Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in men in the United States.

The prostate gland, the walnut-sized gland that sits at the base of the urinary bladder, provide secretions that serve a nutrient function for sperm and reproduction.

Studies have found there is a definite relationship between dietary fat and prostate cancer. It has been shown that a higher fat intake is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. In the United States, unfortunately, fat makes up approximately 35 percent of calories in an American diet. In Japan, the fat content is something like 15 percent. It is believed that the difference in the fat content actually can predict the outcome of prostate cancer in a male.

Recent studies have shown that a male who eats a high amount of vegetables has a much lower risk of prostate cancer. According to the studies, a man who eats approximately 28 servings of vegetables a week has a 35 percent lower risk of prostate cancer. The vegetables that seem to do the most good in protecting against prostate cancer are broccoli and cabbage. A man who eats three or more servings of these type of vegetables a week has a 41 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.

Cabbage and broccoli are rich in the substance that reduces enzymes in the body and detoxifies environmental cancers. This holds true not only for prostate cancer but many other types of cancer. Tomatoes and tomato-based products have a good amount of an antioxidant known as lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene can reduce cancer by approximately 20 percent.

Another item that can reduce cancer is the supplement called selenium. This is a trace element that in one study has shown the ability to reduce prostate cancer by 60 percent. It is important, though, that people should talk to a doctor before taking any supplements.

Prostate cancer strikes many men in this country. Studies are now suggesting that through diet alone, this cancer can be reduced.

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in family practice and geriatrics at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven.