Fighting Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Thus, it always a good time to learn about prostate health , a subject all men should address with their physicians before having to deal with it while sitting in the patient's chair.

The prostate is a male sex gland located just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate is responsible for making semen, the thick fluid that mixes with sperm and helps to push it through the urethra and penis during sex. As men age, their prostates may enlarge and cause symptoms such as a slow stream or increased frequency of urination in a benign process called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). However, in other cases, they may develop prostate cancer. For example, researchers support that a 50-year-old man who is expected to live another 25 years has a 42% chance of getting prostate cancer before he dies. Whether or not he develops prostate cancer, he will most likely die from an unrelated cause. He will have had no symptoms, and his prostate cancer will only be visible through a microscope at the time of his death. The risk to any healthy man of developing symptoms related to prostate cancer at any time during his life is only 10%, and his risk of actually dying from prostate cancer is only 3%. That said, screening for prostate cancer is still very important. Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer may delay or prevent tumor enlargement, metastasis (spread), and death.

While almost all men develop "silent" or latent prostate cancer cells if they live long enough, some lifestyle factors can increase a man's risk. Several studies have shown that being significantly overweight may promote the development of a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. In one recent study, those men who had gained more than 3.5 pounds a year between the ages of 25 and 40 were twice as likely to have this cancer recur as men who gained less weight. Also, excess body fat that is located in and around internal organs and often indicated by more waistline fat may pose particular risks, even if a man is not obese. In a recent study, men with prostate cancer averaged about 50% more total abdominal fat than healthy men of the same age.

But, doctors assess that with proper diet, exercise and early detection, there is hope against this disease. Statistics reveal that in more than 1.8 million men, only in United States, have beaten prostate cancer. Studies have shown that prostate health depends on a plant-based diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Patients who have been researched were found to fight prostate cancer by eating specific types of foods that had protective compounds for good prostate health. In fact, several foods, such as tomatoes, although the F.D.A. has issued an announcement that there is no particular evidence for this vegetable's ability to fight prostate cancer, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and spinach have shown some promise with this disease. Finally, herbs and nutrients such as green tea extract, stinging nettle root, ginger, rosemary, zinc, lycopene, and selenium have also been shown to help maintain and promote normal prostate health.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Men's Health, Arts, and Society

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.

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

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.

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

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be made on clinical suspicion of the disease, following screening, or as an incidental finding during transurethral resection for suspected benign disease (TURP).

Clinically suspected prostate cancer Prostate cancer can be completely asymptomatic or present with symptoms similar to benign prostatic enlargement (see symptoms). It can also present with the symptoms of metastatic disease. On digital rectal examination prostate cancer feels rock hard and nodular. Invasion into the surrounding structures may be palpable as a hard mass. Spread to the lymph glands may be palpable in the groins or pelvis. Bony metastases to the lumbar spine or pelvis are often tender to palpation. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a substance excreted by all prostate cells. The blood level of PSA is elevated in prostate cancer and the level of elevation correlates with the extent of disease. The PSA level can also be elevated by benign diseases such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The normal range for PSA is 0 - 4 ng/ml. The higher the PSA the greater is the chance of having prostate cancer. Somebody with a PSA of 4 - 10 ng/ml has a 25% chance of having prostate cancer, while a PSA of greater than 10 carries a 50% risk of the disease. Very high levels of PSA (>100ng/ml) almost invariably indicate widespread metastatic disease. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed by needle biopsy and histological analysis of the biopsy specimens. A transrectal ultrasound scan is performed via a probe inserted into the rectum, and ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate are taken. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic

Screening All healthy men over the age of 50 years should have annual prostate cancer checks. Black men and men with a positive family history should start at age 40. The aim of screening is to diagnose the disease at an early stage while it is still potentially curable. By the time prostate cancer becomes symptomatic it is usually beyond cure. The screening tests consist of a digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test. The prostate gland may feel entirely normal despite the presence of an early cancer. The combination of PSA and digital rectal examination is more sensitive than either test alone. If one or both of these tests are abnormal a transrectal ultrasound and needle biopsies of the prostate gland are performed.

Incidental finding following TURP Whenever a transurethral resection of the prostate gland is performed for suspected benign disease the removed tissue is sent for histological analysis. Occasionally evidence of unsuspected prostate cancer is found in the tissue. In a young man with an otherwise long life expectancy this is obviously significant. A tiny focus of cancer in an elderly man is probably not significant, since the prostate cancer will not have sufficient time to become bothersome.

With our next information - we will inform you about the "Diagnosis 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

http://www.cancer-info.info

info@cancer-info.info

Fritz Frei - since more than 25 years in the Health-Consulting Business - he has build up different rehabilitation groups and offer now in the network the easy information about a better health and life. http://www.cancer-info.info

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be made on clinical suspicion of the disease, following screening, or as an incidental finding during transurethral resection for suspected benign disease (TURP).

Clinically suspected prostate cancer Prostate cancer can be completely asymptomatic or present with symptoms similar to benign prostatic enlargement (see symptoms). It can also present with the symptoms of metastatic disease. On digital rectal examination prostate cancer feels rock hard and nodular. Invasion into the surrounding structures may be palpable as a hard mass. Spread to the lymph glands may be palpable in the groins or pelvis. Bony metastases to the lumbar spine or pelvis are often tender to palpation. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a substance excreted by all prostate cells. The blood level of PSA is elevated in prostate cancer and the level of elevation correlates with the extent of disease. The PSA level can also be elevated by benign diseases such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The normal range for PSA is 0 - 4 ng/ml. The higher the PSA the greater is the chance of having prostate cancer. Somebody with a PSA of 4 - 10 ng/ml has a 25% chance of having prostate cancer, while a PSA of greater than 10 carries a 50% risk of the disease. Very high levels of PSA (>100ng/ml) almost invariably indicate widespread metastatic disease. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed by needle biopsy and histological analysis of the biopsy specimens. A transrectal ultrasound scan is performed via a probe inserted into the rectum, and ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate are taken. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic

Screening All healthy men over the age of 50 years should have annual prostate cancer checks. Black men and men with a positive family history should start at age 40. The aim of screening is to diagnose the disease at an early stage while it is still potentially curable. By the time prostate cancer becomes symptomatic it is usually beyond cure. The screening tests consist of a digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test. The prostate gland may feel entirely normal despite the presence of an early cancer. The combination of PSA and digital rectal examination is more sensitive than either test alone. If one or both of these tests are abnormal a transrectal ultrasound and needle biopsies of the prostate gland are performed.

Incidental finding following TURP Whenever a transurethral resection of the prostate gland is performed for suspected benign disease the removed tissue is sent for histological analysis. Occasionally evidence of unsuspected prostate cancer is found in the tissue. In a young man with an otherwise long life expectancy this is obviously significant. A tiny focus of cancer in an elderly man is probably not significant, since the prostate cancer will not have sufficient time to become bothersome.

With our next information - we will inform you about the "Diagnosis 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

http://www.cancer-info.info

info@cancer-info.info

Fritz Frei - since more than 25 years in the Health-Consulting Business - he has build up different rehabilitation groups and offer now in the network the easy information about a better health and life. http://www.cancer-info.info