Prostate Problems Info



             


Thursday, April 10, 2008

A Viral Infection Might Lead To Prostate Cancer

Recent researches targeting prostate cancer have associated the prostate cancer development with the presence of a newly identified virus called XMRAV. According to study conclusion the XMRV was identified as an infectious agent in humans and closely related to a virus that causes leukemia in mice.

The findings are based of screening prostate tumor samples from 85 men with prostatectomy with a DNA ViroChip containing the genetic sequences of about 5,000 human viruses. The researches confirmed the possibility that a viral infection might lead to prostate cancer developing in men.

XMRV could be transmitted trough sexual activity. Then it is possible that XMRV to cause an infection able to lead to chronic inflammation of the prostate. In a way similar human papillomavirus (HPV) can trigger cervical cancer, this chronic inflammation caused by XMRV could result in prostate cancer.

This could be the first time an evidence is produced that a virus is related to prostate cancer development.

The research team conclusion suggests that more research is needed to confirm their findings. The good news seems to be the fact that if prostate cancer is caused by a virus such as XMRV, then its action can be cancelled using special targeted drugs or vaccine. The use of condom could be also a way to prevent XMRV sexual transmission.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues affecting men such as prostate cancer

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Curing Prostate Cancer Is Possible

Cancer is a result of many related diseases that begin in cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells. New cells are needed to keep the body in good health by replacing died cells. Sometimes, new cells form when old cells do not die off when they should. These uncontrolled cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. Cells in benign tumors do not invade other parts of the body. They can often be removed without problems and, in most cases do not come back.

Malignant tumors are cancer. As they multiply without control or order, cancer cells in malignant tumors invade and destroy the nearby tissue. They can also break away from the malignant tumor and spread all the body trough the lymphatic system.

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells in malignant tumors invade prostate.

This cancer illness can be attacked by many working methods. Treatment for prostate cancer may vary according to the stage of the cancer. It may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, biological therapy.

There is no universal treatment that will work the same in individual cases. Depending on factors like type and location of the cancer, size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, the patient's age and general health, the doctors may use one or, sometimes, a combination of the above methods.

Curing prostate cancer is possible, and the treatment is more effective if cancer is detected in the early stages. For early diagnose a routine tests are necessary to be performed yearly: an urine test, a digital rectum examination or PSA tests.

At the same time, when men experience difficulties while urinating, noticing a weak or intermittent flow of urine, they must go and ask a medical advice. Other symptoms for prostate health concerns include urgent needs to urinate, the need to wake up several times a night to do this or dribbling of urine after and even before urinating.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men like prostate cancer treatment

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Is It True that Eating Broccoli Can Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Indeed there have been many studies and much research to determine what types of diets can prevent which types of cancers. Some of what you may have heard about which food you eat are merely folklore handed down, while others are actually based on data from actual studies. Eating lots of vegetables seems to lead one to think that there are in fact substantial benefits for all sorts of things to help us remain healthy. Eating fruits, drinking tea, proper intake of vegetables have all been among the things that are often recommended to prevent prostate cancer. It stands to reason that a healthy diet can assist you in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and there is evidence that broccoli indeed may just be one of those vegetables which can help.

One study seems to indicate the fruit intake did not substantially help in reduction of the risk of prostate cancer, but did help in reducing the risks of other cancers. Men who ate vegetables three times a day had a one-third or greater chance of not getting prostate cancer of those that did not have lots of vegetables in their diets.

Which vegetables were considered the best to eat? Well it seems brussel spouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli were some of the best and could increase reduced risk by just over 40%. Orange colored vegetables also hit high on the list by other studies; carrots, sweat potatoes, squash and yams. You should be eating a wide range of to reduce your risk of cancer and different fruits and vegetables prevent different types of cancer. If you have some type of cancer which runs in your family, you ought to do a little research of your own and think on this.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The Prostate, What You Don't Know Could Kill You

Women know more about men's health than men do themselves and that's a fact. Why is that? Is it because we find it hard to discuss these things? Is it because it's not macho! From the time that we are young, we are taught that boys have to act tough and shouldn't cry. You must have heard the saying "Big Boys don't cry!"

Most of us carry this thought process into adulthood and feel by showing concern for our health, it will be seen as a male weakness. I am guilty of that myself.

I know when my prostate troubles began, I knew absolutely nothing about the prostate. I was one of the 96%. Mainly because it didn't cross my mind that I'd ever have any problems.

In addition, the prostate is in a "private" area, and it wasn't something I wanted to examine. Many people, including myself, feel uncomfortable talking about the prostate, since the gland plays a role in both sex and urination.

I have had prostate troubles, survived a cancer scare and watched my sister die from Cancer. Believe me, when I say that when you think you are going to die, it concentrates your mind on what is really important. Suddenly your priorities get focused.

Due to my prostate troubles, I became interested in learning about the prostate and how it affected my health.

I cried the day they took a biopsy and I cried with relief the day I was told it was benign. I cried many times as I watched my sister die.

I got so frustrated having to get up every night 3-4 times due to my prostate troubles and then finding I couldn't get back to sleep.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer develops by the growth of cancerous cells within the prostate gland. Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells that make up the prostate gland escape from the normal controls on their growth and start to divide, grow and spread in an uncontrolled manner. In its advanced form, it can produce the same symptoms as BPH. (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Warning Signs

Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. When symptoms of prostate cancer do occur, they may include some of the following problems:

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night; Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; Inability to urinate; Weak or interrupted flow of urine; Painful or burning urination; Painful ejaculation; Blood in urine or semen; and/or Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems, such as BPH or an infection (Prostatitis). Only a doctor can tell the cause. A man who has symptoms like these should see his family doctor . Do not wait to feel pain; early prostate cancer does not cause pain.

These are two other main prostate problems

1) BPH - (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells. In an enlarged prostate , the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH is often the result of prostatitis.

2) Prostatitis refers to prostate inflammation and infection, which can be brief or long-lasting, mild or severe symptoms can include frequent, urgent and painful urination, erectile problems or pain >during ejaculation.

Prostatitis is rampant in the US, affecting at least 80% of American men. Most is without major symptoms. Prostate enlargement, called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) is often the result of prostatitis.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

The treatment given for prostate cancer depends on how advanced or widespread the disease is. If the cancer is small and only present within the prostate gland, it is possible to treat it with

surgery (radical prostatectomy) radiotherapy (either external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy) hormone therapy

I sincerely hope that this article can be of use to you, your partner, someone in your family or indeed a close friend.

Health to me is both physical and mental. The two cannot be separated. May I leave you with what I regard the finest bits of advice for life

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If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, "I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me." Ann Landers
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I wish you perfect health and piece of mind in all that you do.

Jeff Cuckson

webmaster@backtobetterhealth.com
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Discover Real People With Stories Of Success
In Getting Back To Good Health. Go Visit NOW at!
http://www.backtobetterhealth.com
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Monday, March 3, 2008

Something about Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 American men. If prostate cancer is caught in its early stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some men, however, may experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer such as frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty in starting urine flow or holding it back; a weak or interrupted flow of urine, a painful or a burning sensation; difficulty getting an erection; blood in the urine or semen; painful ejaculations; or a frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, upper thighs, or hips.

These symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders and so, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough examination to determine the cause.

DRE and PSA tests cannot diagnose prostate cancer, but they can signal a need for a biopsy in order to determine if there are prostate cancer cells. A biopsy consists of needles being inserted into the prostate in order to take small samples of the tissue, usually along with an ultrasound. A biopsy may cause some pain or discomfort, but it is a short procedure and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

The Gleason Grading system, or Gleason Scores, accounts for five distinct patterns that prostate tumor cells go through as they change from normal cells. This scale runs from 1 to 5, 1 representing very nearly normal cells and 5 representing cells that don't look much like prostate cells at all. Normal prostate cells are constantly reproducing and dying and each new cell has the same shape and appearance as all of the other cells. But cancer cells look different and the degree to which they look different is what will determine the cancer grade.

Each man should learn as much as possible about various treatment options and make his own decision about what is best for him. This decision will probably rest on a combination of psychological and clinical factors. The most important first step in deciding on the best treatment course will be in careful consideration of different treatment options available. Any decision that is made now, especially in a case of localized prostate cancer, will reverberate for a long time to come.

You should consult all of the three types of specialists: a urologist, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. They will offer the most comprehensive advice on available treatments and outcomes.

Fransis Rodrigues is the author of this article currently writing on www.polymva.com Visit today http://www.polymva.com

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Truth About Natural Remedies For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a very serious disease that is claiming the lives of able and strong people all over the world. The rise in the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer however is not surprising given the increase in the age of our population. With the baby boomer bubble now reaching around 60 years old, were looking for treatments and natural remedies to deal with this mostly senior disease.

Prostate cancer is typically considered a disease that usually affects men in their later years. This isn't to say the prostate cancer is ONLY a senior disease as some men have been diagnosed as early as their mid-30s with this type of cancer. There is research to suggest that prostate cancer may at least in part be hereditary. That is, if your father, uncle's or other close male relatives have or have had prostate cancer, your risk goes up dramatically.

Although agent heredity has been identified as major contributors to the increase in prostate cancer, there are a lot of things we can do to proactively prevent the disease or limit its impact on our lives. This is where natural remedies can really shine.

It's no secret that a healthy body is better able to fight off disease. It stands to reason than, that a natural, proactive remedy such as staying fit an active can only help.

Add to an active lifestyle, a low-fat diet, along with vitamins, minerals, and supplements to strengthen our immune system, and we have a strong arsenal to fight off many diseases such as prostate cancer. Let's be clear however, that I'm not suggesting a healthy lifestyle and vitamin supplements can cure cancer or even keep you from getting the disease.

Still, a healthy body, well charged with the necessary vitamins and minerals, can more effectively fight off a variety of illnesses and diseases. And in the event that a disease such as prostate cancer would take hold, a healthy body is better able to withstand the medical treatments that may be necessary to attack and cure the cancerous condition.

So although we may call them natural cures, the alternative medicine approach is much more effective in sustaining our outlook and body to ward off diseases in the first place. No matter how out of shape you may be, start today to make yourself healthier.


Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and home. For more info on alternative answers to prostate cancer visit the site at http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com/prostate-cancer-and-tomatoes.html and http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com/more_articles/prostate-cancer-vitamin-d.php

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Prostate cancer an epidemic in African American Men

Prostate cancer an epidemic in African American Men

Prostate cancer is an epidemic in African-American men, said Dr. Kevin McVary, an urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. African American men have the highest prostate cancer diagnosis rate and death rate in the world.

Seventy-two times a day an African American man is diagnosed with prostate cancer and sixteen times a day an African American man dies from prostate cancer. "Prostate cancer, particularly among African Americans, is a disgraceful tragedy that needs immediate and drastic action," says John R. Kelly, of the American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in men in the U.S. It affects more than 220,000 men each year and at least 29,000 of them will die from the disease. African American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a rate of sixty percent greater than Caucasian men and their death rate is more than double of any other racial group.

Why are African American men so susceptible to prostate cancer? Researchers theorize that diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role in who will develop prostate cancer. According to the National Heart Association, over sixty percent of African American men are overweight and twenty-eight percent of are obese. Diets high in saturated fats, red meats, and lack of exercise all contribute to high risk for developing prostate cancer. Disparity in health care may also be a contributing factor in the high death rate from prostate cancer for African American Men.

Economic limitations, lack of health care insurance, and poor access to health care have been cited as possible reasons for the high prostate cancer death rate in African American men. Researchers, in a health care executive study, found that twenty-four percent of African Americans had not had a regularly scheduled doctors visit in the previous year and many African Americans dont have a regular doctor. For African American men over forty, regularly scheduled doctors visit and prostate health education are essential.

African American men need to be educated about prostate cancer at an earlier age than men of other races. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say that African American men tend to develop prostate cancer at earlier ages. We need to educate more men to come in early, said Dr. Isacc Powell, a prostate cancer researcher and survivor in a Detroit Free Press interview. Early detection through testing gives African American men the best chance of survival from the disease. If detected early, the chances of survival are increased.

What should you do about prostate cancer?
African American men should:
Get information about prostate health and prostate cancer
Talk to your family about your familys health history
Have regular physical exams and have your doctor perform a PSA test and digital Rectal Exam.
Talk to your family about your familys health history
Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer risk, symptoms, and testing

Links to other sites about prostate cancer:
American Cancer Society

National Prostate Cancer Coalition

MedlinePlus: Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Prostate.com

Drahcir Semaj is a freelance writer and staff writer for the website IBranch.org. You can contact him at drahcir@drahcirsemaj.com or visit his website at http://www.drahcirsemaj.com .

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