Appropriate Prostate Cancer Treatment in Men over 80

I read recently what one doctor said recently that prostate cancer in men over 80 years old should not be a serious issue like in men under 40 years old. This makes sense and given what we know about prostate cancer being a slow-growing malignancy. If you have read about prostate cancer at all, you must be aware that there are certain stages, or levels of seriousness, that are apparent as the disease develops.

People who panic about prostate cancer might be inclined toward aggressive treatment for a man over 80. Aggressive treatment has side effects that may dramatically alter the quality of life of that special senior citizen. Unlike a man under 40, who is much more able to tolerate an aggressive treatment regimen if deemed appropriate.

Some make the mistake and assumed that someone over 80 that has prostate cancer only needs to have the disease managed as the patient probably doesn't have that many more years, anyway. Although I'm certain some medical doctors think this way, many are more interested in providing a higher quality of life to the elderly.

In the case of a cancerous tumor, the treatment will be based on the desires of the patient, treatment options in the stage at which the cancer has progressed. These are important considerations when determining the appropriate level of treatment, no matter if the man is under 40 are well over 80.
Many men who contract prostate cancer early in life typically have a hereditary factors involved. This means that there may have been men in his close family like his father, brothers or uncles who have had prostate carcinoma. This may suggest to many medical professionals, that the patient needs continued monitoring and potentially aggressive treatment as he has apparently predisposed to this type of malignancy.

A men who has reached the age of 80, has survived what life has thrown his way both medically and physically. A level of frailty becomes a consideration in determining the appropriate level of treatment that should be considered.

Several stages of prostate cancer, offer a treatment option known as" watchful waiting." As we know, this type of carcinoma is slow-growing, an appropriate level of care may be simply keeping an eye on the cancerous growth to minimize the risk of it metastasizing were spreading to other parts of the body.

So the option of carefully watching may provide the best option for senior men. It allows them to maintain their current quality of life while also protecting their future existence from malignant cancer running through their body. No matter what your age, it's important to talk to your doctor about treatment options if diagnosed with prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer and African American Black Men

If you are an African American black man, it's time to get rid of the last vestige of self denial and disassociating yourself from prostate cancer. There's now every clear evidence and proof that prostate type of cancer affects MORE African American black men than any other people. This article provides more reasons why you should start taking the condition more seriously, because nothing says it won't happen to you or your loved ones.

While this doesn't mean that others don't get the condition, it's mostly prevalent among the African Black American, with Asians having the lowest number of victims. This shows that if you are an African American, you should be concerned about the condition.

It's time to face the facts and start getting involved in protecting yourself from the condition instead of living in self delusion. Such self delusion reminds me of the popular behavior of burying your head in the sand like the Ostrich and pretending that the condition can never happen to you.
Thankfully, if the cancer is detected very early there's every chance of surviving it. That's why it's always recommended that you go for constant examinations (at least every six months, if you are over 40 or 50 years old).

What you are doing if you go for constant medical tests is being on the watch-out for the condition so that you can have it treated effectively if and when it crops up. I think this is a much better plan that can save your life, as an African, instead of pretending that it can't happen to you.

Breast Cancer in Men Isn't Possible is It? - Wise Guys Check Breasts

Breast cancer in men does happen. Yes. Male breast cancer exists.

Like women, men have breast tissue and the types of breast cancer in men, are similar to women. Not all men understand that male breast cancer is not only a womens health issue, but one that both sexes must be aware of. Men must know basic information and risk factors about male breast cancer.
Males who understand the signs of breast cancer, are in the minority. Most men do not know about male breast cancer, and do not realise that it is possible for them to have a breast lump. Signs of breast cancer are sometimes missed and found later down the track, therefore it can reduce options available.

It is difficult for a man to get his head around, to process and accept he has breast cancer. In a man? Really, no, it cant be, isn't it a woman's disease? Men have been known to think that women are the unlucky ones who find a breast lump, and that men don't experience male breast cancer. Yes they can. Sorry men, it is perceived as a women's disease, but it is not only us who must do self breast exams (BSE) and visual observations. Welcome to the club.

Guys, here are some signs of breast cancer you need to know about.

• Breast lump
• Indentations
• Puckering
• Nipple discharge
• Rash
• Itching
• Lesion or sore
• Redness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Changes in colour of nipple or chest

Blokes, here are breast cancer risk factors.

• Age. More common in men as they age.
• Family members. Know your family history?
• A breast cancer gene may increase your risk.
• Exposure to radiation to your chest when younger.
• Klinefelters syndrome. This is when men have an extra x chromosome, so they do not make as much testosterone.
• Estrogen. Have prostate cancer hormone therapy? This can raise your risk, so you need to be aware and do regular breast examinations.
• Obesity. You have more fat cells that are converting androgens into estrogen, therefore elevating levels and increasing your risk.
• Alcohol. Might be an idea to look at the amount you are drinking and possibly reduce.

Men, don't let breast lumps be a risk. Depending on where abouts in the world you live, men get called all sorts of various names. Blokes, Guys, Men, Jokers, Boys, and if you are lucky, Dear. Whatever you like to be called, please understand that you may be at risk of having male breast cancer and that whilst it is not common, it is possible to have, regardless of where you live.
Be active in your breast self exam and encourage the women in your life, to do the same. Fear is often a reason why breast examination is not done, so if you have a partner, why not remind and support each other to do breast self exam each month, and hopefully breast cancer in men and women can be caught earlier.

If you were to discover a breast lump, please seek medical attention. This is not something that you should delay doing. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a man to visit a doctor, however this is one of those times that you do need to pick up the phone and make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is key!

Do Men With Prostate Cancer Who Undergo Surgery Need Radiation Therapy, Too?

There are a number of treatment options for men with prostate cancer. These include a surgical procedure, known as radical prostatectomy, as well as radiation therapy (hereafter referred to as RT). Are there any situations wherein a man who undergoes a radical prostatectomy will need RT afterwards?

The answer is yes, in special circumstances. Such RT is known as salvage radiotherapy, and is advisable for men whose PSA levels rise after surgery, as well as for those whose PSA levels never fully decline. The reason is that this additional treatment can increase the odds of survival for such men.

A recent study reviewed the data of 635 men with rising PSA levels after radical prostatectomy. In the study, 160 of the men received salvage RT, 78 received salvage RT and hormonal therapy (which lowers the level of prostate cancer stimulating male hormones in the blood stream), and 397 received no treatment.

Over the ensuing ten years, of the men who received salvage RT alone or salvage RT plus hormonal therapy, the rate of death from prostate cancer was nearly 60% less than that of the men who were not treated.

Salvage RT is noted to be most beneficial for men with rising PSA levels when it is administered promptly after the problem is identified. In contrast, if men with climbing PSA levels defer RT more than two years after the initial PSA spike, no benefit is noted.

Additional analysis revealed that the beneficial effect of salvage RT was confined to those men whose PSA levels doubled in less than six months, suggesting that a rapid PSA doubling time is indicative of more aggressive disease.

Therefore, the good news is that for men whose PSA levels climb after radical prostatectomy, RT can be life saving

The Effects of Diabetes on Men's Health

Good health is important among other factors for enjoying a blissful sex life. At the same time, there are some factors, which have negative effect on the health of men and women. These include aging, stress and disease. One of the diseases that seriously influence sexual- health in men is diabetes. Recent researches have concluded that over half of the men suffering from diabetes may experience poor sexual health or even impotence.

It is crucial for diabetics and their partners to understand how and why this happens. Sexual arousal and erection in men is caused by excitement signals released by nerves and by increased flow of blood into the penis. Diabetics often suffer from impaired nerves and blood vessels, which reduces the blood flow to the penis. This may be a direct result of the disease or the side effect of drugs that are taken for treating diabetes. The longer a person suffers from diabetes, more are the chances of his suffering from poor health.

In order to manage this problem, we recommend that diabetic male patients follow the tips given below:

• Talk to your partner. This will help release tension in your sexual relationship and will help in coming to terms with the situation.
• Take advice of your doctor. You should discuss the issue of your health with your doctor as he may alter the medicines you are taking for diabetes.
• Keep your blood glucose levels in check by regularly taking medicines, and adopting healthier life-style.
• Explore other issues that may be aggravating the problems such as alcohol, stress or any other psychological problems.

In addition to these tips, there are options available for diabetic men that help them achieve better sexual-health. These include health supplements, local creams, medicines, devices and surgery. However, you should be fully research and verify them before you start using them to improve your sexual- health.

Type 2 Diabetes - Erectile Dysfunction And Finding Coronary Artery Disease In Men With Diabetes

Coronary artery disease is a common and sometimes deadly complication of Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes have deadly heart attacks at rates 2 to 4 times greater than non-diabetics. People with diabetes are often unable to feel the chest pain that can accompany coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-diabetics, and so the disease can progress insidiously.

Screening for CAD is problematic. Screening usually starts with an electrocardiogram, or EKG. Unless a person is actively having a heart attack, CAD can easily go undetected. Stress tests with X-ray imaging and more invasive testing are expensive and carry some risk.

Doctors can decide to screen for diseased heart arteries or CAD based upon risk factors. Factors that put people at risk include:

• high blood pressure,
• high cholesterol,
• fat in the blood,
• family history of heart disease, and
• smoking.

Men with coronary artery disease can suffer from erectile dysfunction, and investigators at the Center for Applied Clinical Research in Pavia, Italy conducted a study on the possibility of using erectile dysfunction along with other risk factors as a guide to screening for this form of artery problem. Their work was published in the journal Endocrine in August 2011.
Two hundred and ninety-three men with Type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study.

• seventy-four of them were found to have coronary artery disease...
• erectile dysfunction was found to be more common in men with this problem than in those with normal coronary arteries,
• some men with coronary artery disease had erectile dysfunction without other risk factors. In this group, if erectile dysfunction had been used as a criterion for screening, 27 per cent more men with coronary artery disease would have been found than if the traditional risk factors alone had been used.

It was therefore concluded erectile dysfunction can help to find disease of the coronary arteries if it is used as a criterion for testing.
To prevent CAD, patients need to keep:

• their diabetes under control,
• keep cholesterol within normal limits,
• avoid smoking,
• normalize their weight, and
• take part in physical activity on a daily basis.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels should ideally be under 7 per cent and total cholesterol should be under 200. A normal body mass index is between 18.5 and 24.9. Type 2 diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar and weight and have regular testing for their hemoglobin A1c level, cholesterol and blood fats. Male diabetics should tell their doctor if they suffer erectile dysfunction so their doctor can decide whether further testing for coronary artery disease is warranted.

It's Ridiculous Men Still Smoke Despite Increased Chances Of Getting ED

For years doctors have always said smoking is bad for you, but now I think men should be taking that advice more seriously as it looks like smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction! Yes indeed you can go limp from smoking according to a December 2007 study conducted at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital in Philadelphia. I was truly surprised to learn that researchers found that men who smoke at least a pack of cigarettes a day are almost 40 percent more likely to be struck with erectile dysfunction than men who don't smoke. This is because smoking delivers nicotine and other chemicals that restrict blood vessels in the body and particularly in the penis. With this definitive research, I honestly cannot believe men still continue to smoke even though it could jeopardize their ability to have sex in the future.

The Temple University journal called Tobacco Control, recently published a study of 8,000 Australian men between the ages of 16 and 60 found that those who smoked less than a pack a day had a 25 percent increased risk of erectile problems. As the number of cigarettes men smoked went up, so did their chances of be stricken with erectile dysfunction. Specifically, those men who typically smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day increased their risk of erectile dysfunction by 40 percent. Another recent study done by the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that male smokers in their 40's were more likely to experience erectile difficulties than older non-smoking males. The risk of erectile dysfunction was nearly doubled for smoking men in their 40's compared to non-smokers in their 50's.

If the risk of death wasn't reason enough to quit smoking, how about knowing it will also kill your erection? Medical researchers cited erectile dysfunction could easily be avoided by men who stop smoking and change their lifestyle habits. Other health issues that seriously increase the chance of men to be stricken with erectile dysfunction include obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, recreational drug, as well as a lifestyle without regular exercise said doctors at Temple University. It's clear that you should think twice the next you light up a cigarette or cigar because you're really destroying your sex life not to mention your life.

What to Know About the Prostate Cancer TURP Procedure

Transurethral resection of the prostate, better known as the TURP procedure, has been used extensively for many years to treat men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or sometimes simply called "enlarged prostate"), but it also can be used to treat symptomatic prostate cancer.

Who Could Benefit from a TURP Procedure?

The TURP procedure is used mostly to relieve urinary symptoms.

The TURP procedure is used most commonly in men with BPH who have significant problems urinating despite trying medication.

It can also be used to treat men with prostate cancer who have problems urinating. The TURP procedure cannot be used to cure prostate cancer because it removes only the parts of the prostate that are closest to the urethra, while leaving the majority of the gland intact.

Because the TURP procedure, when used in men with prostate cancer, is meant to relieve symptoms but not to cure the cancer, it is called a palliative procedure.

What Is the TURP Procedure?

A TURP procedure involves the removal of the portions of the prostate gland immediately surrounding the urethra.

To do this, a surgeon inserts an instrument known as a resectoscope into the penis, through the urethra, and up to the prostate. Once positioned correctly in the prostatic portion of the urethra, the resectoscope uses an electrically activated wire loop to cut the nearby prostate tissue away. The procedure does not require an incision through the skin.

The procedure requires general anesthesia (you are unconscious) or a type of anesthesia that results in numbing of the lower half of your body. Overall, the procedure takes roughly one hour.

Following the surgery, a catheter will be inserted into the bladder and left there for a few days to ensure that urine can pass freely out of the body. Most men need to stay in the hospital for a few days following surgery.

Potential complications or side effects of the TURP procedure include blood in the urine, infection, post-operative pain, and all of the potential complications associated with anesthesia.

<sub>Source:

Rassweiler J, Teber D, Kuntz R, Hofmann R. Complications of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)--incidence, management, and prevention. Eur Urol. 2006 Nov;50(5):969-79; discussion 980. Epub 2006 Jan 30.</sub>

What Do Your Prostate Cancer Grade and Gleason Score Mean?

What Is Cancer “Grading”?

After a biopsy is taken and prostate cancer is diagnosed, the “grade” of your cancer will be determined. This is done by examining cells from the cancer under a microscope to decide how abnormal the cancer cells are.

The more abnormal the cancer cells are, the more likely the cancer is to be aggressive or to spread quickly outside of the prostate. The grade of your cancer is an important piece of information for your physicians to have when deciding upon the proper treatment.

The most common scale for prostate cancer grading is the Gleason score.

What Is the Gleason Score?

When cells from the prostate are examined under a microscope, the pathologist will identify many types of cells that range from very normal, non-aggressive cells to very abnormal, aggressive cells. The pathologist determines which type of cell is the most common and which type is the second most common.

Each of these two cell types is then given a score from 1 to 5. Higher numbers in this system mean more abnormal, aggressive cancer cells.

Because the two most common types of cancer cells are identified in the prostate, the Gleason score is a combination of these two cells types.

For example, if the most common cell type is a 3 (on the 1 to 5 scale) and the second most common type is a 4, then the Gleason score is reported as a 7 or sometimes as a “3+4”.

Similarly, if the most common cell type found is a 3 and the second most common type is a 2, then your Gleason score is a 5 or “3+2”.

For the most part, the lower your overall Gleason score is, the less aggressive the cancer and the better your prognosis.

Sources:

Allsbrook Jr WC, Mangold KA, Yang X, et al. The Gleason grading system: an overview. J Urologic Path 10:141-157, 1999.
Gleason DF. Histology grading of prostate cancer: a perspective. Hum Path 23:273-279, 1992.

Are There Warning Signs That Could Herald Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer can be a completely silent disease, especially in its early stages. It can grow slowly for years without causing any noticeable signs or symptoms. Sometimes, however, there are important warning signs that something is wrong with the prostate.

What Are the Most Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Because of the prostate's location in the body (located just below the bladder in the lower pelvis), urinary symptoms are common warning signs that something is wrong with the prostate.
As urine empties out of the bladder it travels through a thin tube called the urethra. At the very beginning of the urethra, just as it exits the bladder, it passes directly through the prostate. As the prostate enlarges due to cancer or another problem, the urethra is pinched tighter and tighter within the prostate. As the tube narrows, urine has a much harder time making its way through the urethra and out of the body.

Urinary warning signs that something could be wrong with the prostate include:

• Frequency - urinating much more often than normal.
• Urgency - having a sensation that you need to urinate immediately.
• Nocturia - getting up to urinate multiple times during the night.
• Hesitancy - difficulty starting the urine stream.

Prostate cancer is not the only disease that can cause the prostate to swell, however. In fact, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a much more common cause of an enlarged prostate and, thus, of urinary symptoms. BPH is not cancer, but is still an important condition that should be treated by a physician.

What Are Other Less Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

The urinary problems discussed above are among the most common experienced by men with prostate cancer. However, they are not the only ones. Other less common warning signs include:

• Blood in the urine.
• Blood in the semen.
• New-onset erectile dysfunction (impotence).
• Bone pain (especially in the lower back, hips, or ribs).
• Loss of bladder control.

When Should I Go to See My Doctor?

The answer to this question is simple. Visit your physician and explain your situation whenever you first begin to experience any of these symptoms. It is especially important for African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer to see their physicians as these two groups have much higher rates of prostate cancer.

The warning signs listed above are almost always abnormal and all need to be evaluated by a physician. This is especially true if these warning signs appear suddenly. Very simple examinations and laboratory tests can be put to use by your doctor to determine whether or not your symptoms are due to prostate cancer, another serious disease, or a less dangerous condition.

International Agency Gives Nod to Prostate Cancer Pill Before Chemo

he European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended extending the use of the prostate cancer pill abiraterone acetate ( Zytiga, Janssen) to include men with advanced prostate cancer who fail on androgen-deprivation therapy.

The drug is currently approved in Europe and the United States for these same men, but only as second-line treatment, after docetaxel chemotherapy. If approved, abiraterone could be used by European clinicians as a first-line treatment for men who progress on androgen-deprivation therapy.
Specifically, CHMP recommended that abiraterone be administered in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after the failure of androgen-deprivation therapy.
A supplemental New Drug Application for this use was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June.

In both cases, the proposed expanded use of abiraterone is based on efficacy and safety results from an international phase 3 trial, which were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in June. The trial compared abiraterone plus prednisone with placebo plus prednisone in 1088 asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic men with mCRPC who had not received chemotherapy. It has been criticized for being stopped too early and for the unproven nature of one of its primary end points.

However, European reviewers apparently agree with a study investigator who, at the ASCO meeting, said that the abiraterone data "merit consideration" as a "new standard approach" for the first-line treatment of mCRPC.

Abiraterone in combination with prednisone was approved by the FDA in April 2011 for the treatment of patients with mCRPC who have received previous chemotherapy containing docetaxel.
The drug reportedly costs $5000 per month in the United States.

Diet for an Enlarged Prostate

Prostate enlargement is gradually becoming one of the most serious problems concerning men's health. Thousands of new cases of prostate enlargement are diagnosed each year. There's a lot you can do to maintain a healthy prostate by proactively changing your lifestyle. Dietary modifications and working out regularly are the most important steps you should follow to keep your prostate gland in top shape.

It's no secret that what you eat directly influences your well-being. It has scientifically proven that certain foods boost your immune system and lower the risks of acquiring any disease, and the same goes for prostate health too. Let's take a look at what you should be eating and the foods you should ideally avoid to help manage prostate enlargement.

Diet Tips for an Enlarged Prostate

• Go in for five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, turnips, garlic, onions, and mushrooms. Fruits like tomatoes, grapefruit, watermelon, guava, and papaya contain antioxidants that combat the free radicals in our body and prevent the proliferation of malignant cells.
• Zinc is very important for prostate health because it decreases the level of dihydrotestosterone in the body which in turn means better prostate health. Foods high in zinc include oysters, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, and pine nuts.
• Selenium is another prostate-friendly element. Wheat germ, tuna, herring, Brazil nuts, and eggs are rich sources of selenium.
• Soy products like tofu, soy flour, and soy milk help to maintain a healthy prostate.
• Say no to saturated fats, which mainly come from meat products. Limit your consumption of red meat (hot dogs, bologna, pork, and beef), packages foods, and fast food. Instead choose leaner cuts of meat. Bake and grill the meat instead of deep-frying it.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to better overall health. Salmon, mackerel, olive oil, walnuts, and almonds are rich sources of these healthy fats which not only maintain prostate health but are also good for cardiovascular health.
• Choose whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals over white bread.
• Choose low-fat dairy products over whole-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Foods that contain excess fats are not just bad for the prostate, but they may encourage obesity which is a precursor to heart disease.
• Multivitamins provide your system with the necessary dose of vitamins and minerals which you might not be receiving from your daily diet, especially if you're a fussy eater. You can also take nutritional supplements like Super Beta Prostate which keep the prostate gland functioning efficiently.
• Cut back on the baddies, namely alcohol, sugar, and too much caffeine. Excess consumption can have an adverse effect on your prostate health.

Smoking Harms Men and Women

Most people acknowledge what are the effects of smoking but not all people understand that smoking harms women more than men. It is an accepted fact that tobacco has never done anything good to the body, but it seems unfair that women receive more damage for having a daily puff of Dunhill than men.

Here are some of the results of a research made by Lancet about the effects of smoking among women:

· Women are more prone than men to have heart disease caused by smoking
· Women receive more carcinogens and toxins from tobacco than men
· Yet, men are more likely to quit than men
· The effects of smoking is more prominent in women than in men

The research started from 1966 to 2010 and studied individuals that came from diverse range of populations worldwide. The study received no funding, and the results were consistent. Smoking is more harmful for women because they are more heavily influenced by hormones compared to men. In men, the genes play much more significant role in their bodies.

Women are mostly estrogen-powered; it keeps sexual characteristics and makes them feminine in many ways. It is the estrogen that is responsible for distribution of fats in favorable places like the breasts, hips and buttocks. It is also responsible for menstrual cycles and maintenance of the
reproductive tract. Estrogen makes the heart and blood vessels healthy. It stimulates bone formation and prevents its resorption to avoid osteoporosis. In addition, high levels of estrogen are responsible for excellent mood (cranky mood is usually caused by insufficient levels of estrogen, which happens in cases like menopause and during menses).

One of the reasons why smoking harms more women than men is because nicotine (along with harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke) reduces the ability of the body to produce estrogen. Reduced estrogen in the bloodstream is akin to a 'mini' menopause. The 'favored' fat distribution will be in disarray, piling up fat in places where no woman wants to have such as under the chin, arms and above the hips (lovehandles). Tobacco abuse can disrupt daily menstrual cycles, cause infertility, vaginal dryness and increased susceptibility to vaginal infections as the protective secretions dries up. Long-term tobacco use weakens the bones by inhibiting calcium absorption, causing early onset of osteoporosis.

As said, estrogen plays an important role to keep heart and blood vessels healthy. Estrogen helps increase good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) while keeping bad cholesterol levels down. And it can be a reason why women are more prone to heart disease the longer they smoke, because nicotine reduces production of heart-friendly estrogen. Therefore smoking increases risk of diseases in heart and blood vessels, especially in women.

Women's bodies also have more fluid content than men. This is evident by having soft, suppler and clearer skin. It also makes them more sensitive to even slight changes in water levels. Cigarette smoke has a drying effect on the skin, and it constricts tiny blood vessels that nourish the skin with nutrients and water. It prematurely ages the skin, making it less elastic and decreasing its natural protection from the elements. Because of decreased blood circulation cell replacement slows down, causing emergence of dark spots. Nicotine also stains skin cells, which is hard to remove because of slow skin turnover. Women have proportionally more circulating blood than men of the same height and weight therefore this feature explains why women absorb more toxins and carcinogens in each puff of cigarette smoke.

But the big reason why the effects of smoking are more harmful in women than in men is due to their anatomy. It is a fact that women have more complicated bodies; they have mammary glands, uterus and cervix which have no equivalent parts in men. They undergo pregnancy, monthly menstrual periods during reproductive years and menopause when supply of egg cell runs out. These complicated operations require precise actions of different body systems to accomplish. Men do not to undergo such events. Therefore, components in cigarette smoke like toxins and carcinogens can do a lot more damage in women's bodies.

Sadly, most cigarette cessation programs are not that focused on women. For example, most graphic cigarette warnings only depict damage in men and not on women. And one more thing, tobacco companies are currently increasing its advertisements to women, and sees them as its growth market in advent of increased scrutiny from authorities.

The vast majority of women are never aware of this. Though the research study advocates for increased emphasis in women in tobacco cessation programs, it seems the best recommendation for women is to avoid tobacco altogether. That includes first-hand and second-hand smoke because the effects of smoking in women can be far worse than in men.

Are You Infertile Because You're Smoking?

Infertility is not an issue that only women worry about; men can also contribute to a couple's inability to conceive a baby. Many people, smokers and non-smokers alike, do not realize that smoking cigarettes impairs fertility in both men and women. If you are a smoker and are interested in having children than pay attention - your habit may be hindering your ability to experience the joys of parenting. Let's take a look at some of the ways that smoking impacts the fertility of both men and women; smoking damages the reproductive capabilities of each sex in a different way.

Let's start by looking at how smoking affect male fertility. Research conducted at the University of Buffalo (New York) in the United States shows that smoking significantly decreases a man's ability to father a child. Sperm from chronic smokers was tested and it was discerned that nearly 2/3 of the sperm failed the test that measures whether or not sperm can successfully fertilize an egg. The results are quite astounding; chronic smokers experienced a 75% decline in fertility compared to their non-smoker counterparts.

Researchers have determined that tobacco smoke decreases sperm count and affects the mobility of sperm - they are unable to swim to and fertilize the egg before they die. Smoking also affects men's hormonal cycles and can even contribute to erectile dysfunction. Additionally, smoking harms the DNA of sperm and in the event that the damaged sperm do fertilize the egg, the weakened DNA can be passed on to the child.

The good news is that quitting smoking can immediately begin reversing the fertility problems caused by tobacco smoke. The sperm count will increase, hormones will balance, and damaged DNA will be replenished. Problems like erectile dysfunction will also sort themselves out once the body begins to return to normal after clearing the system of tobacco toxins during the first few weeks of smoking cessation.

Now let's move on to how smoking harms the reproductive capacities of women. Researchers estimate that female smokers have approximately 75% of the fertility of their non-smoking counterparts. Smoking is linked to a variety of issues that affect a woman's fertility, and these problems (along with the rate of infertility) increase depending on how many cigarettes a woman smokes per day; especially if it is ten or more. Smoking damages the fallopian tubes, increases the risk of miscarriage, and causes unhealthy changes in the cervix and uterus. It can also make your menstrual cycle irregular as it has the ability to shake up your hormone cycle.

One of the most damaging side effects smoking has on a woman's fertility is the fact that is damages the eggs. It makes them weak and damages the DNA sequences. This is especially harmful because the damage is IRREVERSIBLE. Unlike men who continuously generate sperm throughout their lifetime, women are born with a finite set of eggs and they do not generate more. Thus, any damage that the eggs incur is permanent and irreversible. The more you smoke, the more you damage your eggs, and this increases miscarriage, and if you are able to conceive a child, it increases the chance of birth defects and other genetic abnormalities in your offspring.

If you are interested in having children and experiencing a fulfilling life as a parent, then smoking cigarettes is not helping your case. Remember that smoking is a habit and you have the power to take charge of your life and create a healthier way of living by building new habits that promote happiness and wellness. Get rid of that last package of cigarettes today and start a new chapter of your life that will not only benefit you, but also benefit the lives of the children that you want to have.

Pancreatic Cancer and Smoking

Pancreatic Cancer and Patrick Swayze

Most people these days are aware of the link between pancreatic cancer and smoking. Patrick Swayze's death from pancreatic cancer helped firmly to imprint in the mind of the public the association between this deadly disease and cigarette smoking. Patrick himself recognised that his habit may have contributed to his condition. Even so, Patrick continued to smoke and was often photographed smoking in public. He even lit up as he left the clinic where he was receiving treatment. Patrick was diagnosed with stage IV disease. At this stage of the diagnosis, the cancer has already spread from the original tumour site rendering a cure almost impossible. Often the cancer has already spread when symptoms of the disease become obvious. In fact just over 50% of pancreatic cancer sufferers have metastatic disease at diagnosis. Perhaps Patrick became fatalistic. I suppose there was little point in quitting after such a grim prognosis. He probably thought that he didn't need the added stress of undergoing nicotine withdrawal. And although I am fervently anti-smoking I can sympathise with his predicament.

Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis

This cancer carries a bad prognosis and only 5% of sufferers will survive beyond a year and median survival is only 5 months. This median time, in relation to cancer, means that 50% of patients are dead 5 months post diagnosis. Less than 2% of patients make it beyond 5 years. Patrick survived 20 months following his diagnosis. This may have been because of his lifelong regime of physical fitness, despite his smoking habit.

Smoking and Pancreatic Cancer

So what are the risk factors in contracting this deadly disease? Smoking, as discussed earlier, is considered a major cause of pancreatic cancer. Smoking has been linked to many cancers due to the fact that carcinogenic chemicals in cigarette smoke are rapidly distributed to every corner of the body by the bloodstream. Research shows that regular cigarette smokers increase their risk for pancreatic cancer by about 2 fold. The good news for ex-smokers is that risk reduces to similar levels experienced by non-smokers 15 years after smoking cessation.

Other Risk Factors 

Let us be honest, it is not all about smoking. Other factors are also influential. Age, as in many cancers, has major role to play and 80% of pancreatic cancer occurs in the 60-80 age bracket. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women. This may come down to the fact that smoking incidence is higher in men. Other important risk factors include sugar diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer surgery and diet. Meat rich diets increase risk, while diets high in fruit and vegetables reduce risk. Luckily, for me, neither alcohol nor coffee drinking are considered as risk factors.
When you start to smoke you never think of the consequences. This is because most smokers start young. If you start smoking at 16 you are not thinking about possible health problems that may occur 30, 40, or 50 years down the line. Bad habits in our teenage years may continue and smoking is more than a bad habit; it is an addiction. And by their very nature addictions are very hard to break.

Acupuncture and Men's Health

Did you know that men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor for routine care? Men, not unlike women, should take care of their health during all life stages. It may be uncomfortable to discuss prostrate, erectile dysfunction, or infertility issues with your physician, however it is in your best interest to be honest. These conditions impact your overall health and affect your sex life, relationships, and emotional health.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you reach your best health.
The following are men's conditions that can be aided through acupuncture:

• Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, causing pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. Prostatitis has unknown causes, and therefore, can be difficult to treat. Symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, pain in the pelvic area and lower back, and a frequent need to urinate. Studies have shown that herbal therapies and acupuncture are effective in relieving chronic bacterial prostatitis.

• Prostate cancer affects roughly 1 in 6 men in the United States. It is suggested that all men over age 50 get yearly screenings, as the disease responds well to treatment when caught early. Symptoms can include lower back or hip pain, blood in the urine or semen, and urinary problems. TCM and acupuncture can relieve the side effects and boost the health of men with prostate cancer.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostrate compresses the urethra. It is a very common concern and affects about 50% of men over 60. Symptoms may include difficulty starting to urinate, slowness of the urinary system, frequent urination, and the need to urinate in the middle of the night. Common treatments include medication, self-care techniques, and surgery. Acupuncture supports overall urinary system health and can help restore and rebalance.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that occurs in most men at some point in their lives; however, ongoing problems may indicate a more serious issue. Causes of ED include diabetes, clogged blood vessels, and heart disease, as well as medications, anxiety, depression, and stress. Treatments include medications, medical devices, and surgery. The benefit of acupuncture is that it can boost a man's sexual stamina.

• Infertility usually occurs in men because of poor quality or movement or a low concentration of sperm. Acupuncture has been shown in conjunction with Western medicine to improve sperm quality and production and increase the chance of success. Acupuncture and TCM also may help both the man and woman handle the emotional stress when having difficulty conceiving.

• Male depression can manifest itself through feelings of irritability, frustration, fatigue, loss of interest in work and social life, and sleep disturbances. Stress and anxiety can be reduced and the mind and body calmed through acupuncture.

• Male menopause (MM), also known as androgen decline, includes symptoms such as mood changes, depression, sexual problems, and fatigue. Herbal therapy and acupuncture can help men as they age and alleviate signs of MM.

What can you expect during your treatment?

Your practitioner will note your health history and perform an exam to determine the cause of your health concerns. A treatment plan will be designed for you to restore your body to its natural balance.
Fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific points of the body during treatment to restore the balance of energy. In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may include nutritional and herbal remedies in your treatment plan.

© 2012 Deborah Farley, L.Ac, CHHC, DOM

What Are The Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

What Are the Most Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Because of the prostate's location in the body (located just below the bladder in the lower pelvis), urinary symptoms are common warning signs that something is wrong with the prostate.
As urine empties out of the bladder, it travels through a thin tube called the urethra. At the very beginning of the urethra, just as it exits the bladder, it passes directly through the prostate. As the prostate enlarges due to cancer or another problem, the urethra is pinched tighter and tighter within the prostate. As the tube narrows, urine has a much harder time making its way through the urethra and out of the body.

Urinary warning signs that something could be wrong with the prostate include:

• Frequency - urinating much more often than normal.
• Urgency - having a sensation that you need to urinate immediately.
• Nocturia - getting up to urinate multiple times during the night.
• Hesitancy - difficulty starting the urine stream.

Prostate cancer is not the only disease that can cause the prostate to swell, however. In fact, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a much more common cause of an enlarged prostate, and thus, of urinary symptoms. BPH is not cancer, but is still an important condition that should be treated by a physician.

What Are Other Less Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

The urinary problems discussed above are among the most common experienced by men with prostate cancer. However, they are not the only ones. Other less common warning signs include:

• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• New-onset erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Bone pain (especially in the lower back, hips, or ribs)
• Loss of bladder control

When Should I Go to See My Doctor?

The answer to this question is simple. Visit your physician and explain your situation whenever you first begin to experience any of these symptoms. It is especially important for African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer to see their physicians, as these two groups have much higher rates of prostate cancer.

The warning signs listed above are almost always abnormal and all need to be evaluated by a physician. This is especially true if these warning signs appear suddenly. Your doctor can use very simple examinations and laboratory tests to determine whether your symptoms are due to prostate cancer, another serious disease, or a less dangerous condition.

What Are the Positives and Negatives of Prostate Cancer Screening?

Prostate cancer screening involves the use of testing in men who have no symptoms of the disease. Screening for prostate cancer is now much more widely used than in the past and has gained broad acceptance by many physicians in the United States and a number of other countries. Despite it’s extensive use, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons of screening.

In the past, the only tool that doctors had at their disposal to detect prostate cancer in its early stages was the digital rectal examination (DRE). Today, with the easy availability of the PSA test, men throughout the United States and many other countries can now be screened using two very different and complimentary tests. More information about these two tests and their role in diagnosis.

What Are the Benefits of Prostate Cancer Screening?

1. Many men who have early-stage cancer without any symptoms will have their disease detected before it has had time to spread. This is, by far, the most important argument in favor of prostate cancer screening. When cancer is caught while it is still confined to the prostate, nearly 100% of men survive. When it has spread elsewhere, this number drops significantly.
2. Both the DRE and PSA test are very easy to perform, require little time, and are not associated with any significant risks.
3. The percentage of men who die annually of their prostate cancer has declined significantly over the past few years. This is thought by many physicians to be due in part to better screening in addition to improved treatment options.

   What Are the Potential Disadvantages of Prostate Cancer Screening?

   Many men will have high PSA results, but not actually have prostate cancer. These men then undergo further, ultimately unnecessary, testing to determine if cancer is present or not.
   Occasionally men will have low PSA levels and a normal DRE, but actually have prostate cancer. In this situation, men will simply be missed by the screening examinations and go longer without needed treatment.'
   
   Some men will have an abnormal PSA or DRE, be correctly diagnosed with prostate cancer, and then appropriately treated, but will actually have disease that would have never spread fast enough to cause them harm. It is a fact that some men have prostate cancer that is never aggressive and will not kill them. Unfortunately, it is currently not possibly to tell who these men are in advance.
   

   So What’s a Guy to Do?

   Overall, the majority of primary care physicians and prostate cancer specialists favor the use of prostate cancer screening because they feel that the huge benefit of detecting prostate cancer early in many men outweighs the disadvantages listed above.
   
   Most physicians agree that all men over 50 and men over 45 who have significant risk factors should undergo prostate cancer screening. Some men, however, such as those over the age of 75 and those with significant health problems, likely will not benefit greatly from screening because they are far more likely to pass away from a cause other than prostate cancer.
   
   In order to make an educated decision about whether screening or any other aspect of diagnosis is right for you, you should talk with your physician.

_{Sources:
Screening for prostate cancer. American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med 1997; 126:480.
Screening for prostate cancer: recommendation and rationale. Ann Intern Med 2002; 137:915.
Tchetgen, MB, Oesterling, JE. The effect of prostatitis, urinary retention, ejaculation, and ambulation on the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration. Urol Clin North Am 1997; 24:283.
Thompson, IM, Ankerst, DP, Chi, C, et al. Assessing prostate cancer risk: results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98:529.}

Smoking With Liver Disease - A No-No

In patients who have chronic liver disease that is due to alcohol or viruses, the damage to the liver is primarily caused by the alcohol or virus. However, other factors can modify, or aggravate, the amount of liver damage. An interesting study published in the July issue of the journal, Hepatology, focused specifically on the effect that smoking cigarettes has on the liver damage caused by a common chronic liver disease, hepatitis C.

The authors examined the liver biopsies from 310 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were being hospitalized for their first liver biopsy. They compared the biopsies from patients who were current cigarette smokers (176 patients) or former cigarette smokers (56 patients) with biopsies from patients who had never smoked cigarettes (77 patients). They found that current and former smokers had more inflammation and scarring of their livers than did nonsmokers. This finding could not be explained by other factors, such as concurrent alcohol use, that are known to aggravate the inflammation and scarring in hepatitis C. The authors concluded that patients with chronic hepatitis C should be informed that smoking cigarettes could worsen their liver disease.

Chronic hepatitis C can seriously damage the liver. Any study that suggests a way of lessening the damage is potentially important. As always, however, the question must be asked, how well does the study support the conclusions? How strong is the association between smoking cigarettes and greater liver damage? As we have done several times in other articles, let's look critically at the study.

The study was published in a first tier journal and authors are well-known and respected in the field of liver disease. However, the design of the study, referred to as an observational study, is not the strongest.

In observational studies, observations are made--in this case, a history of smoking and examination of liver biopsies--and then associations are looked for among the observations. Although this is a good way of looking for relationships between observations, it is a weak method for determining cause and effect. For example, the authors suggest, on the basis of the association they found, that smoking cigarettes worsens the liver damage. The same association might also occur if patients with more severe liver disease are more likely to smoke!

This study by itself provides limited support for an association between smoking and more severe liver damage. However, the authors cite several other studies in patients with chronic liver disease that show a similar association. These other studies with similar findings add support to the conclusion of the Hepatology study that there is an association between smoking cigarettes and liver damage. (The other studies also suggest that smoking cigarettes is associated with liver damage in chronic liver disease due to alcohol and hepatitis B.)

A type of study that offers the strongest support for a causal association between two observations is called an interventional study. For example, patients who havechronic hepatitis C on a liver biopsy could be randomly assigned to smoke or not smoke, and then additional biopsies could be examined at a later time. If cigarettes are damaging, the biopsies from the smokers should be worse than the biopsies from the nonsmokers. For ethical reasons, such a study cannot be done. (It could be done in animals, however.)

Is there another type of study that could be done to more strongly support the association and a causative relationship between cigarettes and greater liver damage? A controlled, prospective study might be feasible. For example, biopsies could be done in smokers and nonsmokers (control biopsies), and the biopsies could be repeated at a future time. If smoking is detrimental, the biopsies from the smokers should show a greater progression of liver disease than the biopsies from the nonsmokers. This type of study gets around the problem of knowing which comes first: that is, if smoking causes greater liver damage or if greater liver disease causes patients to smoke (since the smoking precedes the damage.)

What do I conclude? I would feel more comfortable if there were a better-designed study to more strongly support the hypothesis that smoking cigarettes damages the liver in patients with chronic liver disease. Until such a study appears, however, I believe there is enough support to advise patients with chronic liver disease to refrain from smoking.

What You Should Know About Prostate Infection

Prostate infection, or prostatitis, can cause a number of severe symptoms, can lead to dangerous complications, and can mimic the symptoms of more serious conditions such as prostate cancer.

Where Do Prostate Infections Start?

Prostate infections most commonly spread upward from the urinary tract. When bacteria, viruses or other organisms enter the urethra, the thin tube that carries urine through the penis, it is sometimes possible for them to migrate upward to the area of the urethra that is surrounded by the prostate. They can then invade the prostate and cause an infection.
Prostate infections can also occur after any kind of medical procedure that involves the prostate. Prostate surgery or prostate biopsy can both result in a prostate infection.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of a Prostate Infection?

A prostate infection can cause a wide variety of symptoms depending on how long it has been present.

The most common symptoms have to do with problems with urination. Problems with ejaculation are also quite common.

The fact that problems with urination and ejaculation are common makes sense, given that both urine and semen pass through the prostate as they travel out of the body. Inflammation or infection in the prostate results in difficulties with the passage of either of these fluids.

The most common urinary symptoms of prostate infection are:

• Painful urination: specifically, a burning sensation
• Urinary urgency: experiencing an urge to urinate immediately
• Urinary hesitancy: dribbling or difficulty starting the urine stream
• Urinary frequency: needing to urinate more often than usual
• Nocturia: needing to urinate several times per night

Painful ejaculations, pain in the groin or pelvis, and pain in the testicles are all common symptoms of prostate infection as well.

Symptoms such as fever, chills, malaise (feeling generally ill), and fatigue can also occur during a prostate infection.

If the prostate infection lingers (becomes chronic), then intermittent urinary tract infections may occur. Urinary tract infections are generally uncommon in men, and recurrent urinary tract infections in a man should prompt an evaluation for chronic prostatitis or other causes.

What Else Can Result in the Same Symptoms as Prostate Infection?

The most common symptoms of prostate infection, as listed above, are not specific to prostate infection. They can also be experienced when other problems of the prostate are present, including
prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as “enlarged prostate."

Because the symptoms of prostate infection can be identical to those of prostate cancer, it is essential that you see your doctor if you develop these symptoms, especially if the symptoms persist.

_{Source:
Kumar, Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th ed. 2005.}

Protect Against Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Problem

If you're a man who has ever gotten a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, you know it's a "must-have" test for guys over 50. But there's a debate that's been raging for years over the test's ability to save lives. And now, two opposing studies have muddied the waters on the value of this routine test even more - leaving American men wondering if the test is really worth taking.
While an elevated PSA reading may indicate a life-threatening cancer, it may also detect slower-moving tumors that would never cause death. Because doctors can't yet tell the difference, treatments are often ordered that can impair men's quality of life - causing many experts to worry that the PSA test is overused.

The Problem With PSA

If you've never had a PSA screening, here's the 411 on this popular prostate test. The prostate produces a substance known as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). A small amount of this antigen continuously leaks into the bloodstream, and levels can be easily measured. Since high levels of PSA can be associated with prostate cancer, most doctors rely on this test, combined with a rectal exam, to screen their patients for prostate cancer.

Routinely measuring PSA levels as a way to spot potential prostate cancer began in the early 1990s and quickly gained status as the "gold standard." The logic behind the simple blood test was that the earlier you could spot prostate cancer, the better the chance of survival. It's a belief most doctors still subscribe to.

On the other hand, the American Cancer Society does not currently recommend routine PSA screening for all men. Here's why: Raised PSA levels simply indicate there's a problem with your prostate. While that could mean cancer, it could also be a sign of a prostate infection or an enlarged prostate. Or it could mean nothing at all since PSA levels also go up after some medical procedures, particularly after a digital rectal exam. Smoking, your diet, weight changes, and the use of calcium supplements an also cause unreliable PSA readings.

Unfortunately, too many doctors automatically schedule a biopsy based on just one PSA screening. This is totally unnecessary. PSA levels, like your blood pressure, can go up and down based on a variety of factors. Scientists at the University of Texas found that men who are overweight or obese typically have lower PSA counts - even if cancer is present. Bladder infections can also upset PSA levels. Certain medications, like the hair loss drug finasteride, can lower your PSA level, while stress can raise it. And something as simple as changing your diet can impact your PSA.

To get the whole picture, several PSA screenings should be done before more radical measures are taken. And that's where these two studies come in.

Study Stupor

While both studies appeared in a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, that's where the similarities end. The first study, which followed more than 76,000 American men for seven years, found that getting regular PSA screenings did not reduce prostate cancer deaths. But the other study, which included 182,000 European men, found that getting tested reduced the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 20 percent.

So which study is right? Who knows? What I can say is this: The never-ending debate over the virtues of PSA screenings is enough to make any man crazy! But there are some guidelines that can help you decide if you really need to get tested. The most important is family history. You have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer if the men in your family had the disease, especially if they were diagnosed before they turned 55. If your father or brother developed prostate cancer, your risk is doubled.

Race can also be a risk factor. More African-American men are struck by prostate cancer than their Asian counterparts. Blacks also have a higher risk of dying of the malignancy. If you have either of these risk factors, you should definitely schedule a PSA test by the time you celebrate your 45th birthday.

What if you're an older man? Some cancer experts say that, if you have had normal PSA readings in the past, you can stop testing at age 70. But, if previous tests show rising PSA levels, keep getting screened at least annually. If you're eventually diagnosed with prostate cancer, be aware that most prostate cancers are confined to the prostate itself and grow very slowly. If you're over 75, consider "watchful waiting" - a situation where your doctor keeps very close tabs on the cancer's progression. It can be a good alternative to aggressive treatment, which can carry the risk of incontinence and impotence.

Pro-Active Protection

In the midst of all this confusion, there is some good news. Mother Nature has provided men with an arsenal of tools to protect against prostate cancer. Here are three of the most effective:
Vitamin D:  A growing number of studies link the "sunshine" vitamin to a lower risk of prostate cancer. One observational study of 19,000 men found that those with the lowest levels of vitamin D have a 70 percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those men who got enough of this nutrient. Without enough vitamin D, prostate cells can multiply too quickly and promote both prostate enlargement and cancerous tumors. Yet between 20 and 80 percent of all Americans have low enough levels to classify them as vitamin D deficient. Make sure you're getting enough by taking 1,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day to help prevent cancer.

Lycopene:  This nutrient is a powerful antioxidant and the source of the red coloring in tomatoes. In a study of over 40,000 health professionals, Harvard researchers found that lycopene slashed the risk of prostate cancer by 35 percent. In another study, researchers discovered that the risk of developing prostate cancer - especially aggressive cancer - decreased in men taking 50 mg. of supplemental lycopene daily. They also noted that a high level of lycopene in the blood was associated with low PSA levels. To boost your lycopene levels, take at least 6.5 mg. per day.

Beta-Sitosterol:  This compound is found in a wide variety of plants, including prostate-friendly herbs like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, and Pygeum africanum. A study of malignant prostate tumors showed that beta-sitosterol decreased cancer cell growth by 24 percent and boosted the rate that the cancer cells died fourfold. The researchers concluded that beta-sitosterol worked both directly and indirectly to halt the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. To get the most protection possible, take 130 mg. of beta-sitosterol daily. Just be aware that plant sterols can interfere with beta-carotene and vitamin E absorption. Make sure to take a multivitamin to avoid a deficiency.

One Last Thing

If you do decide to get a PSA screening, it's also smart to have some idea what the results mean. What's high? What's low? The National Cancer Institute has created the following four categories to help your doctor determine your risk of prostate cancer.

Normal   0-4 ng/ml
Slightly Elevated  4-10 ng/ml
Moderately Elevated  10-20 ng/ml
Highly Elevated  20+ ng/ml
ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter

If your levels are elevated, don't panic! And don't let your doctor automatically schedule a biopsy. As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of reasons your PSA may be higher than normal.

A higher-than-normal PSA reading simply means that two things need to happen. First, if your doctor hasn't done so, make sure he conducts a digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate for hard, lumpy, or abnormal areas. Pressure may be applied with the doctor's other hand to the pelvic area so that he can feel for tenderness or abnormalities such as enlargement or growths. There can be some mild discomfort or pain during a DRE, since the doctor must press firmly on the prostate. This pressure can also make you feel like you need to urinate. But, even though it may not be on your "Top 10" list of fun things to do this year, it beats the heck out of getting a biopsy, which can be painful, risky, and potentially unnecessary.

The second thing you need to do is to request at least one more PSA screening before proceeding to more aggressive testing. Since prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer, most men with higher than average levels can afford to take at least one additional test, preferably a few weeks after the original screening. Overall, PSA is fairly reliable over time, and both you and your doctor can get a much better picture of what's really happening inside your prostate if several PSA tests can be compared.
While you're waiting for your next screening, there are a number of things you can do to improve a troubled prostate. Start by cleaning up your diet. Avoid dairy and highly processed foods, and opt for healthy whole foods. You can also begin to take the supplements mentioned above.

Research Brief

Recently I told you how lutein can protect against age-related macular degeneration. Well, it turns out that this eye-friendly antioxidant can also tackle more mundane problems. A new study from China shows that taking lutein for 12 weeks protected computer users' eyes from becoming sensitive to long-term exposure to the light from computer monitors.

This is great news for folks like me who spend hours in front of their computers. But, to get this protection, the study found that you need higher-than-average amounts of lutein - six to 12 mg. daily. Along with taking a lutein supplement, you can increase your levels by eating more green, leafy vegetables and egg yolks.

Varicocele a common cause of male infertility

Facts about Varicocele

A varicocele is a collection of enlarged, varicose veins that develops in the spermatic cord. Caused by a defective or damage valve that regulates blood flow into the main circulatory system. Blood flow is hampered and enlargement of the vein occurs.

A varicocele can occur in one or both testicles

Most common in the left testicle (85% more common)

More common in men between the ages of 15 and 25 years old (10-20% higher).

 

Varicocele, a Common Cause of Infertility

About 40% of infertile men have a varicocele.

About 80% of men with secondary infertility, who have fathered one child but are unable to do so again, have a varicocele.

Infertility is common because the blood carried in the dilated vein makes the testes warmer. It is this warmth damaging sperm that is believed to be the cause of infertility. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of varicocele

The majority of men with a varicocele do not experience any symptoms.

Most cases are discovered during a physical examination by a doctor i.e. for infertility

The testicle may ache

There may have a feeling of heaviness in the testicle

It may be possible to feel the enlarged vein

here are a number of treatments avaiable to treat a varicocele. Treatment depends on symptoms and seriousness of the condition.

Treatment in Cases with No Symptoms or Mild Symptoms

A scrotal support or supportive underwear may be the only treatment required.
Varicocele Ligation

Surgery is recommended for men with a varcocele where pain, damage to the testicles, atrophy or where treatment is required for sterility. The procedure is surgical ligation (tying off) of the distended veins. This can be carried out under a general or local anesthestic. Keyhole surgery is sometimes available and results in a smaller scar. Surgery takes about 45 minutes and is performed as day surgery.

About two weeks away from work will be required but this depends on the type of work. A scrotal support will be required for some time after surgery.

Treatment Complications following Varicocele Ligation

Complications include infection, hematoma (blood clot formation), injury to the scrotal tissue or structures, injury to the artery that supplies the testicle. Re-emergence of the varicocele occurs in between 0.6 and 45% of cases

Embolization of the Varicocele

Performed under a local anesthetic, a small incision is made into the right side of the groin, through which a small wire is passed into the large vein in the leg. The wire is guided into the veins and drains the left scrotum. A small metal coil is placed in the vein to block it off, effectively doing the same job as surgical ligation. The procedure is usually on an out patient basis. The advantages of embolization include minimal risk of damage to the testicular artery so testicular atrophy is rare. There is a very small risk of developing a hydrocele.
Reocurrance of varicocele after this procedure is between 4% and 11%.

Complications of Embolization of Varicocele

Migration of the coil out of the vein

Allergic reactions to the x-ray contrast dye

Bleeding from the right groin where the wire is inserted

 

Returning to Fertility following Surgical Intervention for Varicocele
It takes about 90 days for a sufficient quantity of new sperm to be produced to permit fertilization.50% of men who have a varicocelectomy to correct infertility father children within a year. 5% to 20% who recieve treatment for varicocele have a recurrance of the condition.

Prostate Cancer That Spreads to the Brain

Cancer of prostate develops in the prostate gland and typically develops slowly. Advanced prostate cancer could extend to the brain or other body parts. The brain is one of the most common sites of metastasis from solid tumors.

When symptoms of metastatic cancer take place, the type and frequency of the symptoms will rely on the size and location of the metastasis. For instance, cancer that extends to the bones is probable to lead to pain and can cause bone fractures. Cancer that extends to the brain can lead to various symptoms including headaches, seizures and unsteadiness. Shortness of breath might be a sign of lung involvement.

Prostate cancer typically causes no symptoms until it achieves an advanced stage. Sometimes, symptoms close to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) develop, including difficulty urinating and a necessity to urinate recurrently or urgently. However, these symptoms do not enlarge until after the cancer develops large enough to compress the urethra and partly block the flow of urine. Afterward, the cancer might lead to bloody urine or a sudden incapability to urinate.

In a number of men, symptoms of prostate cancer develop simply after it spreads (metastasizes). The areas most frequently affected by cancer spread are bone and the kidneys. Bone cancer has a tendency to be painful and might deteriorate the bone enough for it to easily fracture. Cancer of prostate could also spread to the brain, which ultimately leads to seizures, confusion, weakness, headaches, or other neurologic symptoms. After the cancer spreads, anemia is common.

If suspected that prostate cancer spread to the brain or spinal cord, CT or MRI of those organs is done. Brain tumors could directly damage brain cells, or they might indirectly destroy cells by producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain because the tumor grows, inducing brain swelling, and causing increased pressure in the skull.

Metastatic brain tumors are classified relying on the precise site of the tumor in the brain, kind of tissue involved, original site of the tumor, and other factors. Rarely, a tumor could extend to the brain, yet the original location or site of the tumor is unknown. This is named cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin.

Prostate Problems and Alternative Treatments

Many men suffer from several prostate disorders and one of the most common prostate problems is prostatitis. Prostatitis occurs when there is inflammation of the prostate gland. The inflammation can be secondary to a lot of factors which includes infections by bacteria, viruses, and other microbial pathogens. It may also be caused by impaired immunity, irritation or other pathologic conditions affecting other systems.

Prostate conditions are one of the most common illnesses men experience as they grow older, and prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate, is a very prolific condition! Doctors cannot just order any drug for the client with this disease, instead, they need to determine the cause first through a series of diagnostic tests.

The treatment for prostatitis will depend on the cause of the condition since it can be produced by a host of predisposing factors! A series of test may be done on the client to assess the cause, on whether it bacterial, viral, fungal, or chemicals, drugs, or irritants. Some of the drugs which may be ordered will include antimicrobials to destroy the pathogen causing the infection, anti- inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) to decrease the swelling and pain, and analgesic such as Tramadol for the pain, although the physician may prescribe may another pain reliever which is more appropriate for the client. Some men may choose to seek more alternative options such as acupuncture, reflexology, herbal medications and acupuncture.

Men who are health conscious are also seeking ways of maintaining their over- all health, and this will include their prostate health. Some may opt to take vitamins and other supplements, others seek more alternative solutions by seeking an acupuncturist or asking for her herbal supplements and drinks.

Over the century, the number of men suffering from prostate conditions have dramatically increased and with this rising number, the demand for more supplements had manufacturers running to their laboratories to make the perfect supplement. The best prostate supplements are those that combine contemporary medicine and traditional. Nowadays, supplements make use of both herbal plants and are incorporated with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Why Prostate Care Is Important

The prostate is an important part of our body. Sometimes we overlook it because we do not understand what it's for or what benefits it brings to us. The prostate is a gland that produces fluid that will aid in proper reproduction. Without it, the sperm cells may not be able to survive. Taking care of your prostate is a must. As with any part of our body it is also important. Prostate supplement tablets are available in the market. And it will provide proper nourishment that the prostate needs. Enough nourishment can also come from the diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten. Fatty foods and those that have been processes should also be avoided.

Improper care of your prostate will lead to damage and disease. As we age, our prostate also deteriorates. To add to that, drinking and smoking also adds to the deterioration of our prostate. As a result prostate related diseases may occur. Prostate cancer is one of the most feared diseases that could occur. So if you want to prevent this from happening, start caring for your prostate today. It is never too late. Minimize, if not stop, drinking and smoking. Visit your doctor regularly and schedule check-ups, especially when you feel that something is wrong. Prevention is always better than cure. So starting today would really help your tomorrow.

In our world today, health has become a very important issue. Fitness seems to be a must. But being physically fit should not be the basis. Being fit inside also counts. In men, the prostate may enlarge as they come to an age. But before this happens, prevention can be done. Having a healthy diet will help you protect your prostate from diseases. Additionally, there are health supplements made specifically to ensure the health and wellness of your prostate. A healthy prostate would also mean a healthy reproductive system. This will ensure proper functioning of your body. Additionally exercise, like the Kegel's exercise will also help in improving the circulation to the tissues in that area. Adequate circulation will provide support to the tissues and make them healthier.

With aging, disease comes too. And having a large prostate when you're over 40 is common. But even if it is common doesn't mean that it is normal. This is the age where you should have your doctor do a prostate exam. A prostate exam is done by the doctor by inserting his fingers in the anus and palpating your prostate. This is the only way to tell whether your prostate has become enlarged. To prevent enlarged prostates you should fill your diets with healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Unsaturated fats, sugars and processed foods should also be avoided. An exercise called the Kegel exercise is suggested to be done to improve the blood circulation in these tissues.

Taking care of your prostate can be done in varied ways. A very simple ways such as changing into a healthy diet is the very first thing to do. Eating vegetables and fruits. Also avoid fatty foods, sugars and those that have been processed. Nettle and Pygeum are herbs that are effective in relieving symptoms of enlarged prostate. In addition to this saw palmetto may also be used. Taking in of supplement such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium will aid in the prevention of the oxidation of the tissues. This will lead to a healthier prostate. Starting today is the best thing to do, do not wait till it's too late.

The market is filled with products that may or may not be useful to us. Among them are the supplements for the prostate. As men age, the probability of them having a large prostate also increases. This is the perfect time for them to let doctors check their prostate. Large prostate or not, you have to take care of it. As an addition to taking in dietary supplements, eating healthy foods will ensure not only a healthier prostate but a healthier whole body as well. Refraining from smoking and drinking will also decrease the probability of having prostate disease. Take care of prostate to live a better and fuller life.

Commercially prepared dietary supplements targeted to prevent prostate disease are available in the market. Most of these are made from herbs proven to promote a healthier prostate. Examples of these herbs are damiana, nettle and Pygeum. Additionally, antioxidants, specifically vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium are also added to prevent tissue oxidation. Oxidative damage may occur in the sensitive tissues if not enough antioxidants are available. This is just one way of taking care of your prostate. Other ways like eating fruits and vegetables is also suggested by most doctors. Additionally doing the Kegels exercise will help the blood circulation to flow in the tissues. A good circulation will help the proper functioning of the gland.

Prostate Health Guide

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urinary passage at the end of the bladder of males. Typically small among babies, this gland grows as the child goes through the process of puberty as a response to the production of more testosterone, the male hormone. This said gland functions primarily to produce secretions that add up to the total amount of seminal fluid, promoting healthier sperm cells by protecting them from the acidic environment of the vagina. Additionally, the prostate gland also secretes an enzyme called prostatic specific antigen (PSA), where an elevation in the said enzyme might indicate some prostatic problems such as benign enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer.

As more males indulge into unhealthy lifestyles and vices such as cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol drinking, the homeostasis of the body gets compromised, and that certain disorders involving the various parts of the body becomes more prevalent. Prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate gland and the most common disorder among young males, would be one of the prevailing disorders of the prostate these days, and this said disease is often associated to bacterial infections and other underlying health conditions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, on the other hand, are often related to the inevitable process of aging, as a result of free radical accumulation from food and cell destruction from the wear-and-tear process of the body.

As the male ages, his prostate gland, goes through an unavoidable degenerative process. As such, the gland loses its integrity; thus the start of some prostatic disorders, which are often classified into three common types. First in line would be prostatitis. As the term suggests, this problem is often associated to bacterial infection or sometimes, to an underlying or pre-existing health condition. On the contrary, benign prostatic hyperplasia and the dreaded prostate cancer are age-related by nature. Alongside with unhealthy lifestyle and vices like cigarette smoking, these disorders are basically attributed to the long-term effects of aging and cellular damage. On this note, it is therefore advised that males, especially for those whose ages would be from 40 and above, to go through a diagnostic procedure called digital rectal examination (DRE) to assess impending abnormal tissue growth that might indicate prostate problems.

Since diet, along with stress, participates as one of the chief reasons for prostate problems like prostate cancer, it is crucial that males become aware of the foods that are encouraged to be taken and advised to be avoided. Among the various recommended foods that should be taken would include natural food sources like fruits and vegetables. Additionally, fresh fish that are enriched with fatty acids are also very helpful. On the other hand, meat products that are rich in fats and salty foods are two of the foods that you should eliminate in your diet. The foods rich in hydrogenated oils such as donuts, cakes, cookies and margarine, and other processed foods are among the additional things you should also consider removing from your diet list to help promote a healthy prostate gland.

The treatment of prostate cancer will basically be based on certain factors such as age, the total health status of the person and the extent of tumor. For tumors that are found inside the prostate gland, radiation therapy and the use of radical prostatectomy are two of the most common alternative treatments. Additionally, a treatment called "watchful waiting", where no treatment is introduced until the tumor enlarges, is another option. This said approach is considered by many as the best choice especially for older men, since they have a greater risk of dying from something else other than the cancer of the prostate itself. Hormone therapy is a yet another option for treating prostate cancer.

Radical Prostatectomy Versus Observation for Localized Prostate Cancer

Is surgery superior to watchful waiting for patients with localized prostate cancer? To answer this question, the investigators performed a randomized trial in men associated with the Veterans Affairs hospital system. They compared 364 men who received radical prostatectomy with 367 men who were observed. Patients who were included in the trial had prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels < 50 ng/mL, were younger than 75 years of age, and were free of metastatic disease. During a median follow-up of 10 years, mortality rate was 47% in operated patients and 49.9% in nonoperated patients (P = .22).

Similar outcomes were observed in analysis of several subgroups of patients. About 20% of operated patients had an adverse event within the first month.

Viewpoint

 

The results of this trial support observation as a valid alternative to radical surgery for men with localized prostate cancer and PSA levels in the lower range. Overall, 7% of all patients died of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer deaths were responsible for only 15% of total deaths in the observation group. This study provides much needed information to help physicians, as well as patients with early prostate cancer, decide about treatment options.

Walnuts Appear to Improve Semen Quality in Healthy Men

The daily addition of 75 g of whole-shelled walnuts to a typical Western-style diet appears to have positive effects on the vitality, morphology, and motility of sperm in healthy men, according to the findings of a randomized, parallel, 2-group, dietary intervention trial.

Wendie A. Robbins, PhD, and colleagues from the University of California, Los Angeles, published their findings in Biology of Reproduction.

The authors note that despite the connection between food and reproduction throughout history, the evidence of the effects of diet on male fertility is lacking. "Dietary habits and essential nutrients to promote successful reproductive outcomes have been identified for the maternal peri-conceptional and peri-natal period, but healthy dietary habits and essential nutrients for paternal reproductive fitness are less clear," the authors write.

"Evidence is particularly limited for men who routinely consume Western-style diets that may lack optimal nutrients and [polyunsaturated fatty acid] profiles needed for healthy sperm and fertility," they continue.

Via flyers posted on campus, the authors recruited 120 healthy men between the ages of 21 and 35 years who routinely consumed a Western diet, 3 of whom only participated in a pilot trial. After randomly assigning the remaining 117 participants to the control (no dietary supplementation, n = 58) and walnut supplementation (n = 59) groups for a 12-week trial, the authors revealed that sperm vitality (difference after 12 weeks, 5.5% ± 10.0% vs 0.51% ± 7.4% in walnut vs control groups, respectively; P = .003), motility (difference after 12 weeks, 5.7% ± 13.4% vs 0.53% ± 10.4, respectively; P = .009), and morphology (normal forms: difference at 12 weeks, 1.1% ± 2.7% vs 0.1 ± 2.3, respectively; P = .03) were significantly improved in the walnut group compared with the control group.

The authors excluded men with known food allergies, histories of reproductive disorders or vasectomies, current smoking habits, or current usage of antioxidant supplements, medications for chronic illnesses, or illicit drugs.

In addition, serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels were significantly improved in the walnut group after 12 weeks (P = .0007 and .0004, respectively), although no differences were observed in sperm fatty acid levels after 12 weeks of walnut supplementation.

The prevalence of sex chromosome disomy and sperm missing a sex chromosome were significantly lower in the walnut group after 12 weeks of supplementation (P = .002 and .01, respectively). Sperm α-linolenic acid levels were inversely correlated with the proportion of sperm missing a sex chromosome (Spearman correlation coefficient, −0.41; P = .002)

No differences were observed between the baseline characteristics of the control and walnut groups, excluding lower follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the walnut group (P = .04). The limitations of the study included the collection of blood samples only during daytime, preventing evaluation of the effects of diurnal variations in sex hormone levels.

Would Sperm Improvements From Walnuts Persist for Infertile Men?
 
The authors noted that this study could not clarify whether the effects observed in healthy adults will be applicable to those with fertility issues. "Whether adding walnuts to the diet will go beyond the shifts in sperm parameters as seen in this study to improving birth outcomes for men within fertility clinic populations or in the general population is not yet known and will require further research," the authors write.

Dolores Lamb, PhD, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and current president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, noted that walnut supplementation may represent a useful strategy for some men with fertility problems.
"Importantly, if indeed subsequent studies show improvement in fertility potential, this is a simple dietary intervention that could be easily recommended for men with sperm deficiencies caused by poor viability, poor morphology (for some specific defects), and lowered motility," Dr. Lamb told Medscape Medical News by email.

"While there is no doubt that many men with abnormal morphology, vitality, or motility would not be helped by this intervention because of the clearly multifactorial basis of male infertility, nevertheless, if a subset of infertile men can be helped, this would be a positive advance," she concluded.

This study was funded through a grant from the California Walnut Commission. Dr. Lamb has received grant support from the National Institutes of Health and from the William and Ella Owens Medical Research Foundation.

Final Results in 'Definitive' Prostate Cancer Trial

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Two treatments are better than 1 for men with locally advanced prostate cancer, according to the final results of a landmark cooperative-group trial.

Radiation therapy plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improved survival in these men, said senior investigator Padraig Warde, MBChB, from the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He reported the results here at the American Society for Radiation Oncology 54th Annual Meeting.

Compared with ADT alone, the combination significantly improved overall survival by 30% and significantly reduced the risk of dying from the disease by 54%.

Of the 603 men randomized to the combination, 205 have died, as have 260 of the 602 men randomized to ADT alone. Median follow-up was 8.0 years.

The combination caused only a minimal increase in late treatment toxicity, Dr. Warde reported. For late gastrointestinal toxicity (above grade 2 proctitis), the combination had a small detrimental effect, compared with ADT alone (1.0% vs 0.3%).

"This is the definitive trial in patients who are suitable for radical treatment," Dr. Warde told Medscape Medical News, referring to men with locally advanced disease who are in good health and have a "reasonable life expectancy."

 

This is practice-changing. Dr. Padraig Warde

 

"This is practice-changing," he added. The change that is needed is a shift away from treating locally advanced disease with ADT alone, he added.

Dr. Warde hopes the message reaches urologists. They are the "gatekeepers" of prostate cancer treatment and the primary prescribers of ADT alone for locally advanced disease, he said. There is a mistaken belief among urologists that locally advanced disease is not curable, he added.

In his presentation, Dr. Warde quoted an anonymous urologist's wrongheaded justification for prescribing ADT by itself: "These men all have metastatic disease; adding radiotherapy to hormones is unnecessary and unkind."

An estimated 15% to 25% of all newly diagnosed prostate cancer is locally advanced, and therefore high risk, said Dr. Warde. Currently, a "huge" percentage of these cases in the United States — up to 45% — continue to be treated with ADT alone, he added.

ADT is easy to prescribe, which partially explains its widespread use in this setting, said Jeff Michalski, MD, from the Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, who was not involved with the study. "With ADT, there's an initial favorable response, but there is also an inevitable progression and decline in quality of life," he told Medscape Medical News.

 

Now data show that you compromise survival. Dr. Jeff Michalski

 

"Now data show that you compromise survival, too," with ADT alone, said Dr. Michalski.
Dr. Warde noted that his team's results are supported by a Scandinavian study, in which combination therapy provided better survival than ADT alone (Lancet. 2009;373:301-308).

Benefit May Be Underestimated
 
All of the men in the study by Dr. Warde and colleagues had T3/T4 disease or T2 prostate adenocarcinoma with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level above 40 μg/L, or had T2 prostate adenocarcinoma with a PSA level above 20 μg/L and a Gleason score of 8 or higher.

The patients were randomized from 1995 to 2005 to lifelong ADT (bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist) with or without radiation therapy.

The radiation therapy consisted of 65 to 69 Gy to the prostate, with or without radiation to seminal vesicles. If needed, 45 Gy was delivered to the pelvic nodes. "It was the standard dose at the time," said Dr. Warde.

The combination of radiation therapy plus ADT significantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57 to 0.85; P = .0003) and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.61; P <.0001), compared with ADT alone.

In the study, 199 patients (43%) died of disease and/or treatment (134 receiving ADT alone and 65 receiving the combination).

The results of this study are "exciting," but they might "underestimate" the effect of combination therapy, he added.

Radiation oncologists now use 76 to 80 Gy to the prostate, Dr. Warde pointed out. "We now have the technology to do better," he said.

Not all men with locally advanced disease should receive radiation, Dr. Warde noted. The general rule is that the combination of radiation and hormone therapy should be used in men with a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. In older men with fewer years of life remaining and in men with considerable comorbidities, especially cardiovascular comorbidities, radiation should be avoided, he said.

Very Important Results
 
The interim results of this study were presented by Dr. Warde at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and were reported at that time by Medscape Medical News.
At that meeting, an expert placed the study in the context of earlier research.

Previous studies have established the value of combining hormone therapy and radiation therapy, said Timothy Gilligan, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that men with high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer live longer if they receive hormone therapy at the same time as radiation therapy," he explained.

However, Dr. Gilligan said it was unclear whether it was the hormone therapy or the radiation therapy that was responsible for the improved survival in the previous studies.

This study provides clarity, he added. It "shows that radiation therapy makes a difference," he said.
The study was supported the National Cancer Institute, the Medical Research Council in the United Kingdom, and the National Cancer Research Network in the United Kingdom. Dr. Warde, Dr. Michalski, and Dr. Gilligan have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
 
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 54th Annual Meeting: Abstract 8. Presented October 28, 2012.