Prostate Cancer Symptoms - What You Should Know
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Disease & Illness > Cancer
Jun 16, 2007
Prostate Cancer Symptoms - What You Should Know
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. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. Prostate cancer is deadly, but because it's slow-growing can be cured if it's caught early enough. 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. I suspect there is a dietary connection to prostate cancer; I cured myself naturally of breast cancer and others have cured themselves of all types of cancer using a living food diet. Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. 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. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is a digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor, proctologist or oncologist. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has metastasized (spread). 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. 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. OHSU is beginning a study of acupuncture as a treatment for hot flashes for men with prostate cancer or prostate cancer survivors. Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor. Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies every day, not just a token banana or apple. For natural treatment for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids. If possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet. 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. Put two tablespoons of unbleached, unrefined and undeodorized coconut oil in your smoothies; coconut oil is plant-based, not animal-based and is actually good for us. Get familiar with juicing and juice every day for an extra phytonutrient boost. If you're not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. A good dietary, natural treatment approach is to avoid all acidic inflammatory foods; those are foods that aren't alive. If you've already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, essential the option that's best suited to you and your continuing good health. If you haven't been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you're a man older than 50 who has never been screened for prostate cancer (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon. While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, survival rates are also greatly improving; perhaps because of dietary improvement.
For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
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