Traci Roberts, MS, RD - Nutrition and Cancer - YouTube

Traci Roberts Nutrition Talk Summary

Speaker: Traci Roberts, MS, RD - Registered Dietitian at UCSD Health's Moores Cancer Center
Background: Former biotech researcher turned clinical dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition, currently pursuing doctorate degree

Core Philosophy: Knowledge + Skills + Individual Abilities = Outcomes

Roberts emphasized that nutritional knowledge alone is insufficient—it must be combined with practical skills and adapted to individual circumstances to achieve meaningful health outcomes.

Foundational Nutritional Knowledge

Diet and Cancer Risk

Roberts positioned nutrition as one important factor among many that influence cancer risk and outcomes. She stressed that while nutrition plays a significant role, it's not the sole determinant and shouldn't create anxiety or food fears.

Evidence-Based Guidelines

The presentation highlighted the remarkable consistency of dietary recommendations over 45 years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans from 1980 to 2020 maintain essentially the same core principles:

Eat a variety of foods
Maintain healthy body weight
Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limit saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars
Moderate alcohol consumption

Cancer-Specific Recommendations (American Institute for Cancer Research)

Maintain healthy weight
Stay physically active
Eat diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans
Limit processed foods, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages
Limit alcohol consumption
No foods are prohibited - emphasis on reducing food fear and anxiety

Prostate Cancer-Specific Nutrition Considerations

Research-Based Behavioral Changes (2023 Study)

Red Light (Avoid):

Smoking
Sugar-sweetened beverages

Yellow Light (Limit):

Saturated fats and processed foods
Whole milk (choose low-fat alternatives)
Red and processed meats
Alcohol

Green Light (Increase):

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Regular physical activity

ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) Specific Considerations

Bone Health:

1,000-1,200mg calcium daily from varied sources (not just dairy)
Weight-bearing exercises twice weekly
Consider smoking cessation

Cardiovascular Health:

Plant-based foods emphasis (5 servings daily)
Healthy fats from plants (olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds)
Limit saturated and trans fats
Target 35g fiber daily for men
Sodium limit: 2,300mg daily
Adequate hydration with various fluids

Body Composition:

Adequate protein to maintain muscle mass
Portion control for weight management
Resistance training for muscle preservation
Consistency in small changes

Debunking Common Nutrition Myths

Sugar and Cancer

Roberts thoroughly addressed the widespread concern about sugar "feeding" cancer:

Cancer cells are metabolically active and consume more glucose, but this doesn't mean dietary sugar accelerates cancer growth
All carbohydrates break down to glucose—fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs included
Cannot "starve" cancer by eliminating sugar without eliminating all carbohydrates
Body tightly regulates blood sugar and can create glucose from proteins and fats
Focus should be on limiting added sugars for weight management and reducing inflammation

Organic vs. Conventional Foods

Nutritional content is generally equivalent between organic and conventional produce
Organic does not mean pesticide-free—approved pesticides are still used
Cost-benefit analysis suggests conventional produce is acceptable
Priority should be increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake regardless of organic status

Supplements

Food sources preferred over supplements for most nutrients
Exceptions: specific deficiencies identified through lab work
"Superfood" powders and extracts not recommended
Oral nutrition supplements appropriate during treatment when appetite/intake is compromised

Practical Implementation Skills

Goal Setting Framework

Approach goals (what to do) rather than avoidance goals (what not to do)
Mastery goals (learning skills) rather than performance goals (pass/fail outcomes)
Action plans with specific how/where/when details
Coping plans for when primary plans don't work

Meal Planning Benefits

Reinforces nutritional knowledge
Saves time and money
Reduces last-minute poor decisions
Start with planning 2-3 dinners weekly

Label Reading Skills

Roberts demonstrated how front-package marketing can be misleading, emphasizing the importance of reading nutrition facts panels to compare:

Serving sizes and calories
Saturated fat and trans fat content
Sodium levels
Fiber content
Added sugars vs. total carbohydrates

Key Q&A Insights

Dairy Products: Low-fat options preferred to limit saturated fat while maintaining protein and calcium benefits. Moderation emphasized for higher-fat dairy like cheese.

Fasting/Time-Restricted Eating: Limited evidence for cancer-specific benefits. Potential concerns for those on ADT due to protein needs for muscle maintenance.

Coffee: Generally considered beneficial due to polyphenol content. No recommendation to avoid unless cardiac concerns exist.

Probiotics: Most beneficial after antibiotic treatment for 3-4 weeks. Long-term use unnecessary if adequate fiber intake supports natural microbiome.

Hydration: Often overlooked but critical. Water is a nutrient. Dehydration significantly contributes to fatigue.

Resources and Services

Roberts highlighted UCSD's nutrition services (referral-based) and recommended the American Institute for Cancer Research's Continuous Update Project for evidence-based cancer nutrition information. She emphasized that nutrition counseling is available at any stage from diagnosis through survivorship.

The presentation concluded with Roberts' philosophy that successful nutrition changes require balance, variety, and moderation rather than restrictive approaches, always adapted to individual abilities and circumstances.

racy Roberts Nutrition Talk Summary | Claude | Claude

Related Research

Evidence-Based Nutrition Proves Critical for Prostate Cancer Outcomes: New Research Validates Diet's Role in Disease Management

Breaking Research Shows Plant-Based Approaches Can Reduce Cancer Progression by Nearly 50%

Recent groundbreaking studies have provided the strongest evidence to date that dietary choices significantly impact prostate cancer outcomes, validating the expert guidance recently shared with our IPCSG members by registered dietitian Tracy Roberts from UCSD Health's Moores Cancer Center.

Major Study Findings: Diet Dramatically Affects Cancer Progression

A landmark September 2024 systematic review published in Healthcare analyzed 16 studies involving thousands of prostate cancer patients and found that adherence to Mediterranean and "Prudent" dietary patterns was linked to lower overall mortality and increased quality of life. The research, spanning from inception through March 2024, represents the most comprehensive analysis of dietary patterns and prostate cancer outcomes to date.

More dramatically, a May 2024 UC San Francisco study of over 2,000 men with localized prostate cancer found that eating a primarily plant-based diet was associated with a 47% lower risk of cancer progression compared to those consuming the most animal products. This translated to eating just one or two more servings per day of healthy foods—particularly vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—while reducing animal products.

Active Surveillance Patients See Significant Benefits

Perhaps most encouraging for men on active surveillance, a Johns Hopkins Medicine study published in October 2024 in JAMA Oncology—believed to be the first of its kind—provided scientific evidence that a healthy diet may reduce the chance of low-risk prostate cancer progressing to a more aggressive state.

The study followed 886 men (median age 66) with grade group 1 prostate cancer over 6.5 years. Researchers found a statistically significant inverse association between adherence to high-quality diets and grade reclassification rates. Men with higher Healthy Eating Index scores showed reduced progression to more aggressive cancer grades.

Mediterranean Diet Shows Consistent Benefits

Multiple 2024 studies specifically highlighted the Mediterranean diet's protective effects:

MD Anderson Cancer Center research found that men with localized prostate cancer who followed Mediterranean dietary patterns had over 10% lower risk of progression for every one-point increase in their Mediterranean diet score
The effect was more pronounced in African American participants and others identifying as non-white—significant findings given that African American men have 50% higher prostate cancer diagnosis rates
A meta-analysis confirmed Mediterranean dietary patterns reduce cancer-specific mortality by 24% (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59–0.98)

Official Guidelines Align with IPCSG Expert Presentation

The research validates the evidence-based approach presented by Tracy Roberts in our recent meeting. Her presentation emphasized the same core principles now supported by the latest clinical evidence:

Key Evidence-Based Recommendations:

Plant-forward eating patterns with emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes
Limited red and processed meats (no more than twice weekly per American Cancer Society)
Healthy fats from plant sources (olive oil, nuts, avocados)
Moderate dairy consumption focusing on low-fat options
Limited alcohol consumption (≤1 drink daily for men)
Maintaining healthy weight through portion control and physical activity

ADT Patients Need Targeted Nutritional Support

New 2024 research specifically addresses androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) patients, confirming Roberts' specialized recommendations:

Bone health focus: 1,000-1,200mg calcium daily plus weight-bearing exercise
Cardiovascular protection: Plant-based foods, healthy fats, limited sodium (<2,300mg daily)
Muscle preservation: Adequate protein with resistance training to counter treatment-related muscle loss
Anti-inflammatory approach: 35g daily fiber for men to reduce systemic inflammation

Sugar Concerns Addressed by Latest Science

Roberts' explanation of sugar metabolism and cancer has been validated by recent research. The 2024 studies confirm that while cancer cells consume glucose at higher rates due to metabolic activity, dietary sugar restriction does not "starve" cancer cells. Instead, focus should remain on:

Limiting added sugars for weight management and inflammation reduction
Including complex carbohydrates with fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Pairing carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats to moderate blood sugar response

Implementation Gaps Identified in Survivor Population

Despite overwhelming evidence for dietary interventions, a 2024 study in JAMA Oncology found that only 4% of cancer survivors adhere to all American Cancer Society nutrition guidelines, with the mean number of guidelines met being just 2.0 out of 4. This research underscores the critical need for programs like IPCSG's educational initiatives and access to registered dietitians like Roberts.

Physician Organizations Emphasize Plant-Based Approaches

Following recent high-profile prostate cancer diagnoses, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (17,000 doctor members) issued updated guidance in May 2024 emphasizing that plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans are beneficial against prostate cancer and its progression, while animal products, especially dairy, are associated with increased risk.

The organization highlighted that the Adventist Health Study-2 found men following vegan diets had 35% lower prostate cancer risk than those following other dietary patterns.

Quality of Life Benefits Beyond Cancer Control

The research extends beyond cancer progression, showing dietary improvements enhance overall quality of life:

Sexual function improvements with plant-based dietary patterns
Reduced treatment-related side effects through anti-inflammatory eating
Better energy levels and reduced fatigue
Cardiovascular health benefits crucial for long-term survival

Future Research and Clinical Trials

Several major studies are ongoing to further validate nutritional interventions:

PrEvENT Trial: Prostate Cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial
MEAL Study: Men's Eating and Living study examining high-vegetable diets in active surveillance
RADICAL-PC: Analyzing diet's role in cardiovascular health for ADT patients

Expert Recommendations for Implementation

Based on the convergence of recent research and clinical expertise, prostate cancer patients should:

Consult registered dietitians specializing in oncology (available at most major cancer centers)
Adopt Mediterranean-style eating patterns emphasizing plants over animal products
Focus on variety and balance rather than restrictive approaches
Integrate physical activity with dietary changes for maximum benefit
Monitor implementation through regular follow-up and support

Accessing Nutrition Support

As Roberts emphasized, nutrition counseling should be available to all prostate cancer patients at every stage. Patients should request referrals from their oncology teams to registered dietitians specializing in cancer care.

The American Institute for Cancer Research's Continuous Update Project remains the gold standard for evidence-based nutrition information specific to prostate cancer, providing regularly updated research summaries and practical guidance.

Bottom Line for IPCSG Members

The latest research strongly validates that nutrition is not just supportive care—it's an evidence-based intervention that can significantly impact cancer outcomes. The dietary approaches outlined by Roberts in our recent meeting align perfectly with the most current scientific evidence showing meaningful reductions in cancer progression risk.

For men with prostate cancer, the message is clear: what you eat matters, and the evidence continues to strengthen for plant-forward, Mediterranean-style dietary patterns as powerful tools in cancer management.

Sources and Citations

Htet, T., Cheng, F., Yang, U., et al. (2025). The Impact of Different Dietary Patterns on Mortality and Prognosis After Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review. Healthcare, 13(17), 2201. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172201
UC San Francisco. (2024). Prostate Cancer Study: More Health Benefits from Plant-Based Diet. Retrieved from https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/05/427571/prostate-cancer-study-more-health-benefits-plant-based-diet
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Study Suggests a Healthy Diet May Help Keep Low Grade Prostate Cancer From Progressing to More Dangerous States During Active Surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/study-suggests-a-healthy-diet-may-help-keep-low-grade-prostate-cancer-from-progressing-to-more-dangerous-states-during-active-surveillance
Gregg, J., Daniel-MacDougall, C., et al. (2021). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and grade group progression in localized prostate cancer: an active surveillance cohort. Cancer, 127(1), 72-80. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9810094/
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2021). Mediterranean diet may decrease risk of prostate cancer progression for men on active surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/mediterranean-diet-may-decrease-risk-of-prostate-cancer-progression-for-men-on-active-surveillance.h00-159457689.html
American Institute for Cancer Research. (2021). Study Hints at Mediterranean Diet Slowing Prostate Cancer Progression. Retrieved from https://www.aicr.org/news/study-hints-at-mediterranean-diet-slowing-prostate-cancer-progression/
University of South Australia. (2025). Mediterranean diet the best prevention against prostate cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230309101400.htm
ZERO Prostate Cancer. (2024). 2025/2024 Advanced Prostate Cancer Newsletter. Retrieved from https://zerocancer.org/newsletters/advanced-prostate-cancer/2024-2025
American Cancer Society. (2024). American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/acs-guidelines-nutrition-physical-activity-cancer-prevention/guidelines.html
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. (2025). Doctors Group Shares Nutrition's Role in Prostate Cancer Prevention and Progression. Retrieved from https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/doctors-group-shares-nutritions-role-prostate-cancer-prevention-and-progression
Storz, M.A., et al. (2024). Nutrient Intakes in Prostate Cancer Survivors in the United States: A Nationally Representative Study. Nutrition and Cancer, 76(3), 188-199. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01635581.2024.2408766
Norman, K., Baughman, A., et al. (2024). Adherence to American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines Among Cancer Survivors. JAMA Oncology, 10(6), 789-792. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11190788/
National Cancer Institute. (2025). Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements (PDQ®). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/prostate-supplements-pdq
Medscape. (2024). Diet Matters in Prostate Cancer, but It's Complicated. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diet-matters-prostate-cancer-its-complicated-2024a1000ln1
WebMD. (2024). Diet Tips for Advanced Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/features/prostate-cancer-diet-tips

This article synthesizes the latest peer-reviewed research and official organizational guidelines. Individual dietary changes should always be discussed with healthcare providers and registered dietitians specializing in oncology nutrition.

IPCSG Newsletter: Nutrition and Prostate Cancer - Latest Research & Expert Guidance | Claude | Claude

IPCSG August 2025 Meeting - Traci Roberts Nutrition Talk Summary and Related Research