There is growing evidence that your gut bacteria could play a role in your risk of developing prostate cancer. This surprising connection is known as the gut–prostate axis.
In simple terms, this means that the balance of bacteria in your gut might influence whether prostate cancer starts, grows, or responds to treatment.
Let’s explore how this works—and what you can do to support both your gut and prostate health.
What Is the Gut–Prostate Axis, and Why Does It Matter?
The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive system. These bacteria help you digest food, fight infections, and even influence your hormones.
New research shows that the gut and prostate may be linked through:
- Immune system changes
- Inflammation in the body
- Hormone production
- How the body responds to prostate cancer treatment
This is known as the gut–prostate axis, and it’s an exciting new field in prostate cancer research.
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How Can Gut Bacteria Affect Prostate Cancer?
Can a Poor Diet and Gut Imbalance Increase Cancer Risk?
Yes. If your diet is high in fat or low in fibre, it can cause a gut imbalance. This happens when harmful bacteria outnumber helpful ones.
When this happens, the gut lining becomes weaker—allowing bacteria and toxins to “leak” into the bloodstream. This can lead to chronic inflammation, which increases cancer risk.
Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting back—but when it lasts too long, it can damage healthy cells and even support tumour growth.
Do Gut Bacteria Feed Prostate Cancer Growth?
Some gut bacteria release natural chemicals as they digest food. These chemicals, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), usually help your body. But in certain cases, they can:
- Raise levels of IGF-1 (a hormone that encourages cell growth)
- Activate genes that cause prostate cells to grow faster
- Feed inflammation that helps tumours survive
In lab studies, mice with altered gut bacteria had more aggressive prostate cancer—even without other risk factors.
Can Your Gut Bacteria Affect Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer?
Yes, some gut bacteria may reduce the effectiveness of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)—a common treatment that lowers testosterone.
Why? Because some types of bacteria can make testosterone inside the body. This could allow prostate cancer to keep growing even when treatment is working to lower hormone levels.
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Which Gut Bacteria Are Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer?
Researchers have found that certain bacteria are more common in men with high-risk or aggressive prostate cancer. These include:
- Bacteroides massiliensis
- Alistipes
- Rikenellaceae
- Lachnospira
These bacteria may increase inflammation or change hormone levels in ways that support cancer growth.
Interestingly, one study showed that testing these gut bacteria was more accurate than PSA blood tests at predicting aggressive cancer (85% vs 74% accuracy).
Can You Improve Gut Health to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk?
There is no single solution, but you can support a healthy gut—and potentially lower your cancer risk—by:
Eating a fibre-rich, plant-based diet
- Include grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and legumes
- The Mediterranean diet is ideal
Exercising regularly
- Aim for at least 30 minutes most days
- Physical activity supports gut and immune health
Limiting ultra-processed foods
- Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and artificial additives
Considering probiotics and prebiotics
- These are "good" bacteria and fibres that feed them
- Probiotic supplements may help—but speak to a specialist first
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Can Prostate Cancer or Its Treatment Affect the Gut?
Yes. Just as gut bacteria can affect prostate cancer, the reverse is also true.
- Prostate cancer may change gut bacteria balance
- Hormone therapies like ADT and abiraterone can lead to more or less of certain gut bacteria
- These shifts may impact side effects, immunity, or treatment response
Understanding this two-way relationship may help tailor future treatments to individual patients.
How Might Gut Health Be Used in Prostate Cancer Care?
In the future, doctors may use gut tests to:
- Predict who is more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer
- Personalise treatments based on a person’s gut bacteria
- Use diet, probiotics or medication to help cancer treatments work better
This is still early research, but the gut–prostate axis is a promising new area in men's health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gut Health and Prostate Cancer
❓ What is the gut microbiome?
Your gut microbiome is made up of bacteria living in your digestive system. These bacteria help digest food, produce vitamins, and support your immune system.
❓ Can gut bacteria cause prostate cancer?
Gut bacteria do not directly “cause” prostate cancer. But an unhealthy gut may increase the risk by raising inflammation and changing hormone levels.
❓ Can a high-fat diet affect prostate cancer risk?
Yes. High-fat diets can disturb the gut microbiome, promote inflammation, and potentially increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
❓ Should I take probiotics for prostate cancer?
There is not enough evidence to recommend probiotics for preventing or treating prostate cancer. However, some studies show they support gut health, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
❓ Will gut health testing eventually be included in prostate cancer screening?
Possibly. Research shows that gut bacteria patterns may predict prostate cancer risk better than PSA blood tests in some cases. This may become part of future screening tools.
Optimising Gut Health for Better Prostate Health: What We Know So Far
- Your gut and prostate are connected in ways we’re only beginning to understand
- A poor diet and gut imbalance may raise your risk of prostate cancer
- Some gut bacteria might interfere with hormone treatments
- Improving your diet, exercise, and gut health may support prostate and general well-being.
More research is needed, but taking care of your gut is already a proven way to improve your overall health—and may one day play a role in fighting prostate cancer too.
