prostate cancer care plan. They can help improve your physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

• Yoga: One study showed that for people with prostate cancer, yoga can improve overall quality of life. It reduced sexual and urinary symptoms, fatigue and stress and boosted immune function. By combining physical activity with mind-body benefits, this gentle exercise can help improve life. It’s effective for both people with cancer and their caregivers. Ask your loved ones to join you for a local class, or search YouTube for yoga routines for cancer.¹⁶Boopalan D, Vijayakumar V, Ravi P, et al. Effect of yoga as a complementary therapy in prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024;32(8):553.
• Mindfulness: Studies show that mindfulness-based interventions can help men with prostate cancer. They can improve psychological well-being, quality of life, and help you cope emotionally and grow stronger after a cancer diagnosis. Programs studied include structured mindfulness programs. These include mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive or acceptance therapies.¹⁷Nnate DA, Anyachukwu CC, Igwe SE, Abaraogu UO. Mindfulness-based interventions for psychological wellbeing and quality of life in men with prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychooncology. 2021;30(10):1680-1690.
• Tai chi and Qigong: Studies show that these gentle exercises can help some people with cancer. They may improve sleep and lower fatigue in people with prostate cancer—even into survivorship. Look for in-person classes at a local community center, or try an online video or app.¹⁸McQuade JL, Prinsloo S, Chang DZ, et al. Qigong/tai chi for sleep and fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial. Psychooncology. 2017;26(11):1936-1943; Campo RA, Agarwal N, LaStayo PC, et al. Levels of fatigue and distress in senior prostate cancer survivors enrolled in a 12-week randomized controlled trial of Qigong. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2014;8(1):60-69.

Explore free videos from the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at Dana Farber Cancer Center ›

What supplements can help during cancer care?

A supplement is a product made from natural, herbal, or other substances that people take to support their health. These include vitamins and minerals, herbs and botanicals, and natural compounds. They’re used in addition to, not as a replacement for, prescribed cancer treatments.

The supplements below have clinical evidence for their benefit in prostate cancer. They may help in early-stage disease, during treatment and into survivorship. 

Make sure you are under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner trained in the use of supplements in cancer care. They can help you avoid any safety concerns and drug interactions. Seek out an integrative oncologist or a FABNO Certified Naturopathic Oncologist.

• Vitamin D: Studies link low vitamin D levels to higher mortality in people with prostate cancer. They’re also linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer generally. But too much Vitamin D is also risky, so work with a doctor to monitor your levels.¹⁹Kristal AR, Till C et al. Plasma vitamin D and prostate cancer risk: results from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2014 Aug;23(8):1494-504; Tuohimaa P, Lyakhovich A et al. Vitamin D and prostate cancer. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2001 Jan-Mar;76(1-5):125-34; Tuohimaa P, Tenkanen L et al. Both high and low levels of blood vitamin D are associated with a higher prostate cancer risk: a longitudinal, nested case-control study in the Nordic countries. International Journal of Cancer. 2004 Jan 1;108(1):104-8; Yin L, Raum E, Haug U, Arndt V, Brenner H. Meta-analysis of longitudinal studies: serum vitamin D and prostate cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiology. 2009 Dec;33(6):435-45; Batai K, Murphy AB et al. Race and BMI modify associations of calcium and vitamin D intake with prostate cancer. BMC Cancer. 2017 Jan 19;17(1):64; Cui F, Qiu Y, Xu W, Zou C, Fan Y. Association between pretreatment blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and survival outcomes in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer: an updated meta-analysis. Nutrition and Cancer. 2024;76(5):395-403; Song ZY, Yao Q, Zhuo Z, Ma Z, Chen G. Circulating vitamin D level and mortality in prostate cancer patients: a dose-response meta-analysis. Endocrine Connections. 2018 Dec 1;7(12):R294-R303; Vaughan-Shaw PG, O’Sullivan F et al. The impact of vitamin D pathway genetic variation and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D on cancer outcome: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer. 2017 Apr 11;116(8):1092-1110.
• DHA and EPA: Studies show that marine omega-3s, including DHA and EPA, can improve survival for people with prostate cancer. They may even improve outcomes in men on active surveillance. Talk with your care team about fish oil supplements or how to eat more fatty fish like salmon and sardines as part of your integrative care plan.²⁰Wang Y, Liu K et al. Dietary fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and cancer survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023;63(23):6235-6251; Aronson WJ, Grogan T et al. High omega-3, low omega-6 diet with fish oil for men with prostate cancer on active surveillance: the CAPFISH-3 randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2024.
• Sulforaphane: Several studies show that sulforaphane may have a protective effect against prostate cancer growth. This compound is in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. You can easily get it in your daily diet, or talk to your doctor about sulforaphane supplements.²¹Livingstone TL, Saha S et al. Accumulation of sulforaphane and alliin in human prostate tissue. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 10;14(16):3263; Zhang Z, Garzotto M et al. Sulforaphane bioavailability and chemopreventive activity in men presenting for biopsy of the prostate gland: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrition and Cancer. 2020;72(1):74-87; Traka MH, Melchini A et al. Transcriptional changes in prostate of men on active surveillance after a 12-mo glucoraphanin-rich broccoli intervention-results from the Effect of Sulforaphane on prostate CAncer PrEvention (ESCAPE) randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019 Apr 1;109(4):1133-1144; Cipolla BG, Mandron E et al. Effect of sulforaphane in men with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Cancer Prevention Research (Phila). 2015 Aug;8(8):712-9; Traka M, Gasper AV et al. Broccoli consumption interacts with GSTM1 to perturb oncogenic signalling pathways in the prostate. PLoS One. 2008 Jul 2;3(7):e2568.
• EGCG: Studies show this compound from green tea may lower risk of prostate cancer, especially among those at high risk. Talk with your care team about adding an EGCG supplement to your routine.²²Liu S, Chen J, Wang Y, Xu Y. Effect of dietary antioxidants on the risk of prostate cancer. Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Nutrición Hospitalaria. 2023 Jun 21;40(3):657-667; Filippini T, Malavolti M et al. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020 Mar 2;3(3):CD005004; Guo Y, Zhi F et al. Green tea and the risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Mar;96(13):e6426; Perletti G, Magri V, Vral A, Stamatiou K, Trinchieri A. Green tea catechins for chemoprevention of prostate cancer in patients with histologically-proven HG-PIN or ASAP. Concise review and meta-analysis. Archivio Italiano di Urologica e Nefrologica. 2019 Oct 2;91(3); Cui K, Li X et al. Chemoprevention of prostate cancer in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN): a systematic review and adjusted indirect treatment comparison. Oncotarget. 2017 May 30;8(22):36674-36684.
• Turmeric or curcumin: Multiple studies suggest that curcumin and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And a small trial found that curcumin slowed PSA progression in men with prostate cancer on hormone therapy.²³Choi YH, Han DH et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the role of curcumin in prostate cancer patients with intermittent androgen deprivation. Prostate. 2019 May;79(6):614-621; Nunes YC, Mendes NM et al. Curcumin: A golden approach to healthy aging: A systematic review of the evidence. Nutrients. 2024 Aug 15;16(16):2721; Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Nouri M, Askarpour M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2023 Apr;164:156144.
• Melatonin: Not just a sleep helper, studies show that melatonin use improves survival in people with solid tumors on chemotherapy. They even reported fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, such as fatigue and low blood counts.²⁴Seely D, Wu P, Fritz H, et al. Melatonin as adjuvant cancer care with and without chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2012;11(4):293-303.
• Avoid Vitamin E and selenium: A large trial found that vitamin E or selenium supplements can be dangerous. They may raise the risk of prostate cancer or offer no benefit. Avoid using supplements that contain these. This includes many multivitamins, prostate health formulas, immune support blends, and antioxidant complexes.²⁵National Cancer Institute. Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention (SELECT) Trial: Questions and answers. Updated July 7, 2015. Viewed August 31, 2025.

Other complementary therapies

Complementary therapies can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms and side effects of cancer, and promote wellness. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in adding one to your integrative care plan. 

• Acupuncture: This treatment uses very thin needles to promote healing. Studies show it can help manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, or sleep problems. It may be especially beneficial for hot flashes that happen from hormone therapy. Talk to your doctor about trying weekly sessions. Look for a licensed acupuncturist experienced in cancer care.²⁶Hirsch LM, Goldstein LE. Acupuncture for hot flashes in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Canadian Journal of Urology. 2015;22(4):7938-7941.

Learn more

Helpful links

Anticancer Lifestyle Program – free lifestyle resources

Healing Circles – free cancer support circles

Cancer Help Retreats – in Bolinas, CA 

Explore free videos of mind-body practices and exercise from the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at Dana Farber Cancer Center 

Prostate Cancer Research Institute

Prostate Cancer Free

Zero Prostate Cancer

How to use diet & exercise to help prostate cancer (video)

Oncologist Donald Abrams MD speaks about an integrative approach to prostate cancer