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.