Prostate - How To Keep A Healthy Prostate

Most men over the age of 50 are liable, according to statistics, to get prostate cancer. For American men, about 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and some 35,000 men die of this disease annually. The numbers are increasing as well.

This article is all about simple ways of keeping your prostrate healthy.

What is the problem?

The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland and organ that sits right below the bladder and is wrapped around the urethra. Other than closing the urethra during erection, the prostate has nothing to do with a man's urinary system.

The prostate is needed for ejaculation, as the ejaculate passes through the same urethra as the urine does. The prostate gland's basic job is to add special fluid to the sperm before it exits the penis during ejaculation.

This is why the prostate sits below the bladder, and also why prostate problems interfere with a man's ability to urinate and to have sex.

The prostate is affected three ways:

1. infection

2. enlargement

3. cancer

What are the problem's symptoms?

For infection (called prostitis) there is a great deal of pain, fever, and uninary problems. There are medicines and conventional therapies, however following the dietary rules below are very beneficial for prostitis.

Englargement (known as BHP or benign prostatic hypertrophy) is a non-cancerous enlarement of the prostate. The symptoms are hesitancy in urinating, dribbling of urine before and after urinating, frequent urination, straining to start the stream, urgency of urination, and getting up several times at night to urinate.

Cancer of the prostate symptoms are quite the same as BHP and many men are quite unaware they have cancer of the prostate, as there are often no symptoms at all. A PSA test done every 6 months is now a necessity for every man over 45.

What can be done about it?

Actually a lot. Diet and stress appear to be the main culprits. Here is a list of "do eat" and "do not eat" that is quite time tested.

Eat the following

lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils). fresh fish. And especially fish from cold ocean waters (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) have large amounts of essential fatty acids. whole grain in moderation, rather than refined (white) breads, pasta, crackers, rice, and other grains.

Dont eat the following

fatty meats, fatty meats, excess of salts, hydrogenated oils, such as those found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, other desserts, potato chips, and other deep-fried foods. canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods, sodas, alcohol, black teas (which includes most iced teas), or coffee, and dairy foods, especially if they have been pasteusterised.

Are there Special Foods that Can Cure the Cancer?

Perhaps; and this is still a subject open to debate,but chilli peppers have been shown to inhibit the cancerous cells of the prostate. There was a study done recently at UCLA in California which indicate as much.

Also there are several herbs and food additives known for their beneficial action on the prostate. They are:

*Saw palmetto: This herb is now well-known to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA..

*Green tea: The catechins found in green tea are the likely "medicines" for the prostate, although it is not known exactly how they prevent or combat existing prostate cancer. The usual dose is no less than 6 cups per day.

*Pygeum: Pygenum has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract for many years.

*Nettle: The Nettle is rich in vitamin C, iron, and other proven nutrients that bolster the prostate.

*Kelp: This is seaweed, and plentiful in iodine and contains minerals that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Asian men, with high doses of kelp in their diet (than American men) have a much lower incidence of any prostate problem.

If you follow the above you will have and keep a healthy prostrate.

On prostrate health and other health problems and solutions, including, articles, features and magazines:

http://www.net-planet.org

On prostrate health and other health problems and solutions, including, articles, features and magazines:

http://www.net-planet.org

Male Pattern Baldness And The Prostate Gland

Let's now take a look at a very unusual, but nevertheless a very real relationship between Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is ,in fact, made up of a cluster of smaller glands which surround the urethra and is physically located immediately below the bladder. This is only found in males, and it is not necessary at this stage to describe the detail of its function.

In quite a lot of cases, the gland becomes enlarged, and can in fact, become cancerous. There can also be a noncancerous enlargement and this is identified as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which was mentioned in an earlier article controls the division of cells within the prostate gland, and under normal circumstances is expelled by the prostate. There are times however, when the prostate gland will fail to expel the DHT and this will result in a buildup and in turn cause enlargement of the gland.

The typical North American and also the northern European diets certainly lend themselves to the continuance of BHP, and prostate cancer. This phenomena is almost unknown in other parts of the world. The significance of these factors should be noted - BPH and prostate cancer are caused by the overproduction of DHT and the same factor causes Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or androgenetic alopecia. There has been quite a lot of research done to try and find a cure for BPH (prostatic hyperplasia) and this has on a number of occasions resulted in simultaneous benefits in hair growth.

It is probably stating the obvious, but a lot of these conditions can be avoided, and a general improvement in overall health attained simply by making the necessary changes to the diet.

Let's now take a look at some of the more common myths surrounding hair loss which have been perpetuated over the ages. Fortunately, a lot of them have been dispelled as a result of medical research, and the consequent broadening of people's knowledge of the subject.

It is generally accepted that androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is genetic and is consequently hereditary. There is no truth however, in the statement that it is only applicable to the mother's side of the family. Any predisposition to genetic hair loss, definitely applies to both sides of the family.

The other old wive's tale that should be dispelled is that wearing a hat has anything at all to do with hair loss.

There is an increasing tendency in the community for general hair loss to be commonly referred to as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). This is actually quite incorrect, as females suffer a similar disorder, and so it should be more accurately described as androgenetic alopecia.

Hair loss, could never be described as life-threatening in any way, but it can cause quite serious problems and can certainly have a detrimental effect on the affected persons psyche and self-confidence.

To date, no cure has been found for hair loss, and as stated earlier, many of the factors surrounding hair loss are hereditary. However, having said that, it must be emphasised that there are any number of things the affected person can do to maintain healthy hair and scalp. Hair Loss Treatment and Transplant Visit his website on a regular basis for up-to-date news and help.

Prostrate - How To Keep A Healthy Prostate

Most men over the age of 50 are liable, according to statistics, to get prostate cancer. For American men, about 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and some 35,000 men die of this disease annually. The numbers are increasing as well.

This article is all about simple ways of keeping your prostrate healthy.

What is the problem?

The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland and organ that sits right below the bladder and is wrapped around the urethra. Other than closing the urethra during erection, the prostate has nothing to do with a man's urinary system.

The prostate is needed for ejaculation, as the ejaculate passes through the same urethra as the urine does. The prostate gland's basic job is to add special fluid to the sperm before it exits the penis during ejaculation.

This is why the prostate sits below the bladder, and also why prostate problems interfere with a man's ability to urinate and to have sex.

The prostate is affected three ways:

1. infection 2. enlargement 3. cancer

What are the problem's symptoms?

For infection (called prostitis) there is a great deal of pain, fever, and uninary problems. There are medicines and conventional therapies, however following the dietary rules below are very beneficial for prostitis.

Englargement (known as BHP or benign prostatic hypertrophy) is a non-cancerous enlarement of the prostate. The symptoms are hesitancy in urinating, dribbling of urine before and after urinating, frequent urination, straining to start the stream, urgency of urination, and getting up several times at night to urinate.

Cancer of the prostate symptoms are quite the same as BHP and many men are quite unaware they have cancer of the prostate, as there are often no symptoms at all. A PSA test done every 6 months is now a necessity for every man over 45.

What can be done about it?

Actually a lot. Diet and stress appear to be the main culprits. Here is a list of "do eat" and "do not eat" that is quite time tested.

Eat the following

lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils). fresh fish. And especially fish from cold ocean waters (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) have large amounts of essential fatty acids. whole grain in moderation, rather than refined (white) breads, pasta, crackers, rice, and other grains.

Dont eat the following

fatty meats, fatty meats, excess of salts, hydrogenated oils, such as those found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, other desserts, potato chips, and other deep-fried foods. canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods, sodas, alcohol, black teas (which includes most iced teas), or coffee, and dairy foods, especially if they have been pasteusterised.

Are there Special Foods that Can Cure the Cancer?

Perhaps; and this is still a subject open to debate,but chilli peppers have been shown to inhibit the cancerous cells of the prostate. There was a study done recently at UCLA in California which indicate as much.

Also there are several herbs and food additives known for their beneficial action on the prostate. They are:

*Saw palmetto: This herb is now well-known to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA..

*Green tea: The catechins found in green tea are the likely "medicines" for the prostate, although it is not known exactly how they prevent or combat existing prostate cancer. The usual dose is no less than 6 cups per day.

*Pygeum: Pygenum has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract for many years.

*Kelp: This is seaweed, and plentiful in iodine and contains minerals that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Asian men, with high doses of kelp in their diet (than American men) have a much lower incidence of any prostate problem.

If you follow the above you will have and keep a healthy prostrate.

On prostate health and other health problems and solutions, including, articles, features and magazines:

http://www.net-planet.org

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer

Prostate is a male gland that surrounds first part of the urethra and is responsible for production of semen (the sperm carrier). Prostate cancer is the name given to development of cancer in prostate and prostate cancer is generally found in older men i.e. men that are over 50 years of age.

Diet and Prostate cancer

The risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by including sufficient tomato and tomato products in your diet. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables are also said to reduce the chances of occurrence of prostate cancer. On the other hand there are suggestions that animal fat and dairy products can increase the risk of prostate cancer

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Since prostate cancer affects the abilities of prostate gland the main symptoms are shown by the urinary system. So prostate cancer might lead to more frequent urination or it might lead to difficultly in passing urine (e.g. pain while urinating). It's important to note that enlargement of prostate gland doesn't necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. Also, the occurrence of these symptoms can't be attributed to prostate cancer without proper tests and diagnosis by a qualified doctor.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

There are a number of ways in which diagnosis of prostate cancer is carried out. Your doctor will, of course, enquire about the symptoms first and then prescribe certain tests based on how strong the prostate cancer symptoms are. The various prostate cancer tests include rectal examination (in which the rectum passage is used to feel abnormalities in prostate gland). Then we have blood test that checks the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Ultrasound tests are another means of diagnosing prostate cancer and these are sometimes done in parallel with biopsy of prostate tissue samples. Though these tests are known to be quite good at detecting prostate cancer, they can't be labeled as 100% accurate and hence some other advanced tests might need to be carried out in certain cases.

Treatment of prostate cancer

The treatment approach for prostate cancer will depend on whether it is in its early stages or whether it has got more advanced. Note that if the prostate cancer is detected in too advanced stage, it might spread to bones even and become more or less uncontrollable. The best way to keep prostate cancer at bay is to take proactive approach by consulting doctor (and even going for blood test) regularly and hence catch prostate cancer in its early stages. Surgery, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy are the most usual ways of treating prostate cancer. However, chemotherapy may be used too.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Prostate Cancer blog for more information.

A Little About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects an estimated one out of every six males. Therefore it's understandable that most men want to know at least something about prostate cancer, especially as they are approaching their 40s. This article is going to touch on some of the symptoms and treatments, as well as some of the side effects that come from prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment. This article is not intended to be a substitution for your doctor's advice, so make sure that you seek a professional opinion if you feel that you may have prostate cancer.

One thing that's important to note is that you may not suffer any symptoms at all. That is why it's very important to be checked for prostate cancer frequently, and especially more so as you get older because they can find the prostate cancer before any symptoms show up at all in most cases. Some men that have prostate cancer may experience some of the following symptoms. Frequent or difficult urination, as well as a weak urine flow, erectile dysfunction as well as painful ejaculation and blood in the urine or semen.

There are many different treatment options for prostate cancer and you will want to discuss these with your doctor or healthcare professional before any decision is made. A few of the choices are active surveillance, radiation or hormone therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. There are also other choices and as I said before you should discuss these with your doctor.

One of the best things that you can do for your prostate is to make sure you take care of it in the first place. This may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Just knowing some simple things such as taking vitamin E, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and being informed about eating fats and red meat can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Steve writes informative articles and is the webmaster at prosate cancer and abestosis

Prostate Cancer - What Every Man Needs to Know

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in men. Prostate cancer is often found in elder men and the risk of prostate cancer increases with age. It occurs mostly among the male population of 50 years and above. In prostate cancer, cancerous cells are primary formed in the prostate that then gets transferred to other cells through the process of metastasis. Prostate cancer spreads to other parts of your body like bones.

Causes of Prostate Cancer:

Scientists still do not know the exact cause behind prostate cancer. No one knows why some people suffer with prostate cancer while others do not. Clinical researchers and scientists are working hard to find the answer of this basic question. However they are optimistic to come out with a 'prostate cancer cause' report very soon.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms:

There are no definite prostate cancer symptoms that can be easily noticed by the patients. Prostate cancer does not show any cancer symptom or sign at the initial stage. However, few prostate cancer symptoms have been identified by the National Cancer Institute .

These specific prostate cancer symptoms are given below: 1) Frequent urination. 2) An interrupted or weak urine flow. 3) Trouble while urination. 4) Sensation of pain while ejaculation. 5) Inability to urinate. 6) Burning sensation or pain during urination. 7) Blood in the urine or in the semen. 8) Stiffness or frequent pain in the upper thighs, lower back or hips.

These symptoms are however, not specific for prostate cancer. Therefore if you experience any of these symptoms, don't panic- just consult a doctor. Prostate cancer treatment: Treatment of prostate cancer depends upon factors such as the location of the tumor, general health condition of the patient, age of the patient and size of the tumor. Prostate cancer can be treated with help of following treatment methods.

1) Surgical castration by orchidectomy: the cheapest and simplest prostate cancer treatment is orchidectomy. The only disadvantage is a psychological effect of the loss of testicles. 2) Prostate cancer can be treated with the help of oestrogen hormone and LHRH-analogues. This is a "medical castration." This prostate cancer treatment is very expensive. Oestrogen can be taken orally but oestrogen prostate cancer treatment can give rise to thrombotic complications. 3) Hormone therapy can also be used as prostate cancer cure. 4) The chemical found in black pepper, which causes the tongue to burn, sweat to pout out and eyes to water commonly called as capsaicin is thought to be helpful in prostate cancer cure. US researchers have found that capsaicin can cause human cancer cells to kill themselves. This study is guiding to the way for a new prostate cancer cure. 5) Radiotherapy can also be used for prostate cancer cure. Radiotherapy just destroys cancer cells by radiation. The method is absolutely painless. But treatment of prostate cancer with the help of radiotherapy can cause some side effects like impotence and diarrhea. 6) Brachytherapy can also be applied to cure prostate cancer. Here radioactive elements inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Tyson J Stevenson creates useful articles & reviews on a wide variety of everyday subjects. Expect to see his name often. View further samples of his work at HubbuH or at Prostate Cancer Symptom

A Brief Overview Of Prostate Prevention

Twenty years ago, a prostate problem usually led to cancer, and ultimately, death. Medical advances and further understanding of the human body has led to an increased awareness of how the prostate becomes damaged and more importantly, new ways of prostate prevention.

Prostate prevention is such a major topic because over half the men in the United States will develop some form of prostate difficulty past the age of 50. However, prostate cancer grows extremely slowly and if proper prostate prevention is employed, can be treated and avoided before any serious physical harm is caused.

One of the major breakthroughs in prostate prevention has been the development of the Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) ? a blood test that detects possible prostate cancer before it has a chance to grow. Combine the PSA test with a digital rectal exam and the chances are nearly 100 percent that all prostate cancer can be detected in time for treatment and a cure.

As long as the cancer has not spread outside the prostate gland a cure can be found. Once the cancer migrates outside the prostate it is incurable so it is especially important for men over 50 to get routine screenings. Patient education and raising awareness of how preventable prostate disease is can help virtually wipe-out the condition.

Targeted radiation and surgery, as long as the cancer is found early, can be up to 95 percent effective in curing the disease. This is an astounding rate of success ? one of the highest for any disease.

In addition to age, there are other factors to consider for prostate prevention. Studies have proven that African-American men develop the disease more than other groups. Genetics has also been proven to play a part in developing prostate problems. If there is a history of prostate cancer in your family the chances of developing the disease increases.

Studies have indicated that diets high in fat can spur prostate problems. Other research that focused on men who eat high quantities of vegetables verses men that don?t have led researchers to believe that a high-vegetable diet is essential to prostate prevention. While the research is not concrete, it is reasonably safe to assume that maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, limiting junk food, alcohol and the consumption of red meat can help prostate prevention.

Read more about Prostate Prevention and other related Prostate News by visiting Mary's site at: http://www.prostatehealthnews.com

The Self-Beneficial Virtues Of Prostate Care

One of the most prevalent health risks men over the age of 50 faces are prostate problems. Located between the bladder and the penis, the prostate is a small gland that promotes proper sexual functioning and a healthy reproductive system. Due to a variety of reasons, cancer of the prostate has become one of the most common forms of cancer to strike men.

The good news is that with proper prostate care the chance of developing prostate cancer and other prostate problems can be drastically reduced.

The beginning signs of prostate issues are difficulty urinating and other troubling symptoms. The first stage of prostate disease is Enlarging Prostate (EP). This is the stage where prostate care can be most effective. Men over 50 should have regular check ups to ensure their prostate gland is healthy and working properly. An EP can also lead to painful urinary infections.

There are a variety of therapies and approaches to treat prostate problems. Prostate care for EP usually begins with a regiment of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or 5ARIs. This class of drugs influences prostate care by slowing the body?s creation of DHT, a hormone that leads to an enlargement of the prostate.

Another drug, alpha blockers only treat symptoms. This class of drugs can ease the muscles in the bladder and increase urine flow. In a sense, it is like taking an Aspirin for a headache ? there is still an underlying cause.

The reality of prostate care has changed over time. Years ago it was usually a fatal condition. Research and discoveries have linked proper diet, exercise, healthy habits and regular check ups to helping avoid prostate problems entirely.

Prostate care has come a long way in a short period of time. New therapies, drugs and surgeries are less invasive and are highly successful in treating prostate conditions.

If you are concerned about the condition of your prostate or are looking for more information on prostate care, there are a variety of sources on the Internet and in magazines that can help you become informed about the extent of prostate problems affecting men over 50.

Read more about Prostate Prevention and Prostate Care by visiting Mary's site at: http://www.prostatehealthden.com

Enlarged Prostate - An Overview

It is interesting to note that the aging dog (like his master) is also prone to prostatic enlargement, but (unlike his master) does not often develop retention of urine. However, due to the bulging upwards of the enlarged prostate the dog?s rectum is compressed. This engenders a feeling of continuous fullness in the rectum and induces straining. The prostates of eunuchs are small and underdeveloped, and enlargement of the prostate is unknown.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases to affect men beyond the middle age. The prevalence goes up with age, and thus the total number of patients is increasing as a result of aging population. A majority of these people suffer gradual progression of symptoms and the concomitant discomfort, and require either medical or surgical treatment. The growth and development of the prostate is under the influence of male hormone ?testosterone?.

Rather surprisingly, there is no close correlation between the size of the prostate and the extent of outflow obstruction. However, the larger the prostate, the greater is the risk of BPH complications such as acute urinary retention and the need for surgery.

BPH is usually a slowly progressive condition. An average increase in the prostate is 1-2 cm per year. BPH is the most common condition affecting the prostate accounting for over 80 per cent of prostate disease. The defined risk factor for BPH is age. Clinical BPH seems to run in families.

In the early stages of the disease, the patient complains of hesitancy, a reduced stream and incomplete bladder emptying and then frequency, urgency and nocturia. Later on, prolonged micturition, acute urinary retention, urge incontinence, etc, can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may be associated with sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction and disorders of ejaculation.

The treatment of BPH can be with the help of drugs or by going in for surgery. Some of the drugs used are Finasteride, Duatasteride, Terazosin, Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin. Adverse side- effects of these drugs can be erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, reduced ejaculation, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, postural hypotention, etc.

Lucy Nicholas also writes on Acne. More information http://www.natural-acne-treatments-reviews.com/

Prostate Diet - More Gatherer, Less Hunter

Researchers from Canada have found that having a diet of red meat, organ meats, soft drink and bottled water increased the risk of getting prostate cancer. They compared the diets of 80 men with prostate cancer, and 334 healthy men, and the diet just described more than doubled the risk of developing prostate cancer.

So what prostate diet can reduce the risk of prostate cancer? Swedish researchers examined the diet of 1499 men with prostate cancer and 1130 men who were healthy, and they published their findings in the Cancer Causes and Control journal. They found that eating foods rich in phytoestrogens decreased the risk of prostate cancer.

Phytoestrogens are plant molecules that have a weak estrogenic effect. They are made converted in the intestines from plant precursors by bacteria as they digest food. They are taken up by the same parts of the body that process the hormone estrogen.

Interestingly, one of the treatments for prostate cancer by doctors involves using estrogens to reduce the level of testosterone in men with advanced prostate cancer. It does this indirectly, through its effect on the hypothalamus, as less luteinizing hormone releasing hormone is produced by the hypothalamus. This means not as much luteinizing hormone is released by the body, which suppresses the production of testosterone.

High doses of estrogens for men can lead to cardiovascular complications. But phytoestrogens obtained from diet, in less quantities than a drug, and with a milder effect to start with, should not pose a problem. And researchers don't yet know what exactly causes phytoestrogens to have such a protective effect, whether it is similar to that of the estrogen treatment for advanced prostate cancers. And they don't know which phytoestrogens are the most active.

So what phytoestrogen foods could you include in a diet for a healthy prostate? Soy beans and nuts are a good source. Soy and nuts contain a type of phytoestrogen called isoflavones, whilst berries and seeds contain lignans. Foods could include peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and berries.

The only possible concerns with soy is that a study in mice found that male mice that had a type of heart disease that people also have, suffered heart failure when fed a soy based diet. Whether this extrapolates to the human population is yet to be established. But it may be wise for those me who have this particular genetic heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, to be cautious about soy products in their diet.

But for other men, soy products could be good news. A meta analysis, which is a study of related studies, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that diets high in soy lowered men's risk of prostate cancer by 30%.

Another important mineral to consider for men is zinc. Zinc is used by men's bodies to make some of the male hormones, and for general prostate health. A deficiency in zinc can lead to problems with the testicles, the prostate, and the health of the sperm. Foods that are great sources of zinc include seeds like pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower; nuts like almonds, brazil, cashews and walnuts; and foods like lettuce, oats and onions. Raw onion is particularly suggested by Paul Bedson, a natural therapist. He also suggests vegetable juice made of equal parts of beetroot, carrot, and cucumber in cases where the prostate gland is enlarged. Cranberry juice, a cup drunk three times a day, is also recommended in this case.


References:
1. phoenix5.org/Infolink/advanced/estrogen.html
2. Australian Healthy Food, March 2006
3. Australian Healthy Food, November, 2005
4. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing
5. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=65785&m=1NIE213&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
 

Could Pomegranates Be The New Prostate Cancer Natural Cure?

Pomegranates have long been used in traditional folk remedies to treat sore throats, inflammation, and rheumatism. And recent scientific research has suggested they are also potentially effective in both preventing and treating prostate cancer.

One study, conducted on human prostate cancer cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, found that there were dose dependant improvements. Another study at the same facility injected mice with human prostate cancer cells. These mice developed malignancies. Some mice were fed plain water, whilst two other groups of mice were given water mixed with different concentrations of pomegranate extract.

Those mice that had water only had tumors that grew much faster than the pomegranate and water groups. The quantities given to the mice were comparable to that which people might get if they drank pomegranate juice on a daily basis. And whilst pomegranate juice hasn't been tested on humans with prostate cancer yet, the results are very good.

The study did not indicate what aspects of pomegranate juice were responsible for slowing down prostate tumour growth. But the scientists involved did mention the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more effective than green tea and red wine.

Pomegranate extract not only inhibited the growth of cancer cells, it also worked by another means - apoptosis.

Apoptosis refers to a way that cells can die. Cancer growths are characterized by an uncontrolled growth of cells that do not follow the normal processes of cellular differentiation of regular, healthy cells. Cellular differentiation means that the characteristics of a cell change and get the functions that a mature, healthy cell would. For example, liver cells have specialized liver functions, as do prostate, breast, kidney, and all other types of cells. This is normal and healthy.

In tumour growths, although some cells fully differentiate, many only differentiate partially, and some not at all. And the tumors which have more undifferentiated cells grow faster. So, inducing cellular differentiation is one approach to cancer treatment. The other two ways that doctors and researchers try to treat cancer is by causing the death of cancerous cells. They do this through apoptosis, mentioned above, and necrosis.

In apoptosis, cell death is programmed into the cell when it is 'born'. So the cell dies in a more natural way that is less destructive on its environment. By this I mean it doesn't cause inflammation and the damage associated with it to neighboring cells that may be healthy. Cells die either when they reach cellular old age or when their death benefits the body as a whole. Necrosis, on the other hand, does cause inflammation.

Generally, prostate cancer grows very slowly, although it is unpredictable and can grow quickly and spread.

References:
1. John Boik, Cancer and Natural Medicine (Oregon Medical Press, 1996)
2. Australian Healthy Food, March, 2006
3. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62811
4. nutraingredientsusa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62811
 

Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in men that produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. The growth of the cells in the prostate gland is stimulated by the male sex hormone called testosterone. Though its causes are unknown, prostate cancer is a frightening prospect for men. This cancer threatens not just their lives, but also their sexuality. Possible consequences of treatment (even if the treatment has been successful in saving a person?s life) include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate cancer progresses very slowly and the early stages show little or no symptoms. If detected early, effective treatment with minimum side effects is possible. Once the cancer spreads (metastizes) treatment becomes more difficult.

A man?s vulnerability to prostate cancer increases with age. Most often, prostate cancer is detected very late and people who lose their lives do not die from prostate cancer, but die WITH prostate cancer. As the cancer develops, it eventually squeezes the urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when signs and symptoms begin to appear:

-Urgency in urination
-Difficulty in starting urination
-Dull, persistent ache in the lower pelvic area
-Painful urination, a very slow flow (almost like a dribble)
-Intermittent urine flow, and a sensation that the bladder is not empty
-Frequent urination, sometimes including blood
-Painful ejaculation
-Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hip and thighs
-General ill health, loss of appetite, and decline in weight

If the cells from the cancerous prostrate break away, the cancer will spread. Most commonly, prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones in the hips or the lower back, lungs, and sometimes even the brain.

Risk factors:
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. As with almost any other cancer, heredity also plays a key role. For reasons unknown, African-American men seem to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. A fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the risk. Fat causes an increased production of testosterone, which may in turn lead to the development of cancer cells. High levels of testosterone mean higher chances of developing prostate cancer. Therefore men who suffer from hypogonadism, or have been undergoing long-term testosterone treatments are at risk. A vasectomy may also result in prostate cancer, though there is no conclusive proof of this.

A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of prostate cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), which involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, helps the doctor to examine the prostate. Any change in shape or size of the gland may mean trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a higher than normal level is detected, a prostate infection or cancer may be suspected. A transrectal ultrasound helps to further evaluate the prostate using sound waves. If initial tests produce positive results, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the presence of cancer. If cancer is confirmed, the next step is to investigate the spread of the cancer. A bone scan, CT scan, and Ultrasound scan may be used for this.

The mode of treatment directly depends on how aggressive the cancer is. For most men, a combination of treatments (surgery, radiation paired with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove effective.

The best way to reduce the risk from prostate cancer is to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Regular exercise also helps.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for ProstateCares.com. To learn more about natural prostate cancer treatments and prostate exams, visit us.

PROSTATE HEALTH AND CANCER

RISK

The lifetime risk of dying from prostate cancer is less than 4%. Factors associated with risk of non-curable prostate cancer include age at the time of diagnosis, PSA level and density.

For a man whose father had prostate cancer, the risk is about two and one third times normal. Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems and tall men have a moderately higher risk of developing it, and 60% of newly diagnosed cases occurred in men over the age of 70.

Maintaining a healthy weight with regular physical activity may help to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

CANCER

Given the limitations of the current knowledge of the molecular pathology of prostate cancer, there are several viewpoints regarding the process of tumorigenesis. Widespread testing for early detection, utilising digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen (PSA) has led to a significant clinical conundrum. To prevent prostate cancer, doctors recommend a healthy diet, low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables, together with regular physical activity.

Rising PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer progression, which needs careful monitoring. Vasectomy for sterilisation has been linked to prostate disorders and even cancer, yet early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. If the cancer, however, has spread beyond the prostate, it can be difficult to treat and cure.

GLAND

In order to examine this gland, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and searches the prostate gland, noting any abnormalities in size, contour or consistency.

TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE (turp) This is a surgical procedure by which portions of the prostate gland are removed through the penis.

PROSTATALGIA. Pain in the prostate gland.

RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY. This is an operation to remove the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles through the lower abdomen.

The prostate gland is a small gland in men and lies just under the bladder. Certain conditions of the prostate, may raise the level of a substance produced by the gland called Prostate Specif Antigen - PSA..The gland is covered by a membrane called the prostate capsule that produces the psa. Enjoyment of sexual activity is encouraged as it activates the prostate gland and keeps it from getting stagnant and inflamed.

PROSTATECTOMY.

Radical prostatectomy may mean the removal of the erectile nerves, but penile sensation and the ability to have orgasm are preserved. Currently the average hospital stay after such surgery is two to three days. Full activity can be resumed about a month after the operation. However, loss of ejaculation with orgasm may result.

FINALLY:

TEST.

The PSA is considered a better indicator of whether a man may have prostate problems. A PSA blood test is a laboratory procedure that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen in your blood. A high reading, however, does not mean that cancer is present, and by the same token low PSA readings do not always mean that the prostate is cancer free.

Tony Bryan ? 2006.About the author: Tony Bryan has health web sites the main one is at http://www.healthwyse-one.com You may reprint this article providing the 'About the Author' box is reprinted with it, otherwise copyright procedures apply.

Prostate Cancer, the Most Prevelant Non-Skin Cancer in the US

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, this type of cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer in the United States. A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every three minutes, and one dies every seventeen minutes. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men second to lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that over 70% of diagnosed prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65. These two organizations, as well as others are working toward increasing public awareness and making screenings more readily available to all populations. Research

In order to catch prostate cancer in its early stages, it is recommended that men with no risk factors get an annual screening every year beginning at age 50. If there is a relative, such as a father or brother who has been diagnosed, then the recommended age to begin prostate screening is 45. In men with at an even higher risk, such as African American men and those with a higher familial incidence, routing screening should begin at age 40. For many men, it may be more embarrassing than uncomfortable to initiate and undergo a rectal examination or blood PSA test. Prostate cancer usually exhibits no symptoms and the only way it can be detected is through a rectal prostate exam or a blood PSA screening. The Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that if signs are present, they may be subtle and attributed to other causes, such as, painful or difficult urination, urinary frequency, painful ejaculation, difficulty obtaining an erection, blood in urine or semen, and pain or stiffness below the waist and above the knees.

There are different treatment regimens available for prostate cancer, such as hormonal treatment or chemotherapy, depending on to which stage the cancer has progressed, whether it is localized, recurrent, or metastatic. The physician may even recommend no treatment depending on the individual situation, and what the patient feels is best for him. A second or even third opinion should be sought regarding the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan, for peace of mind that whatever path chosen is the right one. Cancer can be very scary to many people, creating a great deal of stress. When newly diagnosed, patients may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings to their physician as well as their loved ones, and they should be encouraged to seek spiritual and/or psychological counseling to help them accept the situation for what it is and deal with it in a healthy manner.

Tyson J Stevenson creates useful articles & reviews on a wide variety of everyday subjects. Expect to see his name often. View further samples of his work at HubbuH or at Prostate Cancer Symptom

Discover The Importance Of Natural Prostate Health

Modern men understand that it is vital to pay attention to their health as much as women. With illnesses such as prostate cancer, it is obvious that men must be more vigilant with their wellbeing.

Natural prostate health means that you must give your prostate the internal protection it needs. In order to help your body not to wear down and produce abnormal, tumour cells, you must find a natural health routine.

Natural prostate health also means that you must know which kind of supplements will protect and nourish your prostate.

If you do not have any prostate problems, your best option in the long run is a natural approach to prostate health. You will significantly cut the risk of getting cancer or other prostate irregularities, if you increase the amount of antioxidants you take and at the same time decrease the amount of preservatives you eat.

Natural prostate health is the best option that lots of men are making these days to guarantee their health. Men should be aware that indeed they can protect themselves from getting prostate cancer.

Natural prostate cancer institutes know that men must have the know-how, so that they will not be caught uninformed.

For this reason, you need to get in touch with your nearest natural health institute before you suffer irregularities to talk about what options you have.

Allow natural prostate health help you for the rest of your life. Rather than exposing your body to chemicals and radiation after you get cancer, deal with it proactively by living a healthier everyday life.

Make that commitment to your prostate health by committing yourself to a natural health lifestyle. It is your way to make sure that you are not unexpectedly caught by prostate cancer unaware.

Prostate cancer is one of the main causes of death among men. Visit Prostate Cancer Information for the latest news and information about this disease. You will learn the recent discoveries regarding prostate cancer treatment. http://www.cancer-data.com/blog/

Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Benefits Of Early Diagnosis

Cancer of the prostate is typically a slow progressing cancer and symptoms often do not arise for many years. If the cancer is caught at an early stage, there might be no noticeable symptoms. Some men, however, will experience symptoms that could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These might include:

? A need for frequent urination, particularly at night
? Difficulty starting urination
? Weak or interrupted urine flow
? Pain or a burning sensation during urination
? Difficulty in obtaining an erection
? Pain during ejaculation
? Blood in the urine or in semen
? Recurring pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Sometimes the first symptoms will be lower back, hip or pelvic pain caused by cancer which has already spread.

It is important to be aware that the symptoms of both benign enlargement of the prostate gland (i.e. non-cancerous) and malignant tumours (cancer) are similar and might include any of the following symptoms:

? Difficulty starting urination
? Frequent urination, particularly at night
? Pain during urination
? Blood in the urine

Also, men over 50 years of age often have an enlarged prostate gland due to the non-cancerous condition of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or hypertrophy.

Therefore if you notice any of the above symptoms it is important that you see your doctor and have them investigated. But note that most enlargements of the prostate are not due to cancer and can regularly be dealt with quite effectively.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer can often be discovered at an early stage by testing the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Prostate cancer can also be detected early by your doctor performing a digital rectal examination (DRE). Since the prostate gland is situated close to the rectum, a doctor can physically detect if there are any cancerous signs in your prostate.

Unfortunately the PSA and DRE tests are not totally accurate and conclusive. This can lead to anxiety and confusion, or even to a false sense of security. So important things to consider are your age, your general health and your lifestyle. If you are young and develop prostate cancer, if not caught early enough, it could shorten your life. If however you are older or in poor health, then prostate cancer might never become a serious problem due to its slow-growing nature.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men commence having the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE) annually from the age of 50. Those at higher risk, such as African Americans and those with close relatives who developed prostate cancer at an early age are recommended to commence testing at 45.

The prognosis for prostate cancer sufferers has improved dramatically in recent years. In the past twenty years the overall survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has increased from 67% to 97%. Thus more men are living significantly longer after diagnosis. In all likelihood this is due to early detection programs, increased public awareness, particularly of prostate cancer symptoms, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles.

Dr Tavares writing about prostate cancer symptoms is found at http://www.prostate-cancer-answers.info

Prostate Cancer: Why Eating Well Is The Best Defense?

No other human organ is as susceptible to cancer as the prostate. Each year, an estimated 209,900 American men are diagnosed with the disease, making it the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. Although lung cancer claims more than twice as many men?s lives each year, prostate cancer is the second most lethal male cancer, killing 41,800 men annually.

In fact, the malady is so widespread that by age 65, nearly two out of three males may develop minute tumors producing in their ?prostates,? the walnut-size gland that is wrapped around the urethra, the tube that drains the bladder. And some doctors believe that if men lived long enough, every man would develop the disease.

Curiously, the vast majority of men who have the disease will never know it. That is because prostate cancer normally manifests a gradual growth of tumor, often taking 20 to 30 years to become large enough to be detected by any currently available tests or to bring about serious health problems.

By then, many older men who had these small tumors will have long since died of other origins such as heart disease and stroke.

According to some urologic oncology experts, many more men die with prostate cancer than from it. They contend that if they could just slow the growth of the tumor so that it takes 40 to 60 years to progress instead of 20 to 30, which would amount to a cure for many men.

Doctors suspect that dietary changes may help men stall the progress of disease and prevent it from becoming life threatening. Here are a few prostate protectors.

1. Go lean fat

Lowering your fat intake to 20% of your total calories, that is about 44 grams of fat if you eat 2,000 calories a day, is one of the best things that you can do to slash your risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.

2. Turn away from red meat

Beef and other red meats are loaded with saturated fat, a type of fat linked to development of several cancers including prostate cancer.

In one study of 51, 000 American men, those who ate the most red meat were 2.6 times more likely to cultivate complex prostate cancer than men who avoided meat consumption.

3. Catch some fish

One reason why advanced prostate cancer is rare in china may be the quantity of fish in the diet. One study compared cancer rates of American men to men living in Shanghai, China, where people consume three times as much fish in their daily diet. The rate of prostate cancer for the American men was a dramatic 25.9 times higher than for the Chinese.

4. Discover the joy of soy

Health experts suggest that instead of meat, try substituting tofu, miso, and other soy foods in salads, casseroles, and soups.

Men in Japan eat many soy-based foods, benefiting from significantly high levels of genistein and genistin, two substances found in soy that may help clamp down on the disease.

5. Learn to like lycopene

A study at the Harvard School of Public Health tracked the eating habits of almost 50,000 health-care professionals for more than six years. The researchers concluded that lycopene, an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes their distinctive red color, helps fight cancer.

So now you know the preventive measures in order to avoid developing prostate cancer, it is best that you start employing these tips in order to have a healthier, cancer-free life.

As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. So eat healthy in order to be healthy.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides prostate cancer resources on www.all-prostate-cancer-resources.info.

New Study Examines Antioxidant Impact On Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer as one of the most common types of cancer in men according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately if caught early, the prognosis is good. Even better than treating it, is of course, avoiding it altogether. The search for the cause of prostate cancer is ongoing and a recent study was recently completed.

An eight year study of 29,361 men has just been completed. The study examined the impact of antioxidant supplements on the rate of prostate cancer. "There has been definite interest in their use, based on a few earlier studies that have been done" said lead researcher Richard B. Hayes, senior investigator in the division of cancer epidemiology and genetics at the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Reporting in the Feb. 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Hayes' team calculated the risk of prostate cancer for 29,361 men aged 55 to 74, all of whom were participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial.

Some of the data that was analyzed included the amount of common antioxidant supplements including vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin E. Some of the men had been taking these supplements for many years prior to the study.

Over the total eight year study period, 1,338 men developed prostate cancer. The results indicate that the use of antioxidant supplements had no positive impact on the risk for prostate cancer for most nonsmokers. Beta carotene supplements did have a positive impact among men that had low dietary intake of beta carotene.

Vitamin E did have a positive impact for smokers according to the research. This was consistent with previous trials.
Although the three supplements studied in this trial showed little help in preventing prostate cancer, previous trials that examined other supplements did show very encouraging results.

Fish oils, which contain EPA and DHA, were found to reduce prostate cancer by 11% in men that consumed about 470 mg./day. Selenium has been found to cut prostate cancer in half. Over five clinical trials have supported this. It is recommended that men take a 200 micrograms of selenium daily.
Neal is a health care researcher and has more prostate information on his website at prostate cancer. He also provides plastic surgery information.

Risk factors for enlarged prostate

Proven First: Ageing

Second: Testosterone

Probable Genetic

Possible

- Western diet - Hypertension - Diabetes - Obesity - Industrialized environment - Increased androgen receptors - Oestrogen/testosterone imbalance

Any normal man will develop BPH if he lives long enough. Time and male hormones (dihydrotestosterone and testosterone) are the only proven risk factors for developing BPH. Prostate cells are much more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone than testosterone itself. An enzyme specific to the prostate, 5-alpha reductase, converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Men who are castrated in their youth, or who lack 5-alpha reductase, do not develop BPH. Recent studies indicate a probable genetic link for BPH. A male with a first degree relative who has had surgery for BPH has a four times' increased lifetime risk of needing prostate surgery himself. This genetic link is especially strong for men under 60 years of age with large prostates. Some studies indicate that male hormone receptors (androgen receptors) may be increased in BPH cells. The role of environmental factors such as diet, obesity and an industrialized environment is not entirely clear.

Interesting facts about prostate cancer

Here are some interesting facts concerning prostate cancer and its treatment.

- One in 10 000 men under the age of 40 develop prostate cancer, whereas one in eight men between the ages of 60 and 80 suffer from the disease. - For some reason not yet fully understood, the rate of prostate cancer among black men is higher than that of other race groups. A possibility exists that higher levels of testosterone may be responsible. - Many men die with prostate cancer, but not from it. -Although it has not been proven conclusively, it is thought that a diet high in fats could lead to increased testosterone production. -Lack of exercise can lead to general ill-health and makes someone more susceptible to all sorts of diseases, prostate problems included. -A man with three first degree relatives with prostate cancer has a ten times increased risk of developing prostate cancer himself. -The prostate needs time and male hormones to develop cancer. Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but is essential for prostate cancer to develop. - Men whose mothers or sisters have developed breast cancer are also at increased risk for prostate cancer. - Because prostate cancer generally takes so long to develop, many doctors opt for the so-called 'watchful waiting' as a treatment option. - Besides castration at a young age, which is obviously not a viable option, there is no certain way of preventing prostate.

Thank you for your reading. With our next information - we will inform you about the "Risk factors for enlarged prostate" - so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! If you have any question sends us your e-mail.

Health-Service-Online Fritz Frei Admin Health-Service-Online http://www.cancer-info.info

Fritz Frei works since more than 25 years in the health-and hosptital business as a consultant and he make it easy to check out the important details about the diagnoses, test's and treatments of the Prostate Cancer. To receive more information's about all prostate cancer -questions - Links and last research NEW's - visit the http://www.cancer-info.info

Staging and grading of prostate cancer

Staging and Grading

Once the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made the disease has to be staged and graded. The stage refers to the extent and spread of the disease while the grade refers to the nature (aggressiveness) of the particular tumor. Staging will determine the extent of disease and provide important prognostic information that will influence the management decisions.

Staging investigations - PSA - X-rays of lumbar spine and pelvis - Chest X-ray - Radionuclitide bone scan - MTI scan of pelvis

TNM Staging system

T stage (extent of primary lesion)

- T1 - tumor confined to prostate, not palpable or visible on TRUS - T2 - tumor palpable or visible on TRUS but confined to prostate - T3 - spread beyond the prostatic capsule - T3a - extracapsular spread only - T3b - involvement of the seminal vesicles - T4 - invasion into rectal wall, bladder neck or pelvic wall N (Nodal) status - N0 - regional nodes not involved - N1 - regional nodes involved by tumor M (Distant Metastases) - M0 - no distant metastases - M1 - distant metastases present

Grading

Grading refers to what the cancer looks like under a microscope. The most commonly used system is the Gleason grade and score. The glandular pattern is compared to that of a normal prostate and scored out of 5, where 1 resembles a pattern very close to normal and 5 resembles severely distorted glandular architecture. The two predominant glandular patterns within the cancer are graded out of 5 and the combined score calculated out of 10. The higher the Gleason score, the more aggressive is the tumor and the worse is the prognosis. Patients with cancers confined to the prostate (T1 and T2) and no involvement of the lymph nodes or other organs (N0 and M0) are potentially curable by surgery or radiotherapy. Patients with disease beyond the prostate are not curable.

With our next information - we will inform you about the "Risk factors for enlarged prostate" - so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! If you have any question sends us your e-mail.

Health-Service-Online Fritz Frei Admin http://www.cancer-info.info

Fritz Frei works since more than 25 years in the health-and hosptital business as a consultant and he make it easy to check out the important details about the diagnoses, test's and treatments of the Prostate Cancer. To receive more information's about all prostate cancer -questions - Links and last research NEW's - visit the http://www.cancer-info.info

Prostate Problems - Symptoms Causing Concern

Some blood in the urine... burning sensations... or even inability to urinate... all relatively serious problems which might also implicate the prostate.

BLOOD IN THE URINE

Just a few drops of blood can make the urine held in your bladder turn a red color. We're talking about haematuria. Don't panic - there's no danger - the presence of blood is more disturbing than dangerous. Drink a lot of water to rince it out then go and see your doctor. Haematuria may be due to one of the following:

* simple congestion of the prostate * a unirary infection inflaming the wall of the bladder and making it bleed * stones in the bladder which are irritating the wall * following some strenuous exercise

When the prostate is the cause, during urinating the blood will usually arive first followed by clearer urine. Such haematuria might occur from time to time and are not dangerous. However, if frequent, surgical intervention on the prostate might one day be required.

But note that, if you do have blood in the urine, it is of vital importance that its origin is determined. This will require a thorough urological examination including an ultrasound scan, intravenous pyelogram and fibrescopy of the bladder to determine or eliminate possible other causes (such as a bladder tumour or stones, or a kidney or ureteral tumor).

A BURNING SENSATION

If you feel a burning sensation while urinating, this is probably due to a urinary infection which is irritating the bladder or urethra. The burning is often accompanied by a frequent desire to urinate - up to a dozen times a night. However the urine flow will be week since the bladder hasn't had time to refill. Occasionally the irritation will be so great that the bladder might bleed. You might also have a fever which can signify that bacteria have penetrated the prostate (with associated risk of septicemia).

Such a urinary infection is diagnosed by a urine analysis and is rapidy treated with antibiotics. For urinary infections with fever, the treatmant will last about three weeks.

ACUTE URINE RETENTION

You haven't urinated for over 24 hours, the bladder is full, blocked; you want to urinate, but can't; your lower abdomen is distended and painful to the touch. Yes, the bladder is capable of holding over a litre (2 pints) of urine! This is acute urine retention.

There's no point in trying to force it or waiting. There's only one thing to do: insert a probe into the urethra and empty the bladder. You'll have immediate relief. Contact your own doctor or go immediately to your local hospital emergency department. The probe will remain in place for a few days to enable the bladder to relax. When it's removed you'll have about a 50% chance of returning to a normal urination frequency. But beware of any recurrence.

Acute urine retention can indicate prostate hypertrophy as yet undiagnosed due to the absence of other symptoms. It can also occur in someone undergoing prostate treatment, where it would indicate an evolution in the illness, and surgery might be necessary.

Once again, you should be aware of other factors which might lead to urine retention, such as taking certain cold and bronchial medicines, constipation, some anaesthetics, and excessive alcohol consummation.

So there you are. The above three problems are not uncommon, but they are often the cause of much undue worry for those suffering from them. Of course, they should all be reported immediately to your doctor and thoroughly investigated. But I hope that this short article will help to put your mind at rest and that in many cases, your problems might not be so severe or life-threatening as first imagined.

Dr. Tavares is a medical consultant with experience in traditional and complementary medicine. Her writing about prostate problems can be found at Prostate Cancer Answers.

Diet For Healthy Prostate - Why Soy Is Not Just For Women

Researchers from Canada have found that having a diet of red meat, organ meats, soft drink and bottled water increased the risk of getting prostate cancer. They compared the diets of 80 men with prostate cancer, and 334 healthy men, and the diet just described more than doubled the risk of developing prostate cancer.

So what prostate diet can reduce the risk of prostate cancer? Swedish researchers examined the diet of 1499 men with prostate cancer and 1130 men who were healthy, and they published their findings in the Cancer Causes and Control journal. They found that eating foods rich in phytoestrogens decreased the risk of prostate cancer.

Phytoestrogens are plant molecules that have a weak estrogenic effect. They are made converted in the intestines from plant precursors by bacteria as they digest food. They are taken up by the same parts of the body that process the hormone estrogen.

Interestingly, one of the treatments for prostate cancer by doctors involves using estrogens to reduce the level of testosterone in men with advanced prostate cancer. It does this indirectly, through its effect on the hypothalamus, as less luteinizing hormone releasing hormone is produced by the hypothalamus. This means not as much luteinizing hormone is released by the body, which suppresses the production of testosterone.

High doses of estrogens for men can lead to cardiovascular complications. But phytoestrogens obtained from diet, in less quantities than a drug, and with a milder effect to start with, should not pose a problem. And researchers don't yet know what exactly causes phytoestrogens to have such a protective effect, whether it is similar to that of the estrogen treatment for advanced prostate cancers. And they don't know which phytoestrogens are the most active.

So what phytoestrogen foods could you include in a diet for a healthy prostate? Soy beans and nuts are a good source. Soy and nuts contain a type of phytoestrogen called isoflavones, whilst berries and seeds contain lignans. Foods could include peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and berries.

The only possible concerns with soy is that a study in mice found that male mice that had a type of heart disease that people also have, suffered heart failure when fed a soy based diet. Whether this extrapolates to the human population is yet to be established. But it may be wise for those me who have this particular genetic heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, to be cautious about soy products in their diet.

But for other men, soy products could be good news. A meta analysis, which is a study of related studies, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that diets high in soy lowered men's risk of prostate cancer by 30%.

Another important mineral to consider for men is zinc. Zinc is used by men's bodies to make some of the male hormones, and for general prostate health. A deficiency in zinc can lead to problems with the testicles, the prostate, and the health of the sperm. Foods that are great sources of zinc include seeds like pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower; nuts like almonds, brazil, cashews and walnuts; and foods like lettuce, oats and onions. Raw onion is particularly suggested by Paul Bedson, a natural therapist. He also suggests vegetable juice made of equal parts of beetroot, carrot, and cucumber in cases where the prostate gland is enlarged. Cranberry juice, a cup drunk three times a day, is also recommended in this case.

References:
1. phoenix5.org/Infolink/advanced/estrogen.html
2. Australian Healthy Food, March 2006
3. Australian Healthy Food, November, 2005
4. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing
5. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=65785&m=1NIE213&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
If you're interested in a health prostate supplement that promotes healthy prostate, bladder and kidney functions, click here: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/health-prostate-supplement.html. Rebecca Prescott runs this site which presents comprehensive reviews of vitamins and supplements: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com.

What?s The Treatment's Of Prostate Cancer?

Surgical castration by orchidectomy

Surgical castration is the simplest and cheapest way to treat metastatic prostate cancer. The obvious disadvantage is the psychological effect of the loss of the testicles.

LHRH-analogues

LHRH-analogues and oestrogen achieve a "medical castration" by stopping the testicular production of testosterone. LHRH-analogues are injections that have to be given monthly or three monthly for the rest of the patient's life. They are effective but very expensive.

Oestrogen

Oestrogen can be taken orally on a daily basis. It has a high incidence of thrombotic complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Anti-androgens

Anti-androgens oppose the action of testosterone by blocking the androgen receptors. The incidence of erectile dysfunction is less than with surgical or medical orchidectomy because testosterone levels are maintained in the bloodstream. Anti-androgens alone are probably not adequate treatment for metastatic disease. Total androgen blockade by a combination of steroidal anti-androgens and LHRH-analogues or orchidectomy has not been shown to be better than LHRH-analogues or orchidectomy alone. However, non-steroidal anti-androgens yields slightly better results than castration alone.

Locally advanced disease without metastases.

The overall results of treatment of patients with disease beyond the prostate are not good. Some patients with early disease beyond the prostatic capsule, and no evidence of metastases, benefit from radical treatment. The most widely used treatment regimens consist of a combination of radiotherapy and hormonal treatment.

Treatment options for locally advanced and metastatic disease.

? Early hormonal treatment
? Watchful waiting with hormonal treatment once symptoms develop

Disease that has spread to the seminal vesicles and beyond is not real curable.

Prostate cancer is dependent on the male hormone testosterone. 80% of patients will respond to hormonal treatment that deprives the tumor of testosterone. This response usually involves the shrinkage of metastases and symptomatic improvement for the patient. The response to hormonal treatment is not a cure but can last for many years in some patients. The average duration of response is 2 years. Most cancers eventually escape hormonal manipulation. This is referred to as hormone independent disease and is usually followed by death within a few months.

Controversy exists regarding the timing of hormonal treatment. Most studies indicate a survival benefit for early rather than late hormonal maneuver. Testosterone deprivation has side effects like erectile dysfunction, breast enlargement and osteoporosis. The earlier hormonal treatment is instituted the greater the chance of complications. Once again treatment has to be individualized to the needs of the specific patient.

With our next information - we will inform you about the ?Staging and grading of prostate cancer? - so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! If you have any question sends us your e-mail.

Health-Service-Online
Fritz Frei Admin

Fritz Frei make it easy to check out the important details about the diagnoses and test's of the prostate cancer. To receive more information's about all cancer -questions - Links and last research NEW's - visit the http://www.cancer-info.info