By Alice Day 

NEW YORK 2002-02-21 (The Cancer Information Network)  - It is estimated that almost 335,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. It is a leading cause of cancer deaths among men, second only to lung cancer, with approximately 40,000 expected to die this year in the U.S. A recent study shows that a very effective ally against the disease can be found at the local supermarket in the form of tomato sauce.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid that gives them their bright red color. Lycopene works as an antioxidant in the body, and antioxidants can lessen the damage done to cells by free radicals. Free radicals can become carcinogenic over time. There has been some dispute over the importance of carotenoids, a form of Vitamin A, in the reduction of cancer risk.

Lycopene is also found in pink grapefruit, apricots, papayas, guavas, and watermelon, and occurs with particular abundance in tomatoes.  Results of a study appearing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute show that tomato sauce, if eaten regularly, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Edward Giovannucci, MD, and his associates at Harvard Medical School found that patients surveyed who ate at least two servings of tomato sauce each week experienced 20% less risk of prostate cancer than those who ate tomato sauce only once a month. Drawing their subjects from a group of 47,000 men (between 40 and 75 years old) who worked in the health professions, the investigators followed their dietary and health habits over a 12-year period, beginning in 1986. The subjects provided their data by answering questionnaires mailed to each by the research team.

During the 12-year period, 2481 men developed prostate cancer. Of this group, those who ate more tomato sauce were less likely to have metastatic disease.

After analyzing all the data, Dr. Giovannucci found that those who had more tomato sauce in their diets had significantly lower risks for contracting prostate cancer. The results were especially apparent in those of the age of 65.

Concentrated forms of tomato products, such as tomato sauce, are more likely to provide increased benefits. For best results, consumption should be consistent, with a minimum of two servings each week. It has been suggested that lycopene is not stored in the body for long periods of time; therefore it must be replaced on a regular basis. Many popular dishes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, and chicken cacciatore, use large amounts of tomato sauce, and it can be a key ingredient in chili, tomato soup, and pizza sauce. The lycopene in cooked tomatoes seems to be more readily absorbed by the body than raw tomatoes, especially if the dish has been prepared with a little oil, since lycopene is fat-soluble.

Including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet continues to be highly recommended for optimum health. While lycopene is available in pills, there are no indications whether these are as good as the natural source. There may be other substances present in tomato sauce besides lycopene that contribute to its overall preventive benefits against prostate cancer.

Reference: A Prospective Study of Tomato Products, Lycopene, and Prostate Cancer Risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2002 March 6; 94 (5): 391-8.