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

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The prostrate is a walnut-sized gland found only in males. It surrounds the urethra near the neck of the bladder, in front of the rectum. It secretes seminal fluid to nourish the sperm, and ejects it during ejaculation. We know the prostrate less for its role in the reproductive system than for the problem it creates in the form of prostrate cancer. One in six American males gets prostrate cancer, and one in thirty-two dies of it. It is the second most fatal cancer after lung cancer. The onset of cancer starts as the person ages, and blacks are more prone to it than whites. It runs in the family, though no specific genes have been isolated. The peak incidence of cancer starts in the age group of 65-75.

Prostrate cancer progresses very slowly in most cases, and does not have any specific symptoms during its early stages. Most of the time it is detected during a simple medical inspection by a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), which prompts further investigations to confirm cancer.

As the cancer progresses, the gland throttles the urethra, which causes the first symptoms. The frequency of urination increases and it is very weak. There is burning pain during urination, and some traces of blood can be seen. There is a sensation of inadequate emptying of the bladder. Impotence or painful ejaculations are other important symptoms. As stage three of the cancer starts, it spreads to the adjoining area. Prostrate cancer cells attack the bones as they advance. A deep bone pain in the legs, hip and backbone should alert the patient about the possibility of this disease. When it reaches stage four, the cancer cells are transported by the lymphatic system and bloodstream and create secondary tumors in the lymphatic nodes, called metastatic prostrate cancer.

Diagnosing prostrate cancer is done in stages. When DRE needs further investigation a Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is done, which indicates the possibility of cancer. A biopsy done using a number of samples from different areas of the prostrate should confirm the presence of cancer. The treatment options are radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. But, as most of the patients are old and the progress of the disease is slow, many men opt to wait, observe and seek only symptomatic relief.


Prostate Cancer Symptoms provides detailed information on Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Prostate Cancer Treatments, Prostate Cancer Causes and more. Prostate Cancer Symptoms is affiliated with Prostate Health.

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

Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer: Who Are Most Likely to Have It?

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer has been reported to be the most common type among American men. It has been projected that more than 200,000 new cases of this condition will be diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 27,000 male patients will die of the disease in 2006. Statistics also showed that a little over 1.8 million American men are survivors of the condition.

Prostate cancer has been found to occur in higher percentages among African Americans than any other race. Compared with Asian and European countries, the United States is where the disease occurs more commonly. The reasons for these percentages are not conclusive. Some experts are claiming that this might be due to the diet of Asian men which is rich in vegetables and fruits as opposed to Western males' red meat-rich diet. In the case of higher number of confirmed cases in the United States, medical researchers are asserting that this might be due to better diagnostics systems in the country compared with less developed areas.

Among the factors associated with the risk of acquiring cancer of the prostate, age is the primary culprit. The condition is quite uncommon among men aged below 45, but the chance of having it increases rapidly after age 50. In terms of genetics, men with a first degree relative, like a brother or a father, who has the condition have been found to be at higher risk of developing the cancer. Although no study has yet to find what particular gene affects a man's chances of developing this condition, statistics have shown that those who have affected relatives tend to develop cancer in the prostate as they reach the common affected age.

Diet has also been implicated as a risk factor of this type of cancer. For those who eat a lot of red meat and high fat dairy products, the risk of developing the cancer is believed to be higher. Smokers have also been considered as among the high risk groups. This might be because cigarettes and tobacco have been credited as contributing factors in DNA damage and mutation, although scientists have yet to map out the exact process by which smoking contributes to the development of cancer in the prostate.

Since cancer of the prostate is a slow developing type, it might not be diagnosed for years. Autopsy reports have shown that some men who have died of other causes have been found to have cancer in their prostates but have shown no symptoms and have not suffered or been affected by the disease. The condition, being more common among older men particularly those who are over 50 years old, can just be present without showing itself and without bothering the person; and eventually, the patient might die of other causes without the cancer ever manifesting itself or making the individual suffer.

Despite being a slow developing type in majority of the cases, it is still an advantage if prostate cancer can be diagnosed at its earliest stage. Numerous treatments and management methods have been developed through the years which have provided higher survival rates and caused the number of deaths to decline every year. Scientists are hopeful that eventually, this condition will be absolutely explained and prevention techniques will be developed.

Mensglands.com provides you with info on prostate cancer, its treatments and symptoms and how to overcome or reduce the risk of getting it. http://www.mensglands.com

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 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

BPH (Prostate Enlargement) - What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?

BPH is the enlargement of the male prostate gland. It can have many associated problems including the need to urinate frequently, difficulty in urinating and inability to completely empty the bladder.

The main cause of BPH is age. It's a very common complaint in older men - indeed over 50% of males 55 years old and over are thought to be suffering with BPH.

It's important for BPH to be properly diagnosed, mainly to assess treatment options and to rule out other more serious problems such as prostate cancer.

The difficulty here is many males are embarrassed to seek treatment and indeed some will put up with annoying symptoms for years rather than admit to any problems in this sensitive area!

Still others fear being diagnosed with prostate cancer and will spend years worrying about the possibility while being too afraid to know.

All this, while quite understandable, coupled with a natural male reluctance to admit to any weakness is counter productive. Why suffer when it's not necessary?

Even if there is a problem, it's much better to know about it. This gives us back some control and ability to make choices among the many options now available.

BPH is what it says - "benign". Meaning that there is no malignancy. Having been diagnosed then, all worry about cancer should cease! It's sensible, however, to do everything to prevent prostate cancer - information about which can be found on the site below.

Treatments for BPH fall into 3 categories. Drugs, surgery or natural medications.

Prostate Surgery -

If the symptoms of BPH are severe and causing major problems such as complete inability to empty the bladder, then surgery is the best and probably the only option.. This can take several forms, but the most common is known as TURP.

TURP is performed without cutting and access to the prostate is through the urethra. An instrument is inserted which removes any obstructive tissue, easing the pressure thus relieving the BPH symptoms. TURP is a relatively safe operation.

Drug Treatments -

For those whoses BPH symptoms are not severe - or for those who hate the thought of surgery! - There are two main types of BPH medication.

Hormones - For example Finasteride (Proscar). Hormones work by interfering with the male hormone, testosterone. It is a slow acting and long term treatment. The side effects can be impotence and erection failure.

Alpha Blockers - These act by relaxing the muscle in the prostate itself which prevents urine flow. This is faster acting than the hormone approach but the side effects are weakness and lethargy.

Alternative BPH Treatment

These herbal remedies can be extremely effective without the side effects of drugs. For more information visit the site below.

This article is for informational use only. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing BPH symptoms.

Help for Prostate enlargement, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and prostate cancer. Super prostate formula. Visit: http://www.safe-prostate-health.com Wendy Owen is a health writer and researcher.