If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Prostate cancer is normally a slow growth cancer that can take years before it becomes deadly. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body - because of this can cause various urinary problems.
Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. In Portland Oregon, there is a three-year Oregon Health & Sciences University study; leaders hope to come up with an exercise program to benefit men dealing with prostate cancer who are on testosterone-lowering medications. Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait.
If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here.
Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be symptoms of cancer. There are a few symptoms to be aware of. Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.
A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues.
Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.
In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken.
Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms.
Drink freshly made carrot juice every day that you make in a juicer or juice extractor. Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend-- know one will ever know. Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.
Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. If you're not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. Eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids.
Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question their value when not contained in food; it's clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 -- the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and sub-lingual -- dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 - especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.
In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, survival rates are also greatly improving; perhaps because of dietary improvement.
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