New TV Spot Uses Humor to Educate Men About Prostate Cancer Prevention

More than 186,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the next year. But studies have shown that men who have three or more servings of vegetables a day have a lower risk of prostate cancer compared with those who eat fewer fruits and vegetables.

That’s the message behind The Cancer Project’s new public service announcement: Healthy eating can prevent prostate cancer.

The humorous television spot opens with an engaging group of average, middle-aged men enjoying an evening of poker, banter, and healthy low-fat snacks. When an unsuspecting new player enters carrying a large bucket of fried chicken, the players subject him to good-natured “new guy” ribbing—and the new guy learns that a low-fat vegetarian diet can help prevent prostate cancer.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have important nutrients and cancer-fighting substances like phytochemicals that strengthen immune function and destroy cancer-causing substances. Low-fat vegetarian diets can also help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and men who have been treated for prostate cancer are less likely to have a recurrence if they stay trim. Diets high in red meat and animal fats and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables have long been associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers, including prostate cancer.

“Poker Night” provides a toll-free number (1-866-906-WELL) through which viewers can order a free copy of Healthy Eating for Life: Food Choices for Cancer Prevention and Survival. This booklet includes nutrition advice from our physicians and dietitians, as well as delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes. For more information, please visit www.CancerProject.org.

Watch the PSA >