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Antioxidant levels key to prostate cancer risk in some men
Greater levels of selenium, vitamin E and the tomato carotenoid lycopene have been shown to reduce prostate cancer in one out of every four Caucasian males, or those who inherit a specific genetic variation that is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, say US researchers.
Conversely, if carriers of this genetic variant have low levels of these vitamins and minerals, their risk of aggressive prostate increases substantially, as great as 10-fold, over those who maintain higher levels of these nutrients, they write in today’s issue of Cancer Research.
"This large prospective study provides further evidence that oxidative stress may be one of the important mechanisms for prostate cancer development and progression, and adequate intake of antioxidants, such as selenium, lycopene and vitamin E, may help prevent prostate cancer," said Dr Haojie Li, a researcher at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The new findings are based on an analysis of 567 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1982 and 1995, and 764 cancer-free men from the Physicians Health Study.
The initial goal of this study was to assess the effect of aspirin and beta-carotene on men's health. Li’s team decided to check for variants of the gene that codes for manganese superoxide dismutatase (MnSOD), an important enzyme that works as an antioxidant in human cells to defend against disease.
The MnSOD gene is passed from parents to offspring in one of three forms: VV, VA or AA.
"Compared with men with the MnSOD VV or VA genotype, people with the AA genotype seem to be more sensitive to the antioxidant status," said Li. "Men with the AA genotype are more susceptible to prostate cancer if their antioxidant levels are low."
The study's results found that a quarter of the men in the study carried the MnSOD AA genotype, half carried the VA genotype, and the remaining quarter carried the VV genotype.
The results indicated that the VA and VV men were at equivalent risk for developing prostate cancer across all levels of antioxidants in their blood.
But compared to MnSOD VV or VA carriers in the lowest quartile of selenium levels, MnSOD AA males had an 89 per cent greater risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer if they had low blood levels of the mineral.
On the other hand, MnSOD AA carriers with high selenium – those men in the highest quartile – had a 65 per cent lower risk than the MnSOD VV or VA males who maintained low levels of selenium.
"The levels of selenium in the highest quartile of these men are not abnormally high," Li said. "Our range is neither extremely high nor extremely low."
While similar trends were observed for lycopene and vitamin E when tested independently, the contrast in relative risk was most pronounced for the men who had high blood levels for all three antioxidants combined, said the researchers.
"Among men with the MnSOD AA genotype, we observed a 10-fold difference in risk for aggressive prostate cancer, when comparing men with high versus low levels of antioxidants combined,"said Li. "In contrast, among men with the VV or VA genotype, the prostate cancer risk was only weakly altered by these antioxidant levels."
"Our study, as well as many other epidemiological studies, encourages dietary intake of nutrients such as lycopene from tomato products, or supplements for vitamin E and selenium to reduce risk of prostate cancer," said Li.
Prostate cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers in industrial countries and affects more than 500,000 men worldwide every year. This number is expected to increase with the ageing population.
Similar interactions between dietary antioxidants and the variations in the MnSOD gene have previously been linked to risk for breast cancer.
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Certain Omega-3s May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
BETHESDA, Md.--Men with high intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer, according to researchers from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (Am J Clin Nutr, 80, 1:204-16, 2004). Increased dietary intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), however, may increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers evaluated the association between dietary intake of ALA, EPA, DHA, linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) and prostate cancer risk in a cohort of 47,866 men between 40 and 75 years of age who were free from prostate cancer at the start of the study. After 14 years of follow-up, 2,965 subjects developed prostate cancer--448 of which developed advanced prostate cancer.
The researchers found men with the highest intake of EPA and DHA combined had an 11-percent reduced risk of developing prostate cancer and a 26-percent reduced risk of developing advanced prostate cancer. Researchers also found while dietary intake of ALA was unrelated to the total risk of prostate cancer, its consumption significantly increased the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer. Specifically, non-animal ALA doubled the risk and ALA from meat and dairy sources increased the risk by approximately 50 percent.
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Croton Oil Fights Prostate Cancer
PISCATAWAY, N.J.--An active ingredient found in the oil of the Southeast Asian croton plant--12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, commonly known as TPA--may inhibit the growth of new prostate cancer cells, according to researchers at Rutgers University.
“We demonstrated TPA could simultaneously stop the growth of new prostate cancer cells, kill existing cancer cells and ultimately shrink prostate tumors,” said Allan Conney, Ph.D., one of the study’s authors. The researchers also tested the effect of TPA in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin A derivative that has been shown to effectively treat leukemia.
Mice with induced prostate tumors received a daily dose of TPA, ATRA or a combination of the two for 46 days. After 21 days of treatment, tumor regression became apparent in 62 percent of mice treated with TPA, compared to 31 percent of mice treated with ATRA. All mice receiving the combination treatment showed signs of tumor regression. Researchers also found TPA and the combination treatment continued to inhibit tumor growth for the duration of the study, compared to ATRA inhibiting tumor growth only for the first 28 days of treatment.
“Our studies are an important early step in a long process, and we are planning additional testing in humans,” Conney said. “Further research with these compounds and others could provide hope for the half million new cases of prostate cancer each year.”
The study is published in the March issue of Cancer Research (64, 5:1811-20, 2004) ( cancerres.aacrjournals.org).
"These abstracts provided courtesy of Natural Products Industry Insider, published by Virgo Publishing Inc."
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Ideally, people would get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from food. Unfortunately many people start with a nutrient deficit because our food- products are designed to produce good-looking items that don’t spoil on the way to the consumer instead of nutrient-packed, healthful foods. That’s why most people must turn to supplements. Liquid and natural supplements are much easier for our bodies to process, and are more easily absorbed. Supplements that specifically benefit the prostate include zinc, kelp, nettles, green teas, pygeum, saw palmetto, and avena sativa. Zinc: This mineral is a major component of ejaculate. Zinc strengthens the immune system, is vital for strong bones and reproduction, and regulates both sugar and blood cholesterol. Kelp: A seaweed rich in minerals and iodine that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Nettles: Contain iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can strengthen the prostate. It can be taken in a variety of forms. Green tea: Catechins found in green tea may help the prostate, although it is not yet proven. Pygeum: This herb has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract in Europe for many years. It has been shown to shrink enlarged prostates in many studies. Saw palmetto: This herb is believed to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA. Avena sativa: Rich in calcium mucin and silicic acid, avena sativa tones the nervous system Dietary recommendations for the prostate are to eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) and fresh fish. Fish contains essential fatty acids the body uses to produce prostaglandins, which keep the immune system strong. Eat whole grain in moderation, rather than refined, and choose organically grown foods whenever it’s possible. Avoid fatty meats, since high-fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems. Stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods. Skip sodas, alcohol, black teas, and coffee. Stop consumption of dairy foods, since these products is closely linked in the US to prostate cancer. Lastly, reduce stress, particularly chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the prostate. Stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy. This stress related damage sets the stage for enlargement of the prostate and possibly cancer. General lifestyle also contributes to the health of the prostate. Exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the body, which enhances the odds of a healthy prostate.
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Fiber Lowers Prostate Cancer
MILAN, Italy--New research published in the March 20 edition of the International Journal of Cancer (109, 2:278-280, 2004) (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/106586506/ABSTRACT) shows vegetable fiber may lower the incidence of prostate cancer. Researchers noted this is the first study to look into fiber’s role in prostate cancer.
In an 11-year multicenter case-control study, researchers investigated 1,294 men with incident, histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 1,451 controls with acute nonmalignant conditions. They found the risk for prostate cancer was inversely related with soluble fiber, cellulose and vegetable fiber, with vegetable fiber seen as the most protective--men who consumed the highest amount of vegetables were 18-percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate the least amount of vegetables. These relationships were consistent across all ages, family histories of prostate cancer, body mass indexes and education.
According to a Reuter’s write-up, study researchers reported that because vegetables were seen to provide the most benefits of all the fibers investigated, it may be possible that some of their other nutrients could be the reason behind their prostate benefits.
These abstracts provided courtesy of Natural Products Industry Insider, published by Virgo Publishing Inc.
While four out of five older adults have a chronic health condition and many experience limitations in activities as a result, substantial and growing evidence indicates much can be done to delay progression and lessen risk factors.
For instance, the most common joint disease in humans, osteoarthritis is a universal affliction: virtually everyone who lives past age 75 has it to some degree.
In osteoarthritis the production of glucosamine, which is vitally important in maintaining healthy, flexible joints, takes a downturn. Fortunately it can be replaced by glucosamine supplements. More than 20 years of research in humans, including controlled trials and reports from physicians, indicates that glucosamine effectively decreases joint pain and improves joint mobility.
Glucosamine has another related benefit in addition to supporting health of joints and tissues. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory. Studies of glucosamine’s anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it may treat two common types of arthritis, gonarthritis and osteoarthritis
Calcium has received much attention for its role in supporting bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women. Although research suggests that calcium can slow, but not completely stop, the progression of osteoporosis, its importance for maintaining strong, healthy bones and slowing bone loss cannot be overstated. Studies have suggested that during perimenopause calcium absorption decreases and thus calcium supplements are a prudent dietary measure during menopause.
Calcium is also necessary for a wide array of other functions, such as initiating muscle contractions. For this reason it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heartbeat. On the cellular level, calcium regulates the passage of nutrients and wastes through cell membranes. It also regulates the transmission of nerve impulses.
To learn more about these dietary supplements and others, including research citations, information on basic use, dosage, and contraindications, written in layman’s terms, visit the DSIB Web site at www.supplementinfo.org. Finding the information is as easy as clicking on the name of a supplement or condition.
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New research suggests that green tea may help prevent the spread of prostate cancer. Specifically phytochemicals in green tea, called polyphenols attack growth factors and proteins, interrupting growth processes of tumors, thus preventing them from spreading to other organs. Since earlier studies suggests that the same natural plant substances might also help prevent the start of prostate cancer, researchers indicate that more studies are needed on green tea’s affect on fighting this common cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer still lies in eating a mostly vegetarian diet.
Studies on diet and cancer also show that green tea when tested with mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bone, and other parts of the body. Additional study of green tea may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, non threatening type of prostate cancer many men have in their 70’s & 80’s from becoming aggressive and fatal. Around six cups of green tea per day would contain the equivalent amount of polyphenols for individuals to help block the spread of cancer. Other data shows that the phytochemicals in green tea could inhibit the early phases of prostate cancer development.
The phytochemicals seem to increase the number of enzymes that help convert carcinogens to dormant, harmless forms. Many questions remain about the amount and frequency of green tea necessary to affect the formation of prostate cancer. Black tea has shown similar benefits to green tea, although they appear to have lower levels of the beneficial substances than green tea. Whatever the benefits of green tea, it would be a mistake to rely on tea alone for prevention. Studies suggest a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. The use of Vitamin E may offer some protection. The antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Most Americans get adequate amounts of selenium, but these studies used nutrition supplements, so the study participants achieved higher intake levels. It waits to be seen whether men can protect themselves by taking supplements, including multivitamins, with selenium. If total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur in the individual.
Other good foods for natural nutrition are blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, flaxseed, soybeans, and tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes are actually a far better source than raw tomatoes because the cooking process releases the lycopene from cells.
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Green Tea May Prevent Prostate Cancer
ANAHEIM, Calif.--After one year taking green tea catechins (GTCs), only one in a group of 32 men at high risk of developing prostate cancer were diagnosed with the disease, compared to nine out of 30 in a control group. Italian researchers found epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in GTCs targeted prostate cancer cells for death, without damaging benign controls. The results were reported at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Anaheim, Calif.
Italian researchers from the University of Parma, University of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Saverio
Bettuzzi found Clusterin, a gene involved in prostate apoptosis, a possible mediator of catechins' action. "EGCG induced death in cancer cells, not normal cells, inducing Clusterin expression," said Bettuzzi. The research subjects were aged 45 to 75 with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia--malignant lesions that are prostate cancer precursors--for which no treatment had been given, and who were not consuming green tea, tea-derived products or antioxidants, or following anti-androgenic therapy. Intervention subjects received 200 mg of GTCs (50 percent EGCG). The 30 percent incidence rate of prostate cancer in the control group was consistent with previous findings, as was the absence of significant side effects or adverse reactions among the treated group.
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There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional. These treatments include expectant therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Expectant therapy is to carefully observe and monitor the prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer cells often spread very slowly, many older men who have the disease may not need more extensive treatment. However, expectant therapy usually includes routine physician examinations, including digital rectal exams and PSA tests. The different types of surgery for prostate cancer are radical prostatectomy - an open-surgery procedure in which the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue are removed. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. Cryosurgery - this procedure involves killing the cancer cells by freezing them with a small metal tool placed in the tumor. Side effects of prostate cancer surgery include incontinence and impotence. Incontinence is the inability to control urine and may result in dribbling of urine, especially immediately after surgery. Normal control usually returns within weeks or months after surgery. Impotence is the inability to achieve an erection. For a month, or so, after surgery, most men are not able to get an erection. Eventually, approximately 40 to 60 percent of men will be able to get an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, but without ejaculation of semen, since removal of the prostate gland prevents that process.
Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, and to decrease their ability to divide. Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue. If the disease is advanced, radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and to provide relief from symptoms. Possible side effects of radiation for prostate cancer may include diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool, and colitis, problems associated with urination, a degree of impotence (inability to get an erection), which may occur within two years of radiation therapy
The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone. Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone causes prostate cancer cells to grow. Thus, reduced testosterone levels can make the prostate cancer shrink and become less active. Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells.. Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and chemotherapy's side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, reduced ability of blood to clot, mouth sores, increased likelihood of developing infections, fatigue. Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped.
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Over the past 40 years, the rate of obesity has been exploding in the United States. A massive 65% of adults in the US were classified as overweight or obese, with a body mass index over the accepted normal of 25. More disturbing is the 31% of children who are classified as overweight or obese. Since 40% of Americans do not exercise regularly, there seems to be little hope of this changing in the near future. This dangerous combination of increased food consumption and decreased physical activity has taken a tragic toll on Americans and has resulted in increased rates of a multitude of diseases, particularly diabetes. It is literally a major health crisis looming over America, adding to an already stained healthcare system. Obesity is also bloating healthcare cost, making healthcare in the US among the most expensive in the world.
Although research has yet to identify the link between obesity and the increased chance of developing prostate cancer remains unclear; there is little question that obesity does have negative effect on disease outcomes. Studies have shown that prostate-specific antigen test results in obese men can be considerable lower despite the presence of disease, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment; recovery from surgery tends to be longer for the obese, and the risk of death from prostate cancer can be much higher.
Whatever nutritional approaches the individual chooses for prostate health, weight management is a must for an overall strategy. Increasing the intake of fresh vegetables can be beneficial, as long as they’re not swimming in high-fat dressings, oils, or sauces. Nuts can be an excellent source of some key nutrients, but they can also be very high in calories and fat. Knowing what to eat is a start, the real step in incorporating good nutrition into your lifestyle.
In addition, exercise is essential for effective weight management, it’s important to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day and at least 3 days each week. Exercise not only helps burn off extra calories, but help keep the individual flexible and help maintain muscle strength and endurance. Walking, jogging, leisure activities, amateur sports, can be effective types of exercise. The key is to stay active and stay off the couch. Many American’s face an uphill challenge to regain control of their health and weight. Taking care of the prostate requires taking care of yourself.
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Knowledge is your best weapon for good prostate health and avoiding prostate cancer. Some lifestyles, eating habits, and dietary supplements are thought to lead to lower levels of prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. Nobody can guarantee prostate cancer prevention through behavior, diet, treatment, or medicine, but there things you can do to improve your odds.
There is some evidence that links exercise to better prostate health. Exercise improves overall physical and mental health, so most medical professionals recommend at least a half an hour of exercise per week. Some studies indicate that regular exercise increases oxygen flow to the soft tissues of the body and helps to control glucose levels in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose may help fuel prostate cancer cells.
A healthy prostate diet is worth considering. High-fat and low-fiber diets and obesity seem to contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer, Researchers theorize that high levels of body fat can stimulate the production of male hormones which encourage prostate cell production. Some researchers believe that cancerous prostate cells can feed on fat, especially fats found in red meat and dairy products. Omega 3 fatty acid, found in fish, soy, and flaxseed is known as the “heart-healthy” fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help decease fats found in the body. Countries whose diets are based on fish proteins rather than red meat have much lower rates of prostate cancer. Soy products can decease how cancerous cells move to other parts of the body. Soy products include tofu, soymilk, soy creamers, soy yogurts, soy ice creams, and tofu burgers and sausages often stocked in grocery stores today. Silken tofu or soy powder can be added to baked goods or drinks to receive the benefits of soy. Red grapes, grape juice, green teas, and red wine contain anti-oxidants that can neutralize cancer-causing agents within the body. Lycopene found in tomatoes, and beta-carotene may be beneficial in helping to protect the body from the risk of prostate cancer. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables may help boost the body’s cancer fighting abilities and over-all health.
Prostate Health Supplements such as vitamin E and selenium have been linked to a drastically decreased risk of prostate cancer. Studies of vitamin E and selenium seem to benefit those who were deficient in either, or who were ex-smokers. Studies have also linked a daily regimen of aspirin or ibuprofen to lower risks of prostate cancer. As always, talk to your doctor before starting any prolonged use of supplements or aspirin.
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Plant Based Diet Prevents Prostate Cancer
Dietary changes should be on the prescription pads of doctors treating men with prostate cancer. New research shows that eating more whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes while eating less meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates could slow the progression of the deadly disease.
“Studies have associated the Western diet not only with prostate cancer incidence but also with a greater risk of disease progression after treatment,” said Gordon A. Saxe, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and assistant professor of Family and Preventive Medicine at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego. “Conversely, many elements of plant-based diets have been associated with reduced risk of progression.”
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a marker for prostate cancer recurrence and often the earliest sign of spread of the disease beyond the prostate gland, even in people with no symptoms. Saxe and colleagues conducted a six-month preliminary study to investigate whether a plant-based diet, reinforced with stress-management training, could prevent or lessen a rise in PSA among ten men with recurrent prostate cancer.
The men and their spouses or other support person participated in intensive group and individual diet and stress-reduction trainings. The men were taught to shift their diet to more whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes and to eat less meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, white flour, and sugar). The people took cooking classes, participated in group discussions and meals, and were counseled regarding calorie intake (1,600 calories per day) and portion sizes.
Compared with the rate of PSA rise in the prestudy period, there was a significant reduction on the rate of rise throughout the intervention period. Nine of the ten men had a slower progression of PSA levels. Four of the ten men had a lower PSA level than when they started the diet. The time it took the men’s PSA levels to double increased nearly tenfold over six months, suggesting a strong protective effect.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men in the Western world after skin cancer. About 35% of men who are treated for the disease will experience a recurrence within ten years. These men are at higher risk for life-threatening metastases. Prevention of such recurrences is, therefore, an essential element of therapy. Unfortunately, the conventional treatments to prevent recurrence, such as hormone therapy, cause many undesirable side effects, such as hot flashes, loss of libido, and loss of bone mass.
“These findings have significant therapeutic potential for recurrent prostate cancer,” concluded Dr. Saxe. “A natural dietary- and lifestyle-based approach may serve as an adjunct or alternative to hormonal therapy.”
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A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. In general, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood that certain men will develop the disease, including the following:
Age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially men age 50 and older. More than 80 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Race: Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among African-American men than it is among Caucasian-American men. Japanese and Chinese men native to their country have the lowest rates of prostate cancer.
Diet: Data suggests that the diet consumed in Western industrialized countries may be one of the most important contributory factors for developing prostate cancer. The following information regarding diet and its effect on the risk for prostate cancer include men who eat a high-fat diet may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. Dietary fiber intake may decrease the progression of prostate cancer. Soy protein lowers fat intake, and the isoflavones in soy have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Vitamin E and selenium Vitamin E, an antioxidant, combined with selenium, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. Carotenoids Carotenoids containing lycopenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in tissue cultures. The primary source of lycopenes is processed tomatoes in tomato juice and tomato paste. Obesity Obesity not only contributes to diabetes and high cholesterol, but has also been associated with some common cancers including prostate cancer.
Vasectomy, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or STD (sexually transmitted disease) Researchers have looked at whether men who have had a vasectomy, BPH, or those who have had exposure to STD’s are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Some studies suggest a link, while others don’t. Family history of prostate cancer. A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives. Geneticists divide families into three groups, depending upon the number of men with prostate cancer and their ages of onset, including the following: Sporadic - a family with prostate cancer present in one man, at a typical age of onset. Familial - a family with prostate cancer present in more than one person, but with no definitive pattern of inheritance and usually an older age of onset. Hereditary - Five to 10 percent of prostate cancer cases are considered hereditary. Genetic Approximately 9 percent of all prostate cancers and 45 percent of cases in men younger than age 55 can be attributed to a cancer susceptibility gene that is inherited as a dominant trait (from parent to child).
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Prostate cancer prevention holds exciting possibilities for the future and suggests some prostate cancer prevention strategies for men to use now. When deciding on what prevention strategies to adopt, keep in mind that several of the strongest known risk factors for prostate cancer are wildcards. They are simply beyond your control. These include: Genetics. The risk of prostate cancer is higher if other men (father or brothers) in your family have had the disease. Age. Prostate cancer is unusual in men before age 50, but incidence of the disease grows dramatically after that age. Race. African-American men are at much higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
The full range of things that cause prostate cancer is still largely unknown. Even individuals with none of the three uncontrollable risk factors for prostate cancer may choose to follow a lifestyle linked to a lower risk of the disease. The good habits that protect against prostate cancer might well help avoid other diseases as well, such as heart disease, colorectal cancer, and others. Much of the study on prostate cancer prevention focuses on good nutrition. Important factors include: Fat. Prostate cancer rates vary greatly from one country to another, with the highest rates appearing in countries where people tend to eat a lot of fat Vegetables. Some studies link a diet high in vegetables to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Fish. Prostate cancer can be two to three times more common in men who eat no fish as in men who eat moderate to large amounts of fish.
Research does not yet support any definite nutritional guidelines for preventing prostate cancer. Reasonable suggestions are to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, limit sugars and salt. Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, or cut them out completely. Watch your weight and control calories.
Obesity and prostate cancer: Studies have not established a direct connection between obesity and incidence of prostate cancer. However obesity may affect levels of hormones related to prostrate cancer risk. Strategies for preventing obesity include: following guidelines for a healthy diet, meeting with your doctor to develop a plan for physical activity, and doing some form of aerobic exercise for 30 minutes or more daily. Weight management control will have health benefits for the whole body and the mind. Take care of your body and your prostate will prosper.
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The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate creates a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. These fluids nourish and transport sperm during the process of semen ejaculation during sexual excitement. A normal prostate gland is around the size of a walnut.
Prostate Enlargement is common as a man ages and matures. Medical doctors call this condition of enlarged prostate BPH or "benign prostatic hyperplasia". As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate gland to press inward against the urethra and restricting the flow, narrowing the space for urine to pass. The bladder wall also becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder starts to contract even when it contains even small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination by the male. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to completely empty itself and urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause a large number of the problems associated with an enlarged prostate. A doctor can determine an enlarged prostate during the dreaded finger prostate exam.
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream, urgency and leaking or dribbling, more frequent urination, especially at night. This is often called nocturia. Men who have symptoms of prostate obstruction are much more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. These are troubling and dangerous problems if not found and corrected in time.
Enlarged prostate treatments vary. Numerous effective pharmaceutical drugs are available to improve symptoms of prostate enlargement. There are also effective natural therapies including the use of time-tested herbal products. Some commonly used herbs for enlarged prostate gland include rye pollen, stinging nettle, saw palmetto, and pygeum, Plant extracts that have also been investigated include beta sitosterol, quercetin, rosaminic acid, genistein, daidzein and lycopene. In addition to herbs and mainstream medications, there is also some basic, common sense, behavioral changes that can help combat prostate symptoms. Among these changes are reducing fluid intake, limiting or ending alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening, and not passing up a chance to use the bathroom, even when your bladder doesn't feel full. These simple steps can help reduce the impact of an enlarged prostate on a man’s life.
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One natural herb used for treating an enlarged prostate is Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto is native to the West Indies and the Atlantic coast of the United States of America. Native Americans and early white settlers used the berries to treat problems with the reproductive system and urinary tract. The herb has been widely used in Europe and Canada for years, and more recently has found favor in even the United States. There is increasing research and growing documentation that supports the benefits of Saw Palmetto for both the prostate and the urinary tract. Nearly 50 percent of men over age 50 will experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlargement of the prostate gland. One in seven over this age will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer. Saw Palmetto may be as effective in treating BPH as prescription medications and drug.
A clinical trial conducted in of all places, France, reported that the number of times men had to wake up and urinate at night decreased by an incredible forty five percent, and urine flow rate increased by fifty percent after treatment with saw palmetto. In another research study, 1297 males that suffered from enlarged prostates were given Saw Palmetto extract for 12 weeks, the participants observed the following: A) far less need nighttime urination B) increased urine flow, accuracy, and volume.
In an analysis paper on the clinical trials of Saw Palmetto published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that males given saw palmetto were twice as likely to report an improvement in symptoms than those given a placebo. The plant part used is the berry, and the active constituents are sterols and free fatty acids that are standardized to 85-95 percent.
The initial research and studies of Saw Plametto have certainly been promising and offer a non-prescription drug alternative to treating the enlarged prostate. While Europeans have embraced herbal treatments, these remedies still have not found favor with medical professionals in the United States. Perhaps with more research and experience, herbs will provide a larger role in prostate treatment options in America. Until then, many Americans are seeking out these natural alternatives and supplements at health food stores and trying them on their own without medical supervision. As in all medical treatments, let your doctor know, even if he or she doesn’t approve. This can help you avoid possible side effects with other prescription drugs.
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Saw Palmetto—Does it Work?
A large study of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has found no benefit for men with benign prostate enlargement (New England Journal of Medicine 2006;354:557–66), but while the study is the most rigorously controlled to date, it raises some questions since the results are inconsistent with other research.
In this double-blind trial, 225 men over age 49 who had moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were randomly assigned to one year of treatment with a proprietary saw palmetto extract (160 mg twice a day) or a placebo. Researchers tracked symptoms (such as urinary frequency, especially at night), urinary flow rate, changes in prostate size, residual urinary volume after voiding, quality of life, laboratory values, and side effects. They found no significant difference between the saw palmetto and placebo groups for any of these outcomes during the year, though no negative effects were seen.
In contrast to the present findings, previous studies of saw palmetto have found it to be effective for mild to moderate BPH. A 1998 review of clinical trials of saw palmetto in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the herb improved BPH symptoms and urinary flow, providing benefits similar to those of finasteride (Proscar; the most commonly prescribed drug for BPH), but with fewer side effects. These studies were smaller, not as long, and some had design flaws, but the benefits of taking saw palmetto for BPH has been well-enough demonstrated for it to be recommended as a first-line treatment by many urologists.
What explains the discrepancy between the results of the current study and those of previous studies? The authors had several theories: previous studies did not effectively mask the identity of the active and placebo formulations; the level of active ingredient in the extract was possibly to low to produce a measurable effect; and the severity of the condition in some of the participants in this study may have made them less likely to have a positive response. It is interesting to note that the present study excluded men with mild BPH, even though previous studies have found the herb effective for mild to moderate BPH.
So what’s a man with an enlarged prostate to do? If the condition is mild to moderate, many studies suggest that he will benefit by taking saw palmetto.
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Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men after lung cancer, and the most common cancer in men. Fortunately, since most prostate cancer is slow growing, only 30 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die from it. So far, research has not confirmed that early detection of prostate cancer leads to treatment that will prolong life. Testing is needed to screen for prostate cancer to improve treatment.
There are two methods used to screen for prostate cancer in men. First there is a blood test used to measure PSA (prostate specific antigen), a protein produced by the prostate gland. PSA levels tend to rise when prostate cancer is present. Unfortunately, the test has both high false positives and high false negatives making results questionable. The test also cannot distinguish if the prostate cancer is slow growing and unlikely to cause symptoms, or a highly aggressive form. The other important screening test is the digital rectal exam (DRE), where a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or irregularity of the prostate. The DRE has an 85 percent false positive rate, where abnormalities felt but cancer is not present. If either the PSA or DRE is abnormal, further evaluation is warranted. A prostate biopsy may need to be performed, using a needle, which is inserted into the prostate through the rectum. Biopsy is the only truly effective test that can prove if cancer cells are present.
Prostate cancer can be treated by a variety of means. The treatment decision must be based on the appearance and spread of the cancer, general health condition, one's symptoms, and how each individual weighs the potential risks of the different therapies offered. No therapy has yet proven to extend life, although some treatments may reduce symptoms making life much more bearable. Options include watchful waiting, radiation therapy, prostatectomy, and hormone therapy. Each option has potential and serious side effects.
PSA screening should be optional for men at average risk of contracting prostate cancer. Advice varies for when PSA are beneficial, and when PSA screening are recommended. The American Cancer Society and American Urological Association both recommend offering PSA screening to men ages 50 to 70 at average risk, with appropriate counseling. African American men and men with family members who have developed prostate cancer before age 70 are at much higher risk. These men should discuss prostate-cancer screening with their doctors.
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Improvements in treatment over the years have significantly reduced the severity of side effects of prostate cancer treatments. It is still important to understand how and why these side effects occur, and to how to minimize how they will affect daily life. There are six major categories of side effects that are normally associated with prostate cancer treatments: urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, loss of fertility, effects due to the loss of testosterone, and side effects of chemotherapy. Depending on the treatment strategy pursued some or all of these side effects might be present. It’s also important to realize that not all these symptoms are normal, and that some require immediate care.
Urinary Dysfunction encompasses both urinary incontinence, which can range from some leaking to complete loss of bladder control, and irritative voiding symptoms, including increased urinary frequency, increased urinary urgency, and pain upon urination. For men undergoing prostatectomy, incontinence is the main urinary side effect. Bowel Dysfunction includes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and the inability to control bowel movements. All of these side effects are more common following external beam radiotherapy. During prostatectomy, damage to the rectum is unusually rare, and the bowel changes noticed in the first few weeks following surgery are likely the result of the body adjusting to the increased abdominal space due to the loss of the prostate. Radiation therapy can cause significant damage to the rectum, resulting in some or all of the symptoms listed above.
Erectile Dysfunction is experienced by nearly all men for the first few months after treatment. The reason for this is simple: the nerves and blood vessels that control the physical aspect of an erection are incredibly delicate, and any trauma to the area will unfortunately result in changes to the natural order. Fertility is always a problem after prostate cancer treatment. It is nearly impossible for a man to retain his ability to father children through sexual intercourse after the initial treatment. The loss of semen following surgery makes ejaculation impossible, so the sperm cannot physically leave the body to reach the woman’s egg for fertilization.
Hormone Therapy side effects: Testosterone is the primary male hormone. Side effects of testosterone loss is lengthy and includes hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, weight gain, decreased muscle mass, anemia, and memory loss. Chemotherapy drugs available today work in a slightly different fashion, and it’s hard to predict what sorts of side effects any one person will experience. Check with your doctor for reported side effects for your treatment.
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Slim Down and Pump Up for Prostate Cancer Protection
Men who have more lean body mass are less likely to get prostate cancer, according to a study in the Journal of Urology (2005;174:2169–73). Previous studies on the relationship between body size and prostate cancer have yielded conflicting results. The new study compared men with prostate cancer and their cancer-free male siblings to better understand the influence of weight, height, body mass, and body fat on prostate-cancer risk. They also looked at what influence, if any, body composition had on the aggressiveness of the cancer. Most of the men were in their early 60s.
The case-control study included 413 families: 439 men with prostate cancer (cases) and 479 cancer-free siblings (controls). The aggressiveness of prostate cancer in cases was graded on a scale of one to five based on microscopic examination of prostate tissue samples, or biopsies. The degree of cancerous infiltration throughout the gland, known as the Gleason score, can give a fairly accurate picture of the stage of cancer development when considered together with levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. (Outside of a study setting, a urologist would also perform a rectal examination of the prostate gland to assess its size, shape, and texture.)
Lean body mass, the total body weight not including fat, is typically higher in people who engage in regular aerobic and strength-building exercise, though it is also influenced by genetic predisposition. The researchers found that men with higher lean body mass had a lower incidence of prostate cancer than did men with low lean body mass. Researchers also found that prostate cancer was less aggressive in men with high lean body mass. Simple measurements of weight relative to height (calculated as the body mass index) did not correlate with cancer incidence or aggressiveness in this study, suggesting that something about lean body mass itself was protective.
The protective effects of lean body mass against prostate cancer may be due to comparatively higher levels of androgens, like testosterone, when lean body mass is higher. Low testosterone in aging men can promote conditions in the prostate that contribute to cancer development, and other studies have correlated low testosterone levels with more aggressive cancer. Comparing siblings makes the data from this study more useful than many others, as it significantly reduced the possibility that the findings could be confounded by genetic and early-life environmental factors. One limitation of the study was that it derived its results from a primarily white population, and therefore may not apply to other ethnic groups.
While these findings are preliminary, they suggest that doing exercises that build muscles might help prevent prostate cancer.
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Prostate cancer is the male equivalent of breast cancer, which plagues millions of women. Fortunately, a little precaution can reduce the dangers of prostate cancer, and might even help save your life. It is crucial for men to pay attention to their health, especially as they age. Prostate cancer is the third major cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Many men do not realize the severity of this hazardous disease and fail to receive regular prostate checkups.
Prostate cancer starts with the growth of a malignant tumor inside the prostate gland and spreads by extending into the bladder, seminal vesicles, and peritoneal cavity. It eventually metastasizes to the bones, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although recent studies find a small relation between increased testosterone levels and high dietary fat intake. Prostate cancer is rarely occurs in men under 40 years of age. The highest level of occurrence is greatest in African-American men over 60 years old. Increased occurrence is also associated environmental exposure to cadmium, a metallic element. The lowest incidence of prostate cancer occurs in vegetarians.
The cancer is classified based on the tumor's aggressiveness and the degree it affects surrounding tissue. Most prostate cancers are staged or characterized by utilizing the Whitmore-Jewett system (A B C D system). The system groups tumors using the following scale: A: Tumor that cannot be detected by touch but only through microscopic tissue sampling. B: Tumor that can be detected digital inspection and is still confined to the prostate. C: Spreading of the tumor beyond the prostate gland. D: The cancer has advanced to regional lymph nodes.
Risk factors The risk factors are well researched but commonly misunderstood. Some studies show positive associations with age, race, family history, and diet. Age: Prostate cancer is particularly common among older men. Its occurrence has been reported in over 4 0 percent of men aged seventy years or older. Race: Extreme variations in the number of cases and mortality rate of prostate cancer have been observed among different countries and in racial and ethnic groups. African-Americans suffers the highest mortality levels for prostate cancer in the world, followed by white males in Scandinavian countries. Asian males have the lowest mortality rate. Family History: Studies report that men who have family histories of prostate cancer, fathers or brothers, are two or three times more likely to develop the disease. Diet: The main component associated with prostate cancer is consumption of fats and obesity. Individuals can actually reduce his chances of developing prostate cancer by modifying their diet and controlling their weight.
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Basic Facts about the Prostate Gland: The prostate is a sex gland in males. It is around the size of a walnut, and encircles the neck of the bladder and urethra, the tube that expels urine from the bladder. It is partly glandular and partly muscular, with ducts opening into the prostatic portion of the urethra. The prostate is made up of three lobes: a centrally located lobe with one lobe on each side. The prostate gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation.
There are several benign prostate problems that develop in men. Types of non-cancerous prostate problems, or clinical conditions of the prostate gland that are not cancer, including infections, inflammations, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - an enlarged prostate These problems are quite common and may happen to men of all ages. Specific Non-Cancerous Prostate Problems include prostatism – this term describes any condition of the prostate that causes interference with the flow of urine from the bladder. Prostatitis - an inflamed condition of the prostate gland. It can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, frequent or infrequent urination, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Prostatalgia - a term that indicates pain in the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)- the condition of an enlarged prostate. BPH is the main non-cancerous prostate problem. It can cause discomfort and create problems urinating. Although it is not cancer, BPH symptoms are very similar to those of prostate cancer. These include impotence, or the inability to have or keep an erection, and urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control.
The fear of having prostate cancer can be devastating to most men. Prostate cancer is most successfully treated when discovered early. Consider these statistics supplied from the American Cancer Society: Nearly 80 percent of all prostate cancers is discovered while they are still localized, or confined to the prostate. The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate tumors that are discovered at this early stage is a whopping 100 percent. Testing works!
In the past 20 years, the survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has risen due to early detection and treatment. Early prostate cancer often doesn’t present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your doctor. These tests can help detect, or rule out, prostate cancer. Check back with your physician if you have had an unusual DRE (digital rectal exam), or if your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is high. Your physician may order additional tests or suggest repeating the PSA tests if warranted.
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For men 50 and over, digital rectal exams, or DREs, has become a routine part of the annual checkup, as have prostate specific antigen, or PSA tests. These tests can uncover signs of prostate cancer. But before a doctor can make the final diagnosis, they will use an another procedure: the prostate biopsy. To confirm the presence of prostate cancer, a doctor uses a needle to collect a sample of cells from the prostate. A pathologist, an expert who can distinguish cancerous from non-cancerous cells, then examines this sample. With more and more men undergoing biopsies, doctors are making every effort to ensure the procedure is as safe, comfortable, and accurate as possible.
A prostate biopsy is a very simple procedure. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and doesn't require anesthesia. The doctor will insert a slender ultrasound device into the patient’s rectum, and the device will emit sound waves to produce an image of the prostate. The process is referred to as transrectal ultrasound or TRUS. Guided by the ultrasound image, the doctor will slide a tiny needle through the rectal wall and into the prostate gland. The important word here is tiny, a prostate biopsy needles are only 1.2 millimeters in diameter.
Prostate tumors tend to be extremely small and can be located about anywhere on the prostate. Due to this reason, doctors take samples from several areas of the prostate gland. The most common approach is to take six different samples. However, in some cases, doctors will take as many as 47 samples in a search for cancer. This approach can uncover tumors that regular biopsies might miss. The comprehensive procedure requires that the patients be anesthetized first.
There are few side affects to biopsy. In most cases, fear of the biopsy causes more trouble than the actual biopsy. Many patients might notice small amounts of blood in their stools, urine, or semen in the days after a biopsy. This is normal and to be expected and no cause for alarm. Less than 1 percent of all patients develop severe bleeding or an infection of the prostate or urinary tract due to biopsy. Whether a surgeon takes several biopsy samples, or dozens or more, there's still a chance that the cancer will be missed. In one study researchers performed biopsies on 800 men who had recently had negative biopsies. In ten percent of the cases, the second biopsies turned up cancer. So a negative biopsy is no guarantee that you are truly cancer-free. Even if you don't show any signs of cancer, continue to get regular PSA tests and digital rectal exams as recommended by your doctor.
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More and more medical studies indicate that the antioxidants in vegetables, particularly tomatoes and broccoli, can lower prostate cancer risk, while foods with animal fats increase risk. While ongoing studies are still assessing the value of antioxidant supplements, food scientists say they are already comfortable advocating that men eat a more vegetable-based diet to lower their risk of prostate cancer, not to mention heart disease and colon cancer.
There is also growing observational evidence that both tomato and broccoli consumption helps reduce risk of prostate cancer. In the tomato products, attention has focused on nutrients called carotenoids, particularly lycopene. Lycopene is the major red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes. In broccoli, a number of sulfur compounds are thought to detoxify carcinogens. Both of these are thought to benefit prostate health. Nutritionist familiar with prostate health recommend seven to ten servings of tomatoes and tomato based products a week, which is still only one serving a day. When counting tomato juices and raw tomatoes and ever popular pasta products, that is not difficult to reach this level. In fact, most men get more than one serving when they consume pasta or even pizza. It’s that easy.
Preparation matters! Carotenoids are very poorly absorbed from raw foods, so some heating really helps bring out the benefits. Consumption with a little healthy fat helps, too. For example take beta-carotene from carrots. Eating a carrot raw leads to 1 or 2 percent beta-carotene absorption. Steaming those carrots a little bit and add a little bit of oil in there, you'll get much more absorption of the beneficial carotenoids. The same is true for tomatoes. By overcooking tomatoes, for example, by simmering a tomato sauce for hours, you’ll begin to break down the lycopene. Everything in moderation please!
Nutrients in foods can lower risk of prostate cancer. In observational studies and clinical trials there are suggestions that higher consumption of vitamin E and selenium lower prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E is found in basic plant foods, including nuts, vegetables, vegetable oils, as well as egg yolks. Vitamin E is also in most breakfast cereals because it is added when manufacturers fortify it. The metallic trace element selenium comes into plants from the soil, so it's in grains such as wheat, barley, hops, and rice. There is also some selenium from animal foods products, because the food animals also consume these grain.
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Two vitamin E forms appear to reduce prostate cancer risk
High blood levels of either alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol, both forms of vitamin E, appeared to halve the risk of prostate cancer in a new analysis of the ATBC trial, which supports earlier results showing that the vitamin protects against the cancer, writes Dominique Patton.
Original findings from the ATBC study, which included nearly 30,000 Finnish men, showed that daily supplements of alpha-tocopherol (50mg) reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 32 per cent.
Men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol in their blood at baseline were 51 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the lowest levels, they reported in yesteday’s issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (vol 97, no 5, pp396-399).
Similarly, men with the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol were 43 per cent less likely to develop the disease compared with men with the lowest levels.
“Further analyses indicated that the association of high serum tocopherols with low prostate cancer risk was stronger in the alpha-tocopherol–supplemented group than in those not receiving alpha-tocopherol,” note the authors.
Vitamin E is thought to fight cancer through its antioxidant activity, which combats the oxidative stress involved in cancer development. It also has other non-antioxidant properties, such as enhancement of the immune response, which may also play a role in the benefits seen.
In addition, the levels of vitamin E levels seen among the participants could be considered low and did not necessarily demonstrate support for gamma-tocopherol.
Gamma-tocopherol, found naturally in walnuts, sesame seeds and corn, was found to hold back the proliferation of lab-cultured human prostate and lung cancer cells in research at Purdue University published in December.
Previous research by the same team found that gamma-tocopherol inhibits inflammation, which had already been implicated in cancer development.
The highest tertile of alpha-tocopherol levels in the study were 15.78mg and the highest tertile of gamma-tocopherol was 1.08mg.
Vitamin E researchers are eagerly awaiting results form the Select trial, looking at whether high dose (400mg) alpha-tocopherol supplements can protect against prostate cancer. If these results fail to confirm the ATBC findings, new research will have to look at the role of dosages on cancer protection.
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The prostate is a round cluster of glands located at the bottom of the bladder, about midway between the rectum and the base of the penis. The prostate encircles the urethra, the tube that expels urine from the bladder by way of the penis. The ping pong ball sized gland produces most of the fluid in semen. Contraction of the muscles in the prostate squirt fluid from into the urethra tract during ejaculation. This fluid makes up the majority of the ejaculate and transports and nourishes the sperm.
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death for American men who don’t smoke. It is primarily a disease of aging. Men in their thirties and forties rarely develop prostate cancer, but the incidence grow steadily after the age of fifty-five. About 80 percent of all prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of sixty-five. By the age of eighty, 4 out of 5 men have some degree of prostate cancer. Many experts feel that all men will eventually develop prostate cancer if they live long enough. The three most common prostate problems are prostatitis or inflection, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.
Medical professionals recommend that men have annual rectal exams as part of a health checkup from ages 40 to 70, and those with high risk and all men 50 and over should add a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test every year as well. When prostate cancer is detected early and treated it has a high cure rate. Men are encouraged to discuss the options with their doctor. Based on past screenings doctors have observed that in men ages 50 to 59, the prostate cancer detection rate was basically the same whether men were screened every year or every two years. Therefore normal-risk men in their 50s can to be safely screened every other year. Since there is no cure for advanced prostate cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Since early prostate cancer normally doesn’t have any symptoms, it is extremely difficult to detect without testing. Screenings using both PSA and DRE tests have proven to be the best and only reliable method of identifying the disease when it can be still be cured easily. Almost fifty-eight percent of all cases are discovered while the cancer is still isolated and at its most treatable stage. A doctor can detect prostate cancer by digital rectal examination and by a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.
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The walnut-shaped prostate sits right underneath the bladder and is wrapped around the urethra. The prostate, despite its location, has nothing to do with a man’s urinary apparatus. The prostate is where it is because it’s needed for ejaculation, and the semen passes through the same urethra as urine does. The prostate gland’s main job is to add special fluid to the sperm before it ejaculates from the penis. That’s why the prostate is where it’s at, and why prostate problems interfere with the male’s ability to have sex and urinate.
Three main types of prostate problems: enlargement, infection, and cancer. Prostate enlargement, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Although even men in their 20s can suffer from BPH, it normally only surfaces later in life. It’s estimated that fifty percent of all men will have BPH by reaching the age of 60, and a full ninety- percent will suffer from BPH by age 85. When the prostate enlarges outward, a man may not realize he has BPH unless it grows upward and puts pressure on the bladder. But when the prostate swells inward, squeezing the urethra, which passes through the center of the gland, he will certainly know there’s a problem. With the prostate constricting the urinary tube, a man can suffer from difficulty in urinating, straining to start urination, frequent urination, getting up multiple times at night to urinate, or urgency of urination.
The principal medical treatment for BPH symptoms is the non-invasive surgery called trans urethral resection of the prostate, also commonly referred to as reaming out the prostate. There are also drugs like Proscar used to shrink the prostate, but these drugs have not been that effective and have negative side effects. Prostate infections, or prostatitis, are fairly common in males after their teenage years. Symptoms of prostate inflections can include frequent and or painful urination, other urinary problems, or pain during sex.
The most serious prostate problem is cancer. Cancer of the prostate is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in males after skin cancer. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in males after lung cancer. The early symptoms of prostate cancer are extremely similar to those of BPH, including getting up often at night to urinate; urinating often, but only in small amounts; having to wait forever for the urine flow to start; and a urinary stream that starts and stops. These symptoms don’t mean that a person has prostate cancer. But these or other symptoms do indicate it’s time for a checkup.
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