November 28, 2007

Prostate Cancer Statistics That Will Help Your Fight Against The Disease

The prostate gland, found only in men, is located underneath the bladder. Shaped like a donut and about the size of a walnut, it surrounds the urethra -- the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate's primary function is to produce seminal fluid which mixes with sperm during ejaculation.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects men in Western society. This particular form of cancer grows more slowly than others however, and sometimes may not even require any treatment. But some grow more quickly and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the surrounding bones, which can cause a lot of pain. In the USA, UK, Australia and Canada there are approximately 280,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

A common symptom that indicates the presence of the disease includes difficulty urinating, especially at night, and sometimes even the complete inability to urinate. Other symptoms can include a weak urine stream, lower back pain, blood found in the urine, pain during urination, and pain in the upper thighs and hips. These symptoms don't necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer, and may only be an indication of benign prostate hypertrophy, or BPH, which is simply the enlargement of the prostate. In any case, you should consult your doctor for a thorough diagnosis.

Research that seeks to determine the underlying causes of prostate cancer have been unable so far to come to a definitive conclusion. However, there have been a number of risk factors that have been identified. One risk factor is thought to be radiation, which is a likely reason for some cases. Around 10% of patients are men that have a family history of prostate cancer, which suggests that genetics plays a role. It is generally believed that a family history of prostate cancer can increase your risk anywhere from two to five times.

The most important risk factor appears to be age. Men under the age of 50 are very unlikely to develop prostate cancer, but over half or all prostate cancer cases are men over the age of 75.
Other research suggests that the quality of your diet can affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. To minimize the risk, try to follow a low-fat diet, and eat lots of foods that contain lycopene -- tomatoes and cruciform vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.


Vitamin E also appears to be effective according to some studies, however this hasn't been fully confirmed. Another possibility is selenium; some studies suggest a daily dosage of 200mcg can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

One common myth that has been thoroughly debunked is the belief that have a vasectomy increases a man's susceptibility to prostate cancer. This is simply untrue; there is no noticeable difference in prostate cancer rates among men who have and have not had a vasectomy.

Remember, the most important key to successful treatment is early diagnosis of the disease. Once prostate cancer reaches the advanced stages it can be very difficult to cure, and the threat of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body also increases the longer you wait. If you are reached the age of 50, make sure you understand the symptoms and get regular checkups.
Are you looking for information about
prostate cancer statistics? For more important information on prostate cancer, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com for more information.

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Prostate Health

Cancer in any form is a scary thought and for men, a prostate cancer is even scarier. There are chances that men i their lifetime are bound to suffer from enlarged prostate or other degree of prostate cancer. But due to so much advancement in technology and so many researches being conducted we now have a large pool of knowledge regarding natural supplements and products. This helps in achieving good health in our peak days and provides us with alternative energy supply well in our late ages.

If you are worried about your prostate health then it is very important to intake the right kind of food to keep the prostate fully functional and avoid any kind of health issues. If the right food chart is followed then there should be no doubt in your mind that you will remain healthy for a longer time.

Many food supplements can compliment your health as well as boost your prostate health. The first is soy. Although most think that soy is a food supplement that is meant for women but you will be surprised to know that soy also help in maintaining a good prostate health. There are many soy products available in market but the nutrients of soy are most effective when used in the form of actual soybean or tofu.

Another good food that is bound to help your prostate health is fruit. All fruits are full of a natural sugar that adds to the protective effect on the prostate. Also lycopene, another natural chemical found in fruits and vegetable also contributes towards protection from prostate cancer. The red color in fruits and vegetables is the indication in lycopene, the redder the fruit the higher the concentration of lycopene.

Alternatively, you can use Saw palmetto. It is an herb that has been long thought to be helpful in avoiding prostate cancer or men with enlarged prostate problems. Another beneficial natural remedy for the prostate cancer is milk. Cancer helps in maintaining a good prostate health. Especially in old age where even the minutest efforts are bound to come in handy.
For more information about Milk Prostate, feel free to visit us at:
http://www.prostate-land.com/article-10-Milk-Prostate.html

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November 26, 2007

Important Information on Prostate Cancer Facts Every Man Should Know

Prostate cancer is a disease that afflicts the prostate gland, which is only found in men. Located just below the bladder, the gland is roughly the size of a walnut and is in front of the rectum. The urethra -- the tube that transports urine from the bladder -- is surrounded by the prostate gland.

The prostate is also an important part of the male reproductive system, containing cells that protect and nourish sperm in the seminal fluid. A man's fertility can be compromised if these seminal fluids are not provided by the prostate.

The prostate grows when a boy begins to go through puberty and become a man. This growth depends upon the hormones that affect the prostate. Low hormonal levels won't allow the prostate to grow to full size.

The part of the prostate gland part that surrounds the urethra can continue to grow even into old age, creating a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The resulting growth puts pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty with urination. Although it can be rather uncomfortable, this condition is not serious and does not pose any risk to a sufferer's life.

However, prostate cancer, if left unchecked and untreated, can indeed be fatal. Prostate cancer is a slow growing form, known as prostate adenocarcinoma. It can grow so slowly that many men will carry the disease around for years and not even know. Some cases of prostate cancer are not even discovered until an autopsy is performed after death. Thus, prostate cancer can exist for quite a long time without any obvious external symptoms, such as urination trouble.

Even though a large amount of research has been conducted on the causes of prostate cancer, there have not yet been any definitive conclusions. Some physicians subscribe to the belief that small, barely detectable changes in the size and shape of the prostate gland is the beginning signal of prostate cancer. This change is known as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or PIN.

PIN consists of two levels -- a high grade or low grade (closer to a normal shape). A high grade PIN level is considered abnormal. If a PIN high grade is detected during a biopsy, further tests are necessary since cancer cells are likely present in the prostate. Like most cancers, early detection is vital for successful treatment and survival.

Although prostate cancer often progresses slowly, it can sometimes grow quickly. The disease can actually spread rather quickly. There is currently no way to determine which cancer cell types are more likely to grow quickly or slowly. It may be the case that most cancer diagnoses are uniquely different because every individual is unique, requiring unique treatment and care for every person.

Are you looking for
information on prostate cancer? For more important information about prostate cancer facts, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com/ for more information.

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3 Steps for Increasing Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

Prostate cancer can be a very frightening prospect to think about. If you don't take the necessary precautions early enough, this disease can can take a heavy toll on its victims. Before we look at some things that will help you avoid prostate cancer, we should first explore the fact that some problems cannot be avoided.

For example, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer significantly increases when you have a family history of the disease or you when you reach a certain age. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent prostate cancer from sneaking up on you and doing serious damage. These things include consistent exercise, a proper diet and regular health exams.

Exercise

To put it simply, exercise is one of the most effective tools for improving your quality of life and overall health. In order to stay strong, healthy and function properly, your body requires consistent physical stimuli. Exercise also plays a role in keeping your immune system strong, which will help you stay disease and cancer free. By maintaining a healthy exercise regimen you will greatly lower your chances of developing prostate cancer. Furthermore, if you are actually diagnosed with the disease, you will be in a much better position to fight off and cure prostate cancer if you are in good shape from exercising.

Healthy Diet

Diet is another important factor that contributes to a healthy lifestyle and is vital if you are exercising on a regular basis. Exercise forces your body to get stronger by repairing itself after breaking down during exercise. Without a proper diet, your body will not be able to grow stronger after exercise if it lacks the nutrients needed for that repair.

Studies show that a well balanced and healthy diet is the most important factor in a healthy lifestyle. Junk food and other unhealthy food increase your chances of health trouble in the future, including prostate cancer. One nutrient that comes highly recommended by the medical profession is lycopene, which has been shown to prevent all forms of cancer. Some foods where lycopene is found in large quantities are tomatoes, papayas, guava and watermelons. You can also take lycopene in supplement form.

Annual Checkups

Remember though that your healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise is meaningless without annual checkups and prostate exams. The reason these checkups are so important is because they allow for the detection of prostate cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection has shown to be overwhelmingly important for successfully treating prostate cancer. Diagnosed early, your chances of survival are extremely high, so try to get annual or semi-annual health exams.

Even though your chances of beating the disease are very high if diagnosed in the early stages, prostate cancer should not be taken likely. By incorporating a healthy diet, consistent exercise regimen, and regular health exams you will be well on your way to avoiding prostate cancer.

Are you looking for information about prostate cancer survival rates? For more important information on prostate cancer diagnostic testing, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit
http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com/ for more information.

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November 23, 2007

Prostate Cancer and Prevention

I recently attended a meeting of physicians, surgeons, research scientists and concerned individuals for the Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference. Representatives of Oregon Health Sciences University spoke about their state-of-the-art prostate cancer research department. Every man reading this article can benefit from the advances made in prevention, detection and treatment of this disease.

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.
Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com

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November 19, 2007

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Many men, in their lifetime, will experience symptoms that could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer symptoms can look like other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is a common symptom of prostate cancer and other prostate problems like BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), in other words an enlarged prostate.

Men have always been less likely to get medical attention than women, especially for minor problems which often serve as warning signs for a more serious underlying illness. You may have prostate symptoms right now that mimic prostate cancer symptoms. If you do get diagnosed with prostate cancer it's important to know that many men, especially those later in life, have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait rather than undergo conventional cancer treatment. Many men decide to make dietary changes and work on approaching it with natural treatment.

To state it simply, cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is characterized by the 'grade' and 'stage'. The grade is given to indicate how quickly a cancer is growing - the higher the grade, the more likely it's that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly and the size and extent of the tumor will determine its stage. It's estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will eventually die of the disease. And the most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancer, is prostate cancer.

For natural treatment options for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals, or find an M.D. with a natural medicine practice.

For part of a dietary approach no matter what treatment you decide on, if possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet. Drink plenty of pure filtered water, at least a quart a day, to remain hydrated and help your body eliminate toxins.

Floramae Malazarte is a writer. She loves collecting books about Romance and Health. For more information on http://www.bestprostatehealthtips.com/ and prostate cancer symptoms go to
http://www.bestprostatehealthtips.com/ Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments.

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Can Green Tea Affect Prostate Cancer?

It has been shown in some studies of green tea that it may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, non threatening type of prostate cancer many men have in their 70’s & 80’s from becoming the aggressive and fatal types. Also in studies on the diet and cancer show that green tea when tested with mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bones, and other parts of the body.

Also some newer research receals that green tea might help prevent the spread of prostate cancer. Specifically the phytochemicals found in green tea, called polyphenols attack the growth factors and proteins, interrupting the growth processes of tumors, resulting in preventing them from spreading to other organs in the body. Now because earlier studies showed that the same natural plant substances may also help to prevent the start of prostate cancer itself, researchers indicated that more studies need to be done on green tea’s affect on fighting this common type of cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer still lies in eating a mostly vegetarian diet.

The phytochemicals in green tea seem to increase the number of enzymes that help convert carcinogens in the body to a dormant, or harmless forms. Numerous questions still remain about the amount and or frequency of green tea necessary to affect the formation of prostate cancer itself. Black tea has also shown similar benefits and effects to green tea, although they appear to have somewhat lower levels of the beneficial substances than green tea has. Whatever the benefits of green tea, it would be a big mistake to rely on the teas alone for this prevention. Other tests and studies suggest a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E use may also offer some protection. The antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Most people do get adequate amounts of selenium, but these studies used mainly nutrition supplements, so the study participants achieved higher intake levels. So it still remains to be seen whether men can protect themselves by taking supplements, along with multivitamins, with selenium. If total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur in the individuals.

Let us add that you should if possible avoid all fatty meats, since high-fat diets also have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems today. also definately stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods. Skip those soda drinks, alcohol, black teas, and all coffee beverages. Stop the consumption of dairy foods, since these products are so closely linked in the US to prostate cancer.

Next, most of us don't realise the effects of stress in everyday life, reduce stress, in particular chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the male prostate. All stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy in the prostate. Now this stress related damage can set the stage for enlargement of the prostate and even possible cancer. The general lifestyle can also contribute to a healthy prostate in men. Remember that exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the human body, and this also enhances the chances of a healthy prostate.

Of course in addition, exercise is essential for effective weight management, it is important to exercise regularly, try to excercise at least 30 minutes a day and at least 3 days every week. This regular exercise not only helps burn off extra calories, but help keep the body flexible and helps to maintain more muscle strength and endurance. Just walking, jogging, and leisure activities such as amateur sports, can be very effective types of exercise. The key is to just stay as active as possible and definately stay off the couch. Many people constantly face that difficult uphill battle to regain control of their weight and healthy body issues. Ultimaletly taking good care of the prostate requires taking better care of yourself.
Now other great foods for natural nutrition and healthy aging are broccoli, blueberries, cabbage, brussels sprouts, flaxseed, soybeans, and tomatoes. But cooked tomatoes are actually a much better source of nutrician than just the raw tomatoes because in the cooking process it releases more lycopene from the cells.

Also it is very important for all men over 50 to have early check-up of his health to help indentify these and other problems early and get proper medical advice and treatments!
For more information on the prostate and male health issues try visiting
Prostate Health - a website that specializes in providing prostate and mens health related information and resources including information on prostate cancer.

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Selenium May Help to Prevent Prostate Cancer

According to a federally sponsored study, published by a Stanford University urologist, men with abnormally low levels of Selenium in their blood are four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer. Selenium is a trace element that is supplied in certain foods and supplements.

The study suggests that making a point of eating Selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts and tuna, or taking a Selenium supplement, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Supplementation is especially useful for older men, as Selenium blood content has been found to decrease with patient age.

Although there are no solid statistics regarding exactly how greatly levels of Selenium in the blood are improved by supplementation, the head researcher of this study, James D. Brooks, MD is decidedly optimistic about the subject. He believes that supplementation has the potential to be of great benefit in preventing prostate cancer, but goes on to comment that more precise research is needed in order to discern exact statistics on the extent of those benefits.

Overall, the researchers who conducted this study believe that they have made some very interesting discoveries, and that increasing levels of Selenium in the blood can significantly reduce a patient's risk of developing the most common form of cancer affecting men.
Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of
Immune Wellness, your source for high quality information about Selenium and other health products.

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Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

For prostate cancer treatment we give the patient hormones that will suppress the male hormones (andrones) in their body. Androgens (male hormones) are produced mainly in the testicles. Sometimes androgens will stimulate the growth of prostate cancer and speed up the growth of the cancer cells. If the levels of the androgens is lowered then the cancer will grow much slower and possibly shrink. Hormone therapy is not meant to cure the cancer in the prostate but if used in conjunction with other therapy such as radiation or surgery if their is a risk of recurrence.

There are numerous ways that the androgen levels can be lowered in the bloodstream:

Orchiectomy - is the surgical removal of one or both of the testicles which are the main source of androgen production in the male body. By removing the testicle or testicles the levels of male hormones will drop enough to slow the growth of the cancer

Luteinizin hormone-release hormone analogs (LHRH) - often chosen instead of having an orchiectomy, LHRH analogs are injected or inserted as small implants underneath the skin. These injections are usually given every month or ever 3, 4, 6 or 12 months. The LHRH analogs that are used most of the time are Lupron, Viadur, Eligard, Zoladex or Trelstar.

Antiandrogens - are given to block the action of the androgens (production of male sex characteristics). Antiandrogens are given in daily pill form and the drugs used are Eulexin, Casodex, and Niandron. Antiandrogen treatments is often used in conjunction with an Orchiectomy because even after the orchiectomy there are sill androgens that will be produced by the adrenal glands.

Estrogens - largely replaced by LHRH therapy because of severe side effects, the use of estrogens (hormones that produce female sex characteristics) was often used in the past as a substitute for Orchiectomy

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

The side effects for Orchiectomy and LHRH treatment are basically the same:

-reduced or no libido (sexual desire)
-impotence
-hot flashes (these may go away with time)
-breast tenderness and growth of breast tissue
-osteoporosis (weakening of bones) leading to bone fractures
-anemia (low red blood cell counts)
-decreased mental acuity
-loss of muscle mass
-weight gain
-fatigue
-decrease in HDL ("good") cholesterol
-depression
The Side Effects of Antiandrogen Treatment
-diarrhea
-nausea
-liver problems
-tiredness

*Note that the biggest difference between the side effects of LHRH treatment and Antiandrogen treatment is when Antiandrogens treatment is given alone their are less sexual side effects. The patients libido and potency can still be maintained.

Many of the side effects noted above can be treated so if they do arise consult with you doctor about what can be done to reduce them.
Steven Wallace provides information about Prostate Diseases and Prostate Cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment options at
http://prostate-answers.com/

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November 16, 2007

The Big News About Herbal Treatment For Prostate Cancer

A very deceptive cancer that affects the prostate, does not start early, but does grow fast once it does start. This cancer like many can be life threatening as well as very damaging. Many people afflicted with this type of cancer do not even realize anything is wrong until it becomes a nightmare.

Prostate cancer affects men and their sexual performance as well as the other sexual functions. More so, older men should be concerned about developing prostate cancer, although it does affect young men as well. Surgery is a choice many have problems dealing with, as it will change their lives forever.

Surgery happens to be the only known treatment of prostate in the medical field. However, this procedure does take your ability to perform sexually, which leaves many with psychological problems. Although people who have the surgery can live long lives, many live with depression. You never have a guarantee that the cancer cells have not moved to other parts of the body.

Herbal treatment for prostate cancer has offered an alternative for people suffering from prostate cancer. This method of treatment is not backed by any medical profession, but mostly by believers in herbal cures. Many believe that early detection of cancer and continued herbal treatment of prostate cancer, you can skip any groups that help you deal with prostate cancer.

Listed below are a few options for herbal treatment for prostate cancer:

• Lycopene- this helps to fight the risk of developing cancer. Tomatoes, watermelons and grapefruits are a good source for lycopene. Lycopene goes deep into the body and helps to reverse the malignant process. Therefore, this herb works well on prostate cancer.
• Saw Palmetto- this helps to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase and interferes with the DRT as well as working as a phytoestrogen. This helps fight prostate cancer. This herbal treatment for prostate cancer comes from the plant known as saw palmettos.
• Selenium- this is provided from garlic, chicken, grains and shellfish. There has been links to selenium deficiency and cancers. When you take this herb, you build a wall against cancer.

By having, regular check ups and taking a herbal treatment for prostate cancer prevention as well as treatment will allow you a long life. You have to follow the guidelines for how much you need daily for any treatment to work.
You can also find more information at
Prostate Cancer Detection And Treatment and Prostate Cancer New Treatment.prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

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Explore Your Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer

The greatest fear facing today's man is out of prostate cancer. Often equated with a near certain death sentence hearing the news that a man has prostate cancer will put a dark cloud over his future.

Like menopause in women, prostate cancer is something that men dread. It is often seen as being an inevitable part of aging. Of course, some men are more susceptible to prostate cancer than others, and even if a man has prostate cancer there are prostate cancer treatment options available that will significantly improve the quality of their life, if not completely eradicate the prostate cancer.

These are some of the more widely known prostate cancer treatment options.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Traditionally this operation therapy has been used as a prostate cancer treatment option through the use a surgical procedure known as soon orchidectomy. This surgical procedure is wildly unpopular in men, however has now been replaced by a hormone drug treatment.

This drug controls the production and release of testosterone or prevents testosterone from being made into the metabolite dihydrotestosterone. These are cancer or stimulating hormones, as such it is important to tightly control their production. Because it is a minimally invasive treatment, it is one of the more popular prostate cancer treatment options.

Cryotherapy

Originally cryotherapy was not very popular among the possible prostate cancer treatment options. However nowadays it is seeing a comeback in popularity due to it being viewed as an efficient way to treat prostate cancer. When using cryotherapy liquid argon is administered to the affected areas. This extremely cool liquid destroys the cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissues.

Cryotherapy is very a minimally invasive compared to other prostate cancer treatment options, and thus has relatively few side effects. Unfortunately the possible side effects include prostate health problems, and sexual dysfunction.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy’s have the highest success rate among all prostate cancer treatment options, due to the fact that it calls for the complete removal of the prostate. This is a very direct approach, however the side effects are more than slightly severe. Impotence is nearly guaranteed, and incontinence is also a very realistic outcome. Because of this radical prostatectomy's are not popular among possible prostate cancer treatment options, and usually only seen as a last resort.

Radiation Treatment

Traditionally radiation therapy or who was one of the most popular prostate cancer treatment options available. However nowadays with the advent of the newer more advanced prostate cancer treatment options radiation treatment has fallen out of popularity. Radiation treatments fall from fame is due to its high rate of side effects, and low rate of success. An unfortunate caveat with radiation treatment, is that if it is not effective the first go around the patient is not able to go through another round of radiation treatment due to the side effects associated with high radiation dosage levels. This leaves the patient having to use another prostate cancer treatment option.

Choosing the best course of action amongst all the different prostate cancer treatment options can be difficult, and should definitely be done with the help of a physician. In fact it is advisable to get a second opinion just to get as many different references as possible. The most important thing to remember however is that prostate cancer is no longer a death sentence, but rather something that can be managed and treated with a plethora of different prostate cancer treatment options.
You can also find more info on
Prostate Exam and Laser Prostate Treatment . Prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

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November 15, 2007

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment: Look Ahead Prostate Cancer

Modern man should be putting a braver face facing Prostate Cancer because Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment would mean a more efficient way in addressing the problems of Prostate Cancer as well as the complications it usually bring along. This treatment is the last option for a patient of Prostate Cancer. They come in the feet's of this expensive treatment as they have no other option for their problem. Yet Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment proves to be quite victorious in solving the cases of Prostate cancer.

An Evaluation of Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment:
One of the most damaging side effects of radiation treatment for prostate cancer is incontinence. If the urinary sphincter is damaged during the radiation treatment process, the patient will experience varying degrees of urinary incontinence, an unwilled action of urinating. This can be very life changing but there are those instances where a corrective surgery can be applied.
Serious incontinence cases though are rare, affecting 1% - 3% of the men undergoing radiation treatment. Though the symptoms will usually go away the longest in a year, it is permanent in less than 1% of the radiation treated men.

In consideration of the above all defects of radiation therapy, her comes a new treatment with latest technology known as Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer treatment. The probability of side effects under this therapy is very less as compared with that of radiation therapy.

It is helpful in solving problems like signs of prostate cancer include a weak urine flow and even the inability to urinate. This condition is very painful and would be a hindrance to one's normal activities. In some cases, blood in the urine and/or semen can be found. Burning sensation during urination and pain in the lower back are signs of prostate cancer as well.

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment is a Well-Matched Therapy:

Proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment is of fussy significance to the patients of Prostate Cancer at the very initial level. This therapy is analgesic and pain-relieving as compared with that of radiation therapy. Once diagnosed, planning the treatment should logically follow. Research has shown that prostate cancer is treated with Proton Therapy Treatment varies from one patient to the other and depending on the severity of the disease. Understanding the cause or disease will help in making better informed decisions about the Proton Therapy for prostate cancer. If detected in its earlier stage the patient has bigger chances of recovering from the disease.

However the Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment is costly as compared with radiation therapy because it involves use of expensive and latest technological tools and equipments. The advantages or merits of Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment add worth to it. Because of this reason it is preferred by almost every patient suffering from Proton Cancer. One of the biggest advantages of this type of therapy is that it is easily available and best suited to persons having Proton Cancer.

About the Author
You can also find more info on prostate cancer treatment and laser prostate. Prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

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November 14, 2007

Side Effects Of Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer

Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Forewarning

Radiation therapy, because of its numerous side effects, is seen as the last resort treatment for prostate cancer. That is why the people usually opting for radiation therapy are also those patients who have already gone through and tried all other options, and thus making a relatively safe procedure of radiation therapy having the highest mortality rate.

For all its worth, radiation therapy is the least enveloping cancer treatment. That alone speaks of the least complications.

The Side Effects of Radiation Therapy on Prostate Cancer are expected. Except the risk of another cancer, it is the same with all other the treatment for prostatecancer: infertility, impotence, bowel and/ or urinary incontinence. Another danger is the damage of the epithelial surface of the skin where the radiation had hit. There is also the collateral radiation damage, this damage of the surrounding tissues where it may hit some vital organs less resilient to the effects of radiation. The gonads are likely to be hit, thus causing infertility. Risks include severe urinary frequency or urgency, rectal problems, hair loss, and damage to the surrounding tissues. Another most commonly noticed symptoms is fatigue but the exact cause is unknown.

After Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer:

Incontinence is important destructive part effect caused by radiation treatment. There are chances of injuring the urinary part during this procedure. Due to this reason a weak urine flow and even the inability to urinate. This condition is very painful and would be a hindrance to one's normal activities. In some cases, blood in the urine and/or semen can be found. Burning sensation during urination and pain in the lower back are signs of prostate cancer as well. Serious incontinence cases though are rare, affecting 1% - 3% of the men undergoing radiation treatment. Though the symptoms will usually go away the longest in a year, it is permanent in less than 1% of the radiation treated men.

Other crucial Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer is impotence - complexity in having a composition, even if the sexual drive is still present. Older practice of radiation treatment have long been considered complicating due to the numerous of side effects and complications that follow suit. And there were cases where the quality of life is compromised: infertility, impotence, incontinence, dryness, and another cancer becomes a problem post operation using radiation treatment.

Causes by Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer:

Infertility is another problem caused by Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer. Enlarged prostate or medically termed, as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition of the prostate that grows beyond its ordinary size. Prostate development is a natural biological process in men. Radiation to the testicles can cause permanent loss of sperm production. Unless the cancer is in the testicles, they can usually be protected from radiation by using a "clam shell" type of shield. Radiation therapy to the pelvis can cause problems with erections by damaging the arteries and nerves that supply the penis. The higher the dose of radiation and the wider the section of the pelvis irradiated, the greater the chance that an erection problem will develop. Testosterone is a male hormone that plays an important role in erections. Some men have less testosterone after pelvic radiation. The testicles, which produce testosterone, may have been affected either by a mild dose of scattered radiation or by the general stress of cancer treatment. The testosterone level will usually recover within 6 months of radiation therapy. However, if a man notices erection problems or low desire after cancer treatment, the doctor may decide to do a blood test to find out if testosterone is low. Some men can take testosterone to get low levels back to normal. Men with prostate cancer should know that replacement testosterone can speed up the growth of prostate cancer cells

But with Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment, the beam is precisely directed, with range and peak closely monitored. That means even if in a depth, the Radiation Therapy can still burn off tissues without having the need for a highly invasive surgery.
You can also find more info on laser prostate and enlarged prostate. Prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

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Advanced Prostate Cancer - Options For Treatment

Prostate cancer normally develops within the peripheral area of the prostate gland and this initially small area of cancerous tissue cannot be felt on a digital rectal examination (DRE) but is often picked up through a PSA test or an ultrasound examination. At this point prostate cancer is described as being in Stage I or is described as a T1 cancer.

As the cancerous region grows within the prostate it will create abnormalities which can now be felt during a DRE and, at this point, the disease is said to have progressed to Stage II or become a T2 cancer.

In both Stage I and Stage II cancer is confined to the prostate gland and is normally treated surgically, with radiation therapy, with cryosurgery or using ultrasound.

As the cancer continues to grow it will spread into surrounding tissues within the pelvic area and will move into Stage III or be classed as a T3 cancer. Finally, prostate cancer cells will be carried to regions of the body outside of the pelvic area and prostate cancer reaches Stage IV or becomes a T4 cancer. It is these two stages of the disease that are classed as being "advanced prostate cancer".

The treatment of advanced prostate cancer is aimed principally at slowing the spread of the disease, providing the best possible quality of life for the patient and extending the patient's life as far as is possible. Although it is possible to cure prostate cancer, particularly in Stage III, the advanced nature of the disease makes this a difficult task and the reality of the situation is that treatment at this point generally represents management of the disease rather than a cure for it.

As prostate cancer cells require male hormones (such as testosterone) to grow, the main form of treatment for advanced prostate cancer is hormone treatment to reduce the production of testosterone.

Hormone therapy may include the use of drugs to reduce testosterone levels in the body or to block the action of testosterone and other male hormones. Treatment options will also include the removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) which produce 95% of the testosterone found in the body.

In some cases of Stage IV cancer hormone therapy may not be effective, or may have only limited results, and patients may require systematic radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
For further information on advanced prostate cancer please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com today.

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November 12, 2007

Prostate Cancer Information

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, apart from skin cancer. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men.

In this year, around 234,500 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US. In 2006, approximately 27,300 men will die from prostate cancer in the US alone. One in every 8 Canadian men will develop the disease, and one in 3 will die from it.

Every man is at risk for prostate cancer. Black men have about a 60% higher incidence rate of prostate cancer than white men, and almost a two-fold higher mortality rate than white men.

Men most at risk include:

- Men over age 40
- North American and European origin
- Diets with a high fat intake
- History of the disease in the family.

The disease takes a long time to develop, and can be easily treated, if detected in its early stages. Prostate cancer can take up to eight to ten years to spread and become life threatening.

There are no specific prostate cancer symptoms, but some potential signs include:

- Frequent, difficult and painful urination
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Pain the in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs
- Painful ejaculation

When speaking about medical options, doctors typically offer patients two choices: radiation therapy or surgery to remove prostate gland.

Studies show that that adding the following to your diet can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer:

- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Tomato juice
- Selenium
- Garlic

Here are 5 foods that can help prevent prostate cancer:

1. Black, pinto, small red and kidney beans.
2. Tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit.
3. Sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe.
4. Broccoli, kale and cauliflower.
5. Soy milk.

Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Prostate Cancer Information. To read latest prostate cancer news visit his site right now.

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Is There A Prostate Cancer Cure?

Just as women are susceptible to breast cancer, men are at a high risk for developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50, however it is important to note that any man, no matter the age can suffer from prostate cancer. This is the reason why it is extremely important for all men to have the proper screening when it comes to prostate cancer.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may wonder whether or not there is a real prostate cancer cure. There is no real answer to that question. A prostate cancer cure depends on the severity of the cancer and how quickly it is discovered. Many men have real success with a prostate cancer cure when they are young, relatively healthy and begin their treatment as soon as the cancer begins. It is much hard to find an adequate prostate cancer cure when it is caught at a very late stage. Treatment and cures are two very different things. Here are some things you should know when you think about prostate cancer cure.

• Treatment: There are many treatment options available for prostate cancer. No two men are alike and no two men respond the same way when it comes to a prostate cancer cure. For example, if you find a tumor and your doctor feels that it might be prostate cancer, he or she might take a “watching waiting” approach, meaning that the tumor will be monitored for a time before a course of action is taken. Some men may respond well to chemotherapy and others do well with hormone therapy.

• Early detection: The best way to find the proper prostate cancer cure for you is to make sure that the cancer is detected in its early stages. Most doctors recommend regular screening if you are at high risk for developing prostate cancer. Men over 50 and African American men are at the highest risk for developing prostate cancer. Also, if you have a family history of prostate cancer, then you should also get regular screening. Screening for prostate cancer involves your doctor examining your prostate gland. He or she is looking for abnormal cell growths and tumors. If something abnormal is found, your doctor will recommend a prostate cancer treatment that is right for you.

It is important to remember that any prostate cancer cure will depend on your individual case. Your doctor will help you find a treatment that is right for you.

You can also find more info on Prostate Cancer New Treatment and Prostate Exam . Prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about prostate cancer treatment.

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November 9, 2007

Is Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer Your Best Option?

The answer to that question is, it depends. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is definitely a good option, and for some men it is the best option. But it depends.

In a 50-year old man radiation therapy is the best option. In an 80-year old man, it probably isn’t.

Younger men benefit more from radiation therapy for prostate cancer than older men do. Radiation therapy with pellets has the same results as external radiation therapy, and is an excellent option for younger men. The failure rate of radiation therapy for prostate cancer is low when the cancer is diagnosed early, and therapy doesn’t cause a significant interruption in his normal routine. He is usually able to return to work within a few days.

The only chemo available to treat prostate cancer right now is hormone injections that stop testosterone production. Few young men are ready to give up their testosterone if it isn’t absolutely necessary.

The most troubling side effects of prostate cancer treatment are incontinence and impotence. Either can occur with either surgical or radiation treatment for prostate cancer. As long as the cancer hasn’t spread, and it is localized in the prostate, radiation therapy for prostate cancer—especially brachytherapy—is the best option for younger men.

It’s different with older men, though. Most prostate cancer is slow-growing, especially in older men. The cost of treatment, in pain and complications, is higher than the cost of living with cancer. In most older men, the best treatment is “watchful waiting.”

NOTE: This article only reflects the opinion of the writer. It is not intended to be used as medical advice. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what treatment is best for you. You should always check with him or her about treatment options.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a website on
prostrate cancer providing prostate cancer symptoms advice for everything from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.

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Prostate Cancer Treatment - What Kind of Drugs Are Used To Treat Prostate Cancer

Doctors will try different medications before referring you to a medical oncologist. If you are referred to one that would imply that your prostate cancer has reached an advanced stage. They would then be speaking about Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy will destroy the cancer cells by interfering with their growth and reproduction. Chemotherapy can be performed either by administering drugs or by performing surgical operations. In some cases, it could be a combination of these two. Chemotherapy can in some cases be very effective the prostate cancer but will not cure it.

The known side-effects are chemotherapy are nausea, hair losses and mouth sores. A new technique called fractionated dose will diminish those side-effects.

Two common chemotherapy drugs are Mitoxantrone as well as Corticosteroids. The other drugs that are used for chemotherapy are rednisone, Paclitaxel and Docetaxel. The final brand which is becoming more and more popular is Estramustine.

Doctors will usually advice you to undergo a surgical operation. You will then be given some medications to take. Many studies have shown that this combination reduces the pains experienced by men to a great extent especially if the prostate cancer has spread to the bones. As explained before, the cancer will not totally disappear nor will you live longer.

Let us examine some other medications that are used and how they function:

Doxorubicin is an anti-tumor antibiotic which works by damaging the nuclei of cells.

Paclitaxel is a member of the Taxane group which functions by fastening the microtubules of cells and thus causing the cells to crumble during division.

Etoposide functions by slowing down the process of mitosis in cancerous cells.

Vinblastine is an antineoplastic which breaks apart cell division and is derived from the Madagascar periwinkle.

The use of chemotherapy in prostate cancer is still being studied and men who do have recourse to chemotherapy are strongly encouraged to discuss with their doctors about experimental trials.

Your oncologist will inform you of the benefits and drawbacks to of the different drugs described above. So do seek medical advice too and you would be in a better position to decide according to your own health and your personal values.
For more information about Prostate Cancer Treatment, feel free to visit us at:
http://www.prostate-land.com/article-8-Prostate-Cancer-Treatment.html

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Prostate Cancer Treatment Options - 4 Options for Cancer Patients

It's difficult to refer to anything cancer-related as a "good thing," but one of the relatively good things about prostate cancer is that there are a number of ways to treat it.

If you have prostate cancer, you should understand the different types of prostate cancer treatment and speak to your physician about each option. As with many other types of cancer, doctors often disagree the best treatment option for patients with prostate cancer. The number of treatment options will also vary depending on how advanced/widespread the cancer is in a particular patient.

So again, the best you can do is educate yourself about the various prostate cancer treatment options and seek opinions from more than one specialist in the field.

With that being said, here are some of the most common treatments for prostate cancer.

Treatment Option #1 - Prostate Surgery

Surgery is possibly the most common form of prostate cancer treatment. The goal of such surgery is to remove the entire prostate from the body, thus removing the cancer along with it. But while the goal of prostate surgery is almost always the same, the method of surgery varies.

Current technology enables doctors to perform robotic surgery for prostate removal, which can minimize hospital time and expedite recovery. Robotic prostate surgery, as it is known, uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.

Treatment Option #2 - Radiation Therapy

Current research shows that surgery and radiation therapy have similar success rates, though the two prostate cancer treatments have different side effects.
With radiation therapy, high-energy rays (similar to x-rays) are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors within the prostate. The main types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer are (1) external beam radiation and (2) brachytherapy, or internal radiation. Though both options have decent success rates, there is more data and information about external beam radiation -- at least at the time of this writing (August 2007).

Treatment Option #3 - Hormonal Therapy

Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, is another prostate cancer treatment option.

With hormone therapy, reduce the level of male hormones (androgens) in the body. Androgens such as testosterone are produced in testicles and have been shown to stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, by lowering androgen levels within the body, doctors can also slow the growth of cancer shells, or even shrink them.

Side note: In a related article on this website, we discuss the possible causes of prostate cancer, and under the dietary section there is a similar mention this link between testosterone and prostate cancer growth.

Currently, doctors disagree on several aspects of hormone therapy as a prostate cancer treatment. The most common points of dispute are the best time to start such therapy, the best time to stop the therapy, and the method of administering the therapy.

Treatment Option #4 - Chemotherapy

Most people are familiar with chemotherapy as a general treatment for most cancers. Chemotherapy is also another form of prostate cancer treatment as well.

With chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs are introduced into the body. Because of the many different ways to administer these drugs, there are certain oncologists (cancer doctors) who specialize in the proper administration of chemotherapy.

As a treatment for prostate cancer, chemotherapy is usually reserved for advanced cases wherein the cancer cells are not responding to other forms of cancer treatment. One of the most important things to realize about chemotherapy is that the drugs are very strong. Thus, they can make a patient very sick even while reducing or eliminating cancer. Chemo can attack and kill cancer cells, but it can also damage healthy cells as well.

Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the types of drugs used, the dosage and the length of time they are taken. But in general, side effects of chemotherapy include the following:

* hair loss
* loss of appetite
* mouth sores
* nausea and vomiting
* lower resistance to infection (low white blood cell counts)
* easy bruising or bleeding (low blood platelets)
* general tiredness or fatigue (low red blood cells)

Conclusion

When considering your treatment options for prostate cancer, it's important to get multiple opinions from cancer specialists and to educate yourself as much as possible. This article is just an overview of prostate cancer treatment options, therefore we highly recommend you seek other sources of knowledge before making a decision about treatment.

Learn More
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Prostate Surgery Center, an unbiased guide to
prostate cancer and the surgeries associated with it. Learn more by visiting http://www.prostatesurgerycenter.com/

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November 8, 2007

Success with Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer


Hormone therapy is known as one of the treatments for prostate cancer. We have heard success stories with hormone therapy for prostate cancer patients from Internet and medical publications. Here we discuss why hormone therapy can be applied to treat prostate cancer. The prostrate gland is found near the base of the urethra.

This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. The front end of the prostrate gland surrounds the urethra and the rear part of the gland presses against the rectum. The prostrate gland is found in the males and is susceptible to tumor growths. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant means that the tumor is cancerous and life threatening.

Faulty Genes Put Right With Hormones
Having a cancerous prostrate tumor is no cause for alarm because if the tumor is diagnosed well in advance, for which there are many symptoms the layman can understand, the prostrate gland can be surgically removed along with the tumor. Thus, one can prevent the spread of the tumor to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system.

It is very rare to find a patient under fifty to have prostrate cancer. The patient can become weary of a tumor on the prostrate gland if he finds the following symptoms: dribbling before or after urinating, feeling that the urinary bladder is never empty completely, discomfort or pain while urinating and passing of blood sometimes while urinating, false calls or frequently wanting to urinate without actually urinating.

Getting Rid Of the Gland

Apart from having the prostrate removed surgically, there are some hormone treatments for prostrate cancer as well. Some of these hormone treatments have known to have produced dramatic results. But, then it is the stage of the disease as well as the age of the person who is treated that also counts.

Doctors all over the world have known for a long time now that cancer can be treated with hormones as prostrate cancer has been known to be hormone or gene related. For instance, men who have had prostrate cancer in the family are more likely to contract the disease that men who have no family history of prostrate cancer.

Even men with the history of breast cancer in the family run the risk of developing prostrate cancer. This led to research on treating cancer with hormones. Research has shown that men live longer with prostrate cancer if it is treated with hormone therapy along with radiation treatment.

The standard hormone treatment is for three years but in many cases dramatic results have come about within six months of the treatment. Researchers from Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that men treated with six months of androgen suppression therapy in addition to radiation improved faster and better than men treated with only radiation.

Prostate cancer can be treated. Click here for more information on hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Read also other options for prostate cancer treatment here. We provide facts and information about prostate cancer for free.

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Prostate Cancer And Hormone Treatment

Prostate cancer and hormone treatment to address this disease is one approach some have taken. The idea with this type of treatment is to decrease the production of testosterone that could stimulate the cancerous prostatic cells.

These cancerous prostatic cells cause the disease to worsen. And with its reaction to the male androgenic hormone – testosterone – the spread of these cancer cells will be hastened. Prostate cancer and hormone treatment for this disease, looks at this angle of testosterone production and the stimulating effect of testosterone on the cancerous cells.

Prostate cancer and hormone treatment to control this disease means to deprive the cancerous cells of testosterone either by the use of medications or by surgical removal of the testes. If one opts for the latter, he will undergo orchiectomy or commonly called castration. With this, control of prostate cancer and hormone treatment effectiveness is hoped upon. The testes is after all the main source of the production of testosterone. Without the hormone, the cancerous cells will have no stimulus to act upon.

The other way to approach the control of prostate cancer and hormone treatment as a means to do so - as was mentioned earlier, is by way of medication. One may take what is called the anti-androgenic drugs that will block the effects of testosterone over the prostate. Another drug called the LH-RH agonists could also be taken, which would block the release of LH-RH signal from the brain. LH-RH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) will normally travel from the brain to the testes to signal it to produce more testosterone. Blocking this will help control the production of testosterone.

The method of controlling prostate cancer and hormone treatment have some side effects. These include hot flashes, weight gain, vomiting, fertility loss, loss of sexual drive, and impotence. Some may be temporary, but others are of permanent nature.

Hormone treatment may not be effective in all cases. There are tumors that are called androgen-independent prostate cancers – and thus, these thrive even without testosterone. Also, these hormone treatments of prostate cancer are usually applied to those who already have prostate cancer with local spread.

This procedure is also applicable for those who refuse to undergo surgical procedures as radical prostatectomy, which removes the entire prostate gland. If one may not wish to undergo radiation treatment, either by means of radioactive seed implants or by external radiation process – then hormone treatment may be the way to go.

Hormonal treatment for your prostate cancer have some degree of effectiveness in controlling the cancer. And like any other form of treatment, it has side effects that go with it. In the end, it is all about the decision you, your love-ones, and your doctor has come up with, that makes the prostate cancer solution acceptable.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Prostate Cancer and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Prostate Cancer web site. For more articles and resources on Prostate Cancer related topics, treatment options and much more visit his site at:
=>http://prostate.need-to-know.net/

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Understanding 5 Popular Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

The best course of action to take with respect to prostate cancer treatment options depends upon your immediate state of health. There are several factors to take into consideration, such as your general state of health, your age, the amount of cancer cells present, the stage of cancer, as well as any preferences you may have.

When detected in its early stages, prostate cancer is treated rather easily and your chances of survival are extremely high. The slow development of the disease allows many patients the time to fully understand the many different kinds of prostate cancer treatment options before making a choice.

There are three main paths to curing prostate cancer. Some simple definitions of these paths are included below.

Observation

Nicknamed "watchful waiting," this approach consists of regular tests and checkups in order to monitor the cancer when detected in the early stages. This treatment is usually chosen by men in their 70s and 80s, since they often prefer avoiding the side effects that accompany surgery and radiation treatments.

Surgery

The surgery that removes the prostate gland and the cancer is called a prostatectomy. Some lymph nodes may be removed during this procedure as well. In order to avoid damaging any nerves that help you achieve an erection, be sure to work with a surgeon who is experienced with this kind of procedure.

Radiation

Radiation treatment uses strong rays of energy to kill any cancerous cells. Although the treatment itself may only last for a minute or two, you will usually need to receive five treatments per week for around four to eight weeks. Radiation is administered both internally and externally. For external radiation therapy, a large radiation machine is used. Internal treatment occurs by injecting radioactive seeds with a needle into the prostate. Be aware that radiation treatment also runs the risk of nerve damage.

Additional Treatment Methods

On some cancer patients in the early stage, the prostate gland is subjected to a freezing process that kills any cancerous cells. This option, called cryosurgery, uses probes that are inserted into the prostate gland. The probes contain a very cold gas that freezes any damaged tissue. Cryosurgery can be rather convenient as it can be administered on an outpatient basis. However, only a very few number of people have undergone this treatment, so it is too early to determine how effective it truly is.

Ongoing Treatment

Even after you finish with a treatment option, you should still continue to observed by your physician. Get checkups regularly, which will include detailed follow ups on the status of your cancer. You should expect PSA tests, biopsies, urinalyses, and physical exams.

To calm any fear or anxiety you may have as a result of prostate cancer diagnosis, be sure to research all the different treatment options available to you, along with any potential side effects. Some people find radiation to be too rough on the body, and others may choose surgery over chemical treatments. In the end, the best treatment option is one that matches your personal preferences and current state of health, and is well planned out.

Are you looking for information about prostate cancer treatment options? For more important information on prostate cancer, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer treatments and prevention, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com/ for more information.

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Treatment For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men apart from lung cancer. More than 2 million men in the United States suffer from this dreaded disease. However, with the recent advancements in the field of medical research and science, the number of patients succumbing to this disease is gradually going down.

Prostate cancer treatment can be broadly classified into local therapy and systemic therapy. Procedures like surgery and radiation therapy are local treatment options used to control the disease in a particular area inside the body. Hormone therapy using agonists is a systemic treatment option used when the cancer converts into a metastasis and affects various organs.

Surgery involves removal of a part or complete prostate gland, a process known as prostatectomy. Different surgical procedures used include radical retropubic prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, laproscopy, TURP, cryosurgery and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Surgery is the most common treatment in early stage prostate cancer. Side effects of surgery include impotency, dry orgasms and urinary incontinence.

There are two different types of radiation therapy available for treating prostate cancer. One treatment option uses externally-produced radiation beams to kill cancer cells. Alternatively, there is another procedure known as brachytherapy where radioactive material is implanted into the affected area in the form of small seeds. Radiation coming from the seeds is enough to destroy cancer cells in the vicinity. Side effects of this therapy include diarrhea, problems during urination, dry skin and permanent hair loss.

Hormone therapy involves usage of drugs that block the androgens required for the growth of prostate cancer cells. These drugs are known as agonists. Some important drugs include Lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists like leuprolide and goserelin, anti-androgens like flutamide and nilutamide and drugs like ketoconazole that prevent adrenal gland to synthesize testosterone. Physicians can use these drugs individually or in a combination.

A patient should always consult a specialist and get a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment procedure before starting the treatment.
About Author:
Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like Blank Printable Doctors Excuses Sample, Prostate Cancer Survivability Rates At Stage T3c, Cases of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

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What is Prostate Cancer?


What is prostate cancer? The term cancer refers to a very large group of what-is-prostate-cancerdifferent diseases, which all have one thing in common: the uncontrolled cell division of an organ or tissue. These uncontrolled cells form what is known as a tumor. Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate develops this kind of a tumor.

Malignant tumors are characterized by the fact that they grow abnormally and out of control. The modified cells proliferate unabated. They can grow into surrounding tissue and destroy it, and spread into other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic vessels. Once there, they can settle and multiply again. This spreading of cancer from one organ to another is called metastasis.

Today, we know that the reason for the emergence of cancer is a change in the genetic material of cells that causes abnormal growth. In general, there are many factors, both external and internal, that work together to cause a cell to become cancerous. The final part of this process of damage and disruption is always a change in the gene control of cell growth, which leads to unregulated cell division and normal functional cell properties. In some cases the risk of developing cancer can be inherited, possibly including some forms of prostate cancer.

Some external influences which can be a trigger for the development of cancer include:

- Tobacco smoke
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun
- Radiation
- Certain molds on food
- Malnutrition
- Some viral infections
- Certain chemicals

These alone however can not alone be held responsible for the development of cancer. Diet also plays a role in prostate cancer.

Age is another reason that cancer develops more often in older people, due to the reduction in cell repair capabilities that go along with the aging process. Prostate cancer usually only occurs during old age.

Are you looking for information about what is prostate cancer? For more important information on prostate cancer, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com/ for more information.

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