In the next few issues, we will discuss various types of cancers, the classic symptoms associated with each and lifestyle/behavioral changes that may aid in preventing cancer.
In the U.S., only a medical practitioner may diagnose - or name - any disease or disease process. It is not my goal as a professional consultant to diagnose you. It is my goal to educate you regarding symptoms of cancer, lifestyle/behavioral changes that may aid in preventing cancer and treatment choices. It is your God-given and Constitutional right to choose the treatment method that is right for you. Those choice include: medical; natural; or an integrative approach of both natural and medical methodologies. For more information, please visit my website, www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com.
Principle for Optimum Health: Do not ignore symptoms! If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth within the prostate. In 2005 (most recent dates available from the Center for Disease Control), 185,895 men developed prostate cancer and 28,905 men died from prostate cancer. In the U.S., prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men of all races.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is located behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. It's approximately the size of a walnut and the urethra (tube that empties urine from the bladder) passes through it. As men age, the prostate increases in size (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) resulting in the narrowing of the urethra, decreasing urine flow.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Researchers are not in agreement to which factors may cause prostate cancer. Some of those most agreed upon are:
1. Age. The older a man is, the more likely to develop prostate cancer
2. Genetics. Though no gene is known to raise or lower prostate cancer risk, a man whose father, brother or son develops prostate cancer is 2-3 times more likely to develop it himself
3. Race. Prostate cancer is more common in some racial and ethnic groups; however, the reason for this is unknown.
What is prostate screening?
Prostate screening means looking for cancer before symptoms occur. There is disagreement within the medical profession whether or not screening is effective. Currently, there is not enough evidence to decide if the potential benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential risks. The two tests most commonly used are the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). DRE is performed manually by a doctor or nurse. PSA is a blood test. As a rule, the higher the PSA count, the more likely a prostate problem exists-it is not necessarily indicative of a cancerous condition. There are many factors which can increase PSA counts: age (as men age, certain medical procedures, an enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis (infection of the prostate) to name a few. As mentioned, there is much disagreement within the scientific community whether or not screening is effective. Statistically, if 100 men over the age of 50 take the PSA test, and 85 have normal test results, a small percentage of those 85 will have a cancer that was missed or undetected by the PSA test. The remaining 15 will have a higher than normal PSA, resulting in further testing. After further testing, only 3 of the 15 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What are my treatment options?
As with screening, the medical community is in disagreement regarding which treatment method is most effective. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound and hormone therapy are a few of the possible treatments available. However, active surveillance (watchful waiting)-close monitoring of the cancer and treating it only if and when it causes symptoms-may be a viable option. Active surveillance can protect against serious side effects such as urinary incontinence, impotence, free radical cascade resulting in immunological deficiencies, etc. that may occur with unnecessary treatment interventions. Complementary and alternative medicine, also known as integrative medicine, may be a viable option as well. Integrative medicine may include practices in addition to, or instead of, the usual or standard ways of treating cancer. These may include naturopathy, nutritional supplementation, herbalism, diet-based therapies, homeopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis.
What signs should I watch for?
Monthly self-exam by men over 50 should include: checking for lumps in prostate or testicles; thickening and/or fluid retention in the scrotum; persistent, unexplained back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs; straining, difficult, bloody or frequent urination. These symptoms are not necessarily indicative of prostate cancer-there are other conditions such as BPH which can cause similar symptomatology. Also, if you are considering treatment for increased libido and/or impotence, consider the possibility it may stimulate prostate cancer. Live responsibly. Seek help if any of these symptoms occur.
Cancer Prevention Tips:
Scientists are studying how best to prevent breast cancer. Ways to help you lower your risk of getting cancer include the following:
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Know your body.
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Be familiar with "normal" marks (moles, freckles, etc.) and lumps or bumps
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Do periodic self-check for any abnormal marks, lumps or bumps.
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Exercise regularly.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Limit alcohol.
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Get plenty of rest.
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Maintain immune system health.
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives; integrative medicine; Pam Anderson, DNM (Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry), RN (Registered Nurse) and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter for optimum health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
