Prostate Cancer and Prevention
by: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D
I recently attended a meeting of physicians, surgeons, research scientists and concerned individuals for the Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference. Representatives of
Let’s begin with a brief review of our anatomy. The prostate gland is located around the bottom portion of a man's bladder and is positioned behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate's primary function is to produce most of the fluids in semen. Tiny ducts within the prostate convey this fluid to the urethra, the channel that drains urine from the bladder. This fluid is then released through the penis during ejaculation.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It's estimated that by age 50, up to 1 in 4 men have some cancerous cells in the prostate gland. By age 80, the ratio increases to 1 in 2. So, your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
Prostate cancer also is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Yet unlike other cancers, you're more likely to die with prostate cancer than you are to die from it. On average, an American man has about a 30 percent risk of having prostate cancer in his lifetime, but only about a 3 percent risk of dying of the disease.
The risk of prostate cancer is dramatically higher among blacks, intermediate among whites, and lowest among native Japanese. However, this increase in risk may be due to factors other than those associated with race. Studies have shown a link between levels of testosterone and prostate cancer risk, with black men having the highest levels.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination, inability to urinate, blood in urine or semen, or painful ejaculation. Frequent low back pain, burning urination or a weak urine flow are also very common.
There is another condition of the prostate known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. This is basically an enlarged prostate with no cancerous lesions. Symptoms for this condition are similar in many respects to prostate cancer. For example, Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA levels can become elevated in both BPH and prostatic cancer.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the three most common approaches to treatment of prostate cancer. The selection of which method is used depends largely upon the extent of the disease. With the surgical removal of the prostate, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis similar to that of menopause in women. This problem is most often handled by using hormone replacement therapy postoperatively. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to be helpful in reducing this type of bone loss.
Natural measures for the prevention of prostate cancer include chemoprevention, changes in diet and lifestyle, and hormonal prevention. Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs, vitamins, or other agents in order to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Several agents, including difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), isoflavonoids, selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene have shown potential benefit according to studies. Further tests are needed to confirm this.
The herb, saw palmetto, was once thought to be the best natural supplement for prevention of prostate cancer. Recent studies lead researchers to believe saw palmetto to be much less powerful in its preventive effect.
A diet high in fat, especially animal fat, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. So, reducing red meat, cheese and other dairy products, salad dressings, and gravies is a good step. Increasing the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in some studies. Adding soy products such as tofu and soy milk can be helpful in regulating hormonal balance. Exercise, even just plain old walking, has been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate and of practically all other cancers.
Since prostate cancer has a link to testosterone levels, studies are underway to discover the role of certain drugs, such as finasteride, that reduce the amount of male hormone as preventive agents for prostate cancer.
If you think you have experienced any of the symptoms listed in this article, check with your health care provider. Early detection of prostate cancer is very important in managing its damaging effects.
If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this column or to suggest ideas for an article, you can contact me my website.
source:searchwarp.com/
1:00 PM | 0 Comments
Bleeding Between Periods
Tracee Cornforth
Your period was over just last week and now it's back. Maybe this has been happening regularly the last few months. Maybe it's the first time it has happened to you. Whether it's the first time you have experienced irregular bleeding between periods, or just another month of spotting, metrorrhagia (the medical term for irregular bleeding or spotting between periods) is frustrating and can lead to a lot of worry thinking something is seriously wrong.
What is normal menstruation?
Normal menstrual bleeding lasts about five days, and although it may seem like you are losing a lot more blood, the amount of blood lost during your period is only about two to eight tablespoons. Menstruation occurs on average every 28 days; but, anywhere from 25 to 31 days between periods is considered a normal menstrual cycle.
When should you worry about bleeding?
If you are post-menopausal, or younger than 11 and vaginal bleeding occurs you should consult your physician.
It's important to be sure that bleeding is coming from your vagina and not from your rectum or urine. The best time for your doctor to determine the cause of menstrual problems is when bleeding is not active.
What causes bleeding between periods?
Although the cause of irregular bleeding can vary according to individual health situations, some of the more common causes include:
- Abortion
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Beginning or stopping oral contraceptives or estrogens
- Low thyroid levels
- Stress
- IUDs occasionally cause slight spotting
- Injury to the vagina from insertion of objects, from malignant cancers, or from vaginal infections
- Certain drugs such as anticoagulants
- Vaginal dryness
- GYN procedures such as CONE biopsy or cervical cauterization
If bleeding is heavy, bed rest may be recommended. Keep a record of the number of pads or tampons that you use so that your physician can determine whether bleeding is abnormally heavy. It's best to avoid taking aspirin because it can prolong bleeding. Whenever you experience irregular bleeding from unknown causes it is wise to call your physician for an appointment, as well as when bleeding occurs after menopause or when other symptoms are present.
Should I See My Doctor?
When you visit your physician your medical history will be taken and a pelvic exam will be performed. You should be ready to answer certain questions relating to the timing of your irregular bleeding, as well as the quality of bleeding, and other factors and symptoms. Your physician may also do a Pap smear and/or an endometrial biopsy if he feels it is necessary. Some of the questions your physician is likely to ask include:- How long have you experienced bleeding between periods? Does it happen every month or is this the first time? What day during your menstrual cycle does the bleeding begin? How long does it last?
- Do you experience menstrual cramps when irregular bleeding occurs? How heavy is the bleeding? How may pads or tampons do you need?
- Does anything make bleeding worse? Does anything make it better? Is bleeding worse with increased physical activity? Are you experiencing an increase in stress?
- Do you have any other symptoms such as pelvic pain, increased bruising, difficulty swallowing, pain or burning during urination? Is there blood in your bowel movements or urine?
It's also important to advise your physician if you are pregnant or have had a recent miscarriage or abortion.
If you have had a D&C, your physician should know this as well. Remember to inform your physician about any prescription or over-the-counter medications (including herbal supplements) that you are taking. The type and size of tampons can sometimes be a helpful clue to help your physician to determine the cause of metrorrhagia. Your physician will also ask you how old your were when you started having periods, if you are sexually active, and whether you have experienced bleeding between periods in the past. If you have experienced any injuries, or had medical or surgical treatments, this is also important to tell your physician.
If you are currently using oral contraceptives your physician should be aware of this: bleeding between periods can sometimes be caused by something as simple as not taking birth control pills at the exact same time each day.
Be prepared to answer these questions when you visit your physician. The treatment your physician prescribes will depend, to a large extent, on your answers to his questions, as well as the findings of your pelvic exam and/or other tests he orders.
source:about.com
4:08 PM | 0 Comments
