​Marked reduction in the risk of prostate cancer is associated with high consumption and elevated plasma concentrations of lycopene.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of high serum levels and increased dietary intake of lycopene on the risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers collated and analyzed data on the blood levels and dietary lycopene consumption rates of 692,012 subjects and the incidence of prostate cancer in the study population.

The team of investigators discovered a significant protective association between high dietary and circulating levels of lycopene and prostate cancer risk. The incidence of prostate cancer was found to decrease by 1% for every extra 1mg of lycopene consumed and 3.5-3.6% for every additional 10ug/dl increase in the serum concentrations of lycopene. However, both dietary and circulating lycopene was found to have no effect on advanced prostate cancer in this study. The results of this study show that generous intake of foods high in lycopene may help reduce an individual's likelihood of developing prostate cancer.