November 1, 2008

Vitamin E, selenium fail to reduce prostate cancer risk

Vitamin E, selenium fail to reduce prostate cancer risk

Xinhua, China
BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- A seven-year research trying to find the effects of Vitamin E and selenium supplements on prostate cancer has been halted ...

source: google news

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October 25, 2008

How To Tell If You Have An Enlarged Prostate

No matter how physically healthy or unhealthy you are, if you're a man over the age of forty-five, there is a 50 percent chance you have prostate enlargement. Doctors call it benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

That's right... a 50% chance!

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are often painful, embarrassing, and frustrating. The most common symptoms are:

* A frequent and often urgent need to urinate
* A frustrating inability to completely empty the bladder
* A weak urine stream, and painful or bloody urination.

But the most frustrating symptom is the frequent nighttime urge to urinate that results in sleep-disrupting visits to the bathroom.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you're not alone. Each year, as many as 12 million American men suffer from symptoms of prostate enlargement http://www.prostatehealthtips.com/prostate-enlargement.html that are so agonizing they are forced to seek medical treatment!

In fact, in America today, four out of five American men are likely to develop prostate problems during their lifetime. And those problems aren't limited to BPH. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can occur in males of any age after puberty. And, unfortunately, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among American males, developed by 19 out of every 100 men.

Yes, the statistics are frightening. According to Michael B. Schachter, M.D. in The Natural Way to a Healthy Prostate, it is estimated that "the prostate gland accounts for more than 5.5 million doctor visits, 950,000 hospitalizations and 43,500 prostate-related deaths a year."

Until recently, your first line of defense against BPH was conventional drugs or surgery, most of which came with a laundry list of horrifying side-effects that include permanent impotence, incontinence, and even death!

The good news is... there are now natural treatments available to treat prostate conditions that are safe, effective alternatives to these conventional prescription drugs or surgery.

But if you suspect you are suffering from prostate problems, the very first thing to do is have your doctor or urologist accurately diagnose your condition.

There are several examinations to detect prostate enlargement and/or other prostate conditions. Some of these methods are referred to by their initials.

Digital Rectal Exam

Digital rectal exam (or DRE) is usually the first test done. And it's just what it says: your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the part of the prostate next to the rectum. A DRE exam can give a general idea of the size and condition of the gland, but it's not highly reliable in detecting prostate enlargement, since the part of the prostate that presses on the urethra can't be felt by DRE. It is, however, more useful in diagnosing prostatitis or detecting prostate cancer.

PSA Test

These are initials you'll hear tossed around a lot in relation to prostates. They stand for Prostate Specific Antigen, a protein produced by both benign and malignant prostate cells. The PSA test measures the amount of this protein in the blood. Heightened PSA levels can occur in BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer. The test is not highly reliable, but it is considered to be more useful in detecting prostate cancer than BPH or prostatitis. Nevertheless, it's a part of the alphabet you should be familiar with.

Urinary Flow Rate Measurement

The patient urinates into a special device that measures how quickly urine is flowing. The peak flow rateÑwhen the urine is flowing fastestÑis a more specific indication of BPH than the average rate of flow. Ultrasound This is usually only used if there is a suspicion of prostate cancer. A probe in the rectum directs sound waves at the prostate, and echo patterns of those waves form an image of the prostate on a display screen.

American Urologic Association Symptom Index

The American Urologic Association has developed a symptom index (AUASI) that has become the standard test to assess symptoms of BPH.

This symptom index is a series of questions that help determine the severity of urinary symptoms and is used by urologists around the country.

If you are looking for any more specific information about how to tell if you have an enlarged prostate or what steps you need to take if you do, please feel free to visit our web site.

James Witman is an expert in nutrition and prostate health. He has written many articles related to prostate health and other health conditions that affect men. To learn more, please visit his website www.prostatehealthtips.com.

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October 10, 2008

Providing Emotional Support For Prostate Cancer Patients

Providing Emotional Support For Prostate Cancer Patients

After colorectal and lung cancer, prostate cancer is the third killer cancer in the U.S. Current statistics reveal 1 out of 6 American men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life. Prostate cancer typically causes a lot of discomfort, with symptoms including blood in the urine, weakness and numbness in legs and feet, pain in the spine, ribs and other bones, and loss of bladder or bowel control. In the majority of cases, patients are irritable and emotional.

When diagnosed with any type of cancer, even the most even-tempered of men experience emotional and psychological change. Symptoms and their treatments bring fear and discomfort. Any support from family and friends is so essential to those with cancer, but even the family can become affected when a member is diagnosed with cancer. People close to the victim will find it tough to admit the fact a loved one has cancer and could possibly die.

Family members and friends should try to keep in mind that the biggest weight of suffering is placed on the patient himself. He is thinking about the possibility of dying, suffering from pain and loss of autonomy. The focus should be not on you own stresses and troubles, but on the patient's.

Family members' anxieties will communicate itself to the patient and probably provoke further emotional decline. If you stay strong and express a positive attitude when with the patient, it can make both of you feel better. Acknowledge to him that you care and understand how difficult things are. Reassure him you will always be there no matter what.

It can be emotionally and physically draining to deal with a prostate cancer patient, particularly if you are close to the person. The ones most affected besides the patient is the wife, and they are the person who is most looked to for reassurance.

Men with prostate cancer frequently make difficult demands of family or caregivers. A chain smoking patient, for example, might ask for a cigarette and then threaten to not take his medication when not given a cigarette.

Some employ emotional manipulation, saying he is going to die anyway, so why not let him have one last pleasure. Use your gut feeling on when or when not to give in, listening with your heart. Most often, they only want a little reassurance from you.

Above all, try to keep seeing them as the person they are, not as a cancer patient. Without denying the reality of what they are going through, connect to the man you knew before they were diagnosed.

For information on prostate cancer symptoms and prostate treatment surgery, visit Medopedia.com

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September 29, 2008

How To Improve Prostate Health With Nuts?

How To Improve Prostate Health With Nuts?

Men above the age of 50 begin to experience problems with their prostate. Prostate health is receiving major attention considering the fact that cancer of the prostate is one of the leading killers in men. How can men take better care of their prostate with diet?

While still debate rages on as to what causes prostate enlargement and cancer in some men and not others, there is ample evidence that a good diet can benefit most men in warding off prostate enlargement and cancer.

Prostate enlargement is associated with frustrating symptoms like increased frequency of urination, inability to empty the bladder completely, waking up more often at night to relieve oneself and sexual dysfunctions. All enlarged prostates do not lead to cancer but once enlarged it is essential that a close watch is kept over how the prostate behaves. Genetics and diet play a major role in the outcomes of prostate health. A diet that is poor in anti-oxidants can lead to the development of cancers in general and prostate cancer in particular.

In today's highly competitive and fast-paced lifestyle, the first thing that men tend to ignore is their diet. In a constant rush all the time preference is given to grab fast-food on the way to office rather than eat a healthy home cooked meal. Little do men realize that unhealthy dietary habits can contribute to prostate enlargement and cancer eventually. Dietary supplements seem to be the most convenient remedy to limit the potential for the prostate to cause problems. Many herbs are available to boost the prostate health. A conscious change in dietary habits and lifestyles, however, can prove to be a permanent solution for ensuring that the prostate remains in good health throughout life.

Vitamin E and Selenium are two powerful dietary supplements. Brazil nuts, almonds and hazelnuts are good sources for these two. Selenium is a potent anti-oxidant and also boosts the immune system. Selenium increases the body's defenses and also fights cancer cells on its own. Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant, found in good quantities in hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, chestnuts and coconuts. Oils obtained from wheat germ, sunflower, soybean and olives are other natural food items that are rich in Vitamin E. There are several studies that show that a diet rich in Vitamin E can help prevent prostate and breast cancer. Vitamin E when combined with Selenium can drastically reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

Nuts when consumed in reasonable quantities (a handful two to three times per week) are effective in preventing prostate enlargement and cancer. Remember that too much nuts can lead to elevated Cholesterol levels which is not good.

By Rajgopal Iyer

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Can Increased Sexual Frequency Boost Prostate Health?

Can Increased Sexual Frequency Boost Prostate Health?

The prostate is a tiny, walnut-shaped gland that is present only in men. Prostate is a very important part of the male anatomy and often beyond the age of fifty gets enlarged and may be the site of cancer in men. Improving prostate health can be a means of avoiding prostate enlargement and cancer. Can more sex lead to better prostate health? Find out for yourself.

The act of performing a sexual act has both physical and psychological aspects blended into it. To get the best out of sex not only does one have to be physically fit but also be in a calm and relaxed state of mind both during the act and after. Men above the age of fifty experience both physical and psychological problems and this is compounded if they have a prostate problem.

Is there a connection between prostate health and sexual acts? Logic proves that the answer is a definite yes.

1. The prostate produces a fluid which forms a major volume of the semen.
2. To make seminal fluid, the gland takes up citric acid, potassium and zinc from the blood and concentrates them to over 600 times.
3. Alongwith these ingredients, carcinogenic substances from the blood are also taken up and concentrated tremendously in the prostate.
4. Any such carcinogen is a potential threat for the development of cancer in the prostate.

So what's the benefit of frequent sex or ejaculation? Instead of accumulating cancer forming substances within the prostate, it is much better to ejaculate them frequently and avoid the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have revealed that ejaculation of more than five times a week during your 20s, by any means - regular sex or masturbation, reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer during middle age. This theory might be contested by some but the logic proves otherwise.

Men after the age of fifty are prone to develop benign enlargement of the prostate. This is a condition where the prostate gland simply enlarges and causes symptoms by putting pressure on the urinary tract. Medications, surgery or herbs are available to correct this problem. Men with enlarged prostate also develop erectile dysfunction either due to the disease per se or due to the side effects of the prescription medications.

In spite of a vast majority of men being afflicted by benign enlargement or cancer, prostate enlargement still remains a much less talked about condition. Young men need to be impressed upon about the benefits that they can derive in their middle age by keeping their prostate in a healthy condition by way of increasing their ejaculations either by means of sexual intercourse or masturbation. In addition they can combat prostate enlargement better if they adopt a better lifestyle, maintain a healthy diet and keep fit with exercise.

By Rajgopal Iyer

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September 23, 2008

Study: Hormones not for all prostate cancer patients

Study: Hormones not for all prostate cancer patients

USA Today

By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY A new study raises additional questions about the benefits of drugs given to more than half of prostate cancer patients. ...

source: google news

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September 15, 2008

Spotting Developing Prostate Problems

Spotting Developing Prostate Problems
For most men passing the age of forty-five is not only a sign of the dreaded 'middle' age but is also the point at which they might well expect to see the arrival of prostate problems at any day. Enlargement of the prostate (also referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH) is a normal part of the ageing process and, as its name suggests, it is not a life-threatening condition.

In the vast majority of cases the symptoms of an enlarged prostate will be relatively mild and, although most men are aware of them, they simply choose to live with them as something of a nuisance and merely a sign of getting old. In some cases however symptoms can be become more than a simple nuisance and then you will need to consult your physician and seek one of the many different treatments available today.

The prostate gland, which is an important part of the male reproductive system, partly surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that caries urine out of the body from the bladder. This means that, as the prostate grows it will start to press on the urethra gradually narrowing it and interfering with the normal flow of urine. It is here therefore that the first signs of a problem usually become evident.

It is common for example to begin to experience difficulty in starting the flow of urine and this will be seen as a need to strain in order to start passing water. Once the flow of urine does start it may be weak and tend to stop and start. You may well also experience a dribbling or urine after you have finished and will often feel that you have not emptied your bladder.

It is also very common for people with an enlarged prostate to visit the bathroom more frequently and often with a sense of urgency, feeling that you can no longer 'hold on' as you used to do. Many men also find that they increasingly have to get up during the night to visit the bathroom.

Interference with the process of emptying the bladder can also lead in some men to an increased risk of urinary track infection and this is often felt as a burning sensation when urinating. In these cases you should always seek treatment from your physician or an urologist.

But should you consult your doctor when the symptoms of an enlarged prostate start to appear or, since it is simply a part of the normal ageing process, ignore it unless it becomes too much of a nuisance?

The simple answer is that you should always consult your physician for two reasons. The first is that prostate enlargement can lead to other problems such as damage to the bladder and kidneys which can be serious. The second is that, in addition to an enlarged prostate, many men will also develop prostate cancer and the symptoms of an enlarged prostate may well mask this until the cancer is too far advanced to treat it effectively.

About one in six men will contract prostate cancer and well over ninety percent of these cases can be effectively treated if they are caught early enough.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on a wide range of prostate problems and their solutions, including the therapeutic use of prostate milking

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Hormonal Therapy When Cancer Has Spread Beyond The Prostate Gland

Hormonal Therapy When Cancer Has Spread Beyond The Prostate Gland
Once prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland localized therapies are no longer sufficient to stop the growth of the cancer and treatment generally involves a combination of both radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells and hormonal treatment to slow the growth of the cancer by cutting off its fuel supply.

The aim of hormonal therapy is to cut off the production of the male hormones, such as testosterone, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer, or to render them ineffective, and this essentially means castration, either surgically or by other medical means such as using an antiandrogen drug to block the circulation of male hormones in the blood.

There are various different approaches when it comes to hormonal therapy and it is often a case of testing different combinations of drugs to discover what works best in individual patients. One approach is what is known as a 'maximum androgen blockade' which is a blanket approach using a wide range of drugs combined with either surgical or medical castration. This approach has proved effective in some patients but many doctors question whether it is in fact any more effective than standard hormonal therapy.

When it comes to considering whether or not to opt for the surgical removal of the testes or to choose medical castration this is not always an easy decision as surgical castration is understandably a major and life-changing step for many men. It is however an ultimate solution to the problem of the production of male hormones, unlike hormonal therapy which will simply block those hormones for as long as the therapy continues. If however you stop the therapy then, although it will generally take some time for cancer which has been slowed or halted to begin growing again, it will inevitably do so within a matter of months or at best within two or three years.

In either case there is also often a problem with some cancer cells which do not require testosterone to grow and here it is often necessary to use a second tier of hormonal drugs such as progesterone or hydrocortisone to deal with the problem.

One approach with hormonal therapy is not to use this simply as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer but in fact to start hormonal therapy as soon as prostate cancer is diagnosed, even if it is confined to a small area of the prostate gland and is slow growing. The aim here is to slow the growth of the cancer, and in some cases to actually shrink the tumor, so that it can possibly be confined to the prostate gland where it can do relatively little harm for the remainder of a patient's life.

Despite the fear which surrounds prostate cancer, because it often appears late in life and does little if any harm as long as it is contained within the prostate gland, many men live quite happily with the disease and indeed die from a variety of other total disassociated conditions, including simple old age.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on a variety of prostate problems and covers topics such as enlarged prostate treatment and the therapeutic use of prostate massage

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September 11, 2008

Post Prostate Treatment Issues

Post Prostate Treatment Issues
An enlarged prostate is a painful disorder seen in men as they grow older and many wonder if there is a possibility for doctors to shrink the prostate to bring about relief. The problems related to the enlarged prostate include frequent urination, urinary infections and stones in the bladder. These symptoms most often go unnoticed, mainly due to sheer ignorance or high tolerance for pain and discomfort. However, delaying the treatment of prostate diseases may seriously affect the treatment choices available and the possibility to full recover from them. Early detection and diagnosis by a doctor are critical to the recovery from prostate diseases. A doctor may have several treatment options to shrink the prostate gland. Some of them are described below.

Can Medication Shrink The Prostate?

The first option usually suggested by doctors to shrink prostate is the use of drugs. Finasteride or Dutasteride are the drugs prescribed by doctors to help reduce hormone concentration in the body, if the prostate inflammation is detected at an early stage. These drugs help in controlling inflammation in the prostate, thereby reducing the size of the prostate. Alpha-blockers such as doxasozin or tamsulosin have been found to be helpful in the relaxation of prostate muscles thereby reducing the discomfort caused by the symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination. To date, these measures have been found to be effective in the quest to shrink the prostate.

Can Surgery Shrink The Prostate?

In many cases when medications fail to shrink prostate the next option has to be surgery. There are surgical options which can be done on an outpatient basis. These surgical treatments include removal of the prostate tissues in the urethra. The apparatus that is used here is the Catheter which generates heat to expunge the infected prostate tissue in isolated areas.

If outpatient procedures do not work for some patients, then doctors opt for yet another measure to remove the excess prostate tissue through the transurethral resection. In this process an electrical loop is inserted into the urethra to dissect the inflamed and infected tissues on one hand and seal the blood vessels on the other to prevent bleeding. This process involves a short recovery time and has minimal side effects. The main side effect of this treatment is the problem of ejaculation into the bladder during sexual intercourse. Although it sounds very strange for this to happen, it is not as serious or harmful as previously thought.

Prostate Surgery Incontinence

Post prostate surgery incontinence is unfortunately a common side-effect after the surgical procedure. The lack of bladder control is known as incontinence. In this situation the person is unable to prevent leakage of urine out of their body. The most surprising fact is that even though it is common, only a few men come forward with this problem for a cure. This may lead to additional complications. Sometimes the leakage may occur at awkward times and places. Many men with this problem may lose sleep at night since they are under the fear of leaking urine while they are asleep.

The type of incontinence is not significant in itself. What matters most to sufferers is the kind of suffering and embarrassment that they face. Patients with prostate surgery incontinence have a greater relief as the situation can be cured over time. But in many of the cases involving prostate diseases although medical treatments are complete, the chances of recovery is just better but may not be complete. The key to a speedy recovery is early diagnosis and treatment. It is important for men to be alert to the various signs and symptoms. They should seek medical attention promptly when these symptoms are observed. If the diagnosis is delayed the chances of a cure are also likewise delayed.

Men suffering from prostate surgery incontinence can take comfort in the fact that full recovery is possible if the problem is detected early and treatment for the condition started promptly. Oftentimes, men are too embarrassed to report to their doctors of their predicament. They should be advised that what they are experiencing is common for most men who under prostate surgery.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit prostate gland health to learn more about advance prostate cancer and other prostate problems symptoms.

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How To Seek Alternative Treatment For Prostate Diseases?

How To Seek Alternative Treatment For Prostate Diseases?
Majority of the men do not encounter any troubles with their prostate gland in which the dimension can be equated to that of a walnut up to the age of forty. After which troubles might arise and it can be the source of discomfort. With the multitude of tests available, the trouble can be detected early. A once a year, regular examination is necessary for middle age men to keep track of their prostate health as prostate cancer afflicted millions of men each year.

An increasing number of men are seeking alternative method of treatments over the usual allopathic treatment and herbal medicine is an effective cure for swelling and enlargement of prostate. A number of supplements are marketed as the real things and it deceive a lot of people not used to reading labels. A verification of the authenticity of the herbal products is necessary before purchasing. Nutritionists and naturopaths worldwide concur that a good dosage of vitamins is necessary in the battle of awful diseases encompassing prostate cancer, for instant vitamin C which is also a potent anti-oxidizing agent; Vitamin A, E and K in addition to minerals like Zinc, Selenium, etc.

All ingredients can be bought in their unprocessed form and with the right diets can help in the fight against prostate diseases. Prostate herbs supplements usually contain a mixture of vitamins, minerals and prostate herbs. The right herbal products can help in the deterrence against prostate cancer. Even though the prostate herbal supplement is a good cure for prostate cancer; the herbal supplements will not be able to bring to an end or turn around once it progress to the final stage. Physicians usually recommend that no one initiate self-treatment without consulting them and under their direction. It can turn up worst if experimentation is done with herbal products bought off the shelf.

The most effective method is working with the physician while you go through naturopathy treatment. Herbal medical treatments are usually reliable but be wary of fake herbal supplements that pass of as the real things in the market. Only trust the well-known brand that has existed and gain the trust of the consumer.

One of the natural forms of treatment is beta prostate. Avoid fake and duplicated beta prostate herbal supplements as it will cause more harm to your prostate diseases and choose a correct one so that you can go through thrilling wonders of original herbal beta prostate products.

Again keep your physician informed and consumed only with their approval. I'm not against the natural form of treatments but it is better to be safe than regret later. Go through the prerequisite tests before starting the course of herbal treatments as herbal products might hold back the actual results and so you might not be clear about the trouble afflicting your prostate. Keep the physicians informed of your treatment so he will be in a better position to track your progress. This is not to be trifle with as it could spell death if treated wrongly or you could be on your way to full recovery as herbal treatment could get in the way of the final prognosis, indicating as negative even though you still have cancer.

Another way to lessen the problem of prostate enlarged prostate is through a super prostate formula. As super prostate formula contains various nutrients, it is helpful to men pass the age of forty who encounter some pains from the effect of an enlarged prostate. A super prostate formula typically includes diverse ingredients and every man who is eager to consume a super prostate formula should consult their family physician.

Seek the help to gather information about the usefulness of a super prostate formula and ideas on the finest accessible on the market at present. The composition of a super prostate formula more than often includes zinc, selenium, and beta-sitosterol and it could include much other stuff too. As the composition of a super prostate formula of dissimilar products on the market is not the same, every man should be cautious to choose only those that are suitable for them. Some super prostate formula provides the same results despite fewer ingredients. As these super prostate formulas frequently vary in prices so every man must choose one within their means to decide what best for them.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit natural prostate cures to learn more about prostate problems symptoms and other prostate cancer warning signs.

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What Are The Available Treatments For Prostate Cancer?

What Are The Available Treatments For Prostate Cancer?
There are many prostate cancer treatments available in the market and you should consider several factors before taking any of them. First, you need to consult with your doctor so you can get proper diagnosis and find out the grade and stage of the cancer. Then you should also consider about your age, expected life span, and personal feelings on potential risks and side effects of each treatment. In addition, prostate cancer treatments depend on your health history as well as the severity of the condition.

These factors make the treatments work differently from patient to patient. Therefore, it is good if you can have a reliable second opinion about the most suitable treatment for your particular condition. Since there are many prostate cancer treatments, thus getting more information on the pros and cons of each option will give you better understanding of the expected risks, side effects, and results.

Latest prostate cancer treatments have showed that they are efficient and effective to combat the disease. This news provides a relief for many people who are suffering from the condition. Therefore, if you also suffer from prostate cancer, you should not feel that there is nothing can be done because obviously this is untrue.

Treatment options

In general, the treatment options very much depend on whether the cancer cells have actually spread or not. If the tumor is still inside the prostate gland, then a radiation therapy or a surgery called radical prostatectomy is the common treatment options.

There are two types of radiation therapy, the first is external beam and the second is radioactive pellet. External beam is performed by using an x-ray machine while radioactive pellet uses high concentration of radiation directly to the prostate tumor. The most common side effect of this therapy is impotency that can happen around two years after the patient undergoes the procedure.

Radical prostatectomy is a common surgery to treat prostate cancer. The goal of the procedure is to remove the whole prostate gland and the nearby lymph nodes. Patients who undergo this surgery are put under general anesthesia. Then after the prostate is removed, a catheter is put in through the penis into the bladder to carry the urine out of the body until the surgery area is completely healed. The common risks related with the surgery are impotency and lack of bladder control.

Watchful waiting is another option of treatments and basically it involves a doctor that supervises the development of a slow-growing prostate tumor. The procedure is conducted without any specific drug or treatment, but only uses regular medical supervision. In this case, the doctor waits the tumor to grow by checking the prostate specific antigen (PSA) level regularly. If the doctor does not see any further growth, then further treatment is not needed. However, if it does grow, then hormone therapy usually is the next step.

The androgen male hormone is one of factors responsible for the growth of the prostate tumor. Therefore, the goal of a hormone therapy is to reduce the level of androgen and thus make the tumor to shrink over time. You should always remember that all prostate cancer treatments discussed here have pros and cons. It is important for you to understand each of them so you can receive the most suitable treatment for your particular condition. You should consult with your doctor before you select any of these treatments.

The last important thing that you should keep in mind concerning prostate cancer treatment is regular checkup. It is really important to get your prostate condition regularly checked to make sure that it stays healthy. Even if you have prostate cancer condition, the regular checkup can identify the condition as early as possible before it grows into something dangerous and life threatening.

Prostate cancer recurrence

The term means that you have gotten through prostate cancer in the past and now have to deal with the same condition again. If you need to deal with it, then you should bear in mind that emotional aspects of dealing with the condition are important. In many cases, it is difficult to deal with prostate cancer recurrence because you have to fight for the second time against something that you have defeated before. Sometimes it seems easier to simply give up to the condition. However, giving up is not the option and in fact, this is the worst thing that you can do.

You need to keep fighting and maintain positive attitude. You have beaten the cancer once and thus you know that you have necessary physical ability to beat the condition again. Most experts agree that fighting cancer depends a lot on your attitude. If you can keep fighting, you might even find out that this second time around is easier than the first. Many studies found that visualization technique is a good way to keep prostate cancer recurrence at bay and boost your motivation to fight back again.

Although it is difficult to do, you need to keep prostate cancer recurrence from controlling your thinking. If you keep thinking about it, you will feel worse. You have been through the same thing in the past and now you have more understanding about it, how to react, and what the things that can happen to your body. This is an advantage because you can go to the battle fully armed and thus nothing can surprise you anymore. It may not sound exciting, but a positive attitude is the thing that most cancer survivors mentioned that got them through the condition.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Male Prostate Pain to learn more about the early symptoms of prostate cancer and other prostate cancer warning signs.

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September 4, 2008

Living With Bph-natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate

Living With Bph-natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Enlarged prostate
is the most common prostate problem. It is so common that it has been said, "All men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough”. It is not life threatening nor is it cancer; however, if left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems such as urinary retention, bladder stones, urinary infections or kidney damage. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. Treatment for an enlarged prostate is determined by the severity of your symptoms. You will need a medical examination and a PSA test to establish if there are any cancerous cells around. Once cancer is ruled out, there are a variety of options.

Prostate Surgery

Prostate surgery can result in problems such as impotence and/or incontinence. The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. After taking a complete medical history, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate gland. The urologist may recommend medication which lowers levels of hormones produced by the prostate, reduces the size of the prostate gland, increases urine flow rate, and decreases symptoms of BPH. The choice of a specific surgical procedure is usually based on the severity of your symptoms and the size and shape of your prostate gland.

Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate

You may, with your doctor’s advice consider herbal supplements. Many herbal prostate supplements with saw palmetto oil, one of the top 10 herbal remedies in the world used for prostate conditions, can significantly improve symptoms. In fact, herbal remedies for prostate enlargement frequently combine these herbs along with saw palmetto.. Enlarged prostate is known to improve with nutrients such as Beta Sitosterol, Lycopene, Campesterol, Selenium, zinc and Uva ursi. Cod liver oil and borage oil are also useful. A diet rich in fibre and a clean colon will contribute enormously to a healthy prostate.

Massage

Prostate massage, when performed on a regular basis, can be used to reduce an enlarged prostate and get rid of toxins and increase its suppleness. Prostate massage is also a form of sexual play. Whatever your reason may be, let's say you would like to have a prostate massage from your husband or partner. First of all, make sure you are okay with having a prostate massage. Massage may cause you to ejaculate and become sexually stimulated. If you are suffering from a prostate disorder like prostatitis, BPH, have to frequently use the bathroom or are simply looking to promote a healthy prostate, then prostate massage may be a viable alternative to conventional treatments like antibiotics and surgery. Prostate massage has long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health and to promote increased sexual health. If you want to pursue the matter further, the website below will answer many of your questions about an enlarged prostate.

Robert Locke is an Internet Marketer specialising in Health and Fitness. Find out the real facts about enlarged prostate condition by visiting:-
http://www.usfreeads.com/799541-cls.html

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End Prostate Problems With Avena Sativa

End Prostate Problems With Avena Sativa
Mention a prostate exam to any man and he'll likely cringe. The last thing a man wants to hear about his body is that he has prostate problems. As many as 80 percent of men have an enlarged prostate. Most men will experience prostate pain at some point in their lives, and aging increases the risk of having prostate problems.

Prostate cancer falls only behind skin cancer as the leading type of cancer in the United States. Prostate cancer is responsible for the deaths of 500,000 men in the U.S. each year. While the numbers are startling, relatively few men get help for urinary or prostate problems. They suffer in silence. Beyond the embarrassment of having their prostate checked, many men believe that problems with the bladder are just a normal part of aging.

Men don't feel comfortable talking to their doctors about prostate problems. Yet, early detection and prevention are best for long-term health. A health screening is a simple step that all men need to take seriously. Urination problems need to be addressed quickly since they can be very painful and are often the first sign of a more serious problem.

What the Prostate Does

The prostate's job is to hold and release semen. Semen is the alkaline fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the vagina, thereby making it easier for sperm to reach their destination. A healthy prostate requires the right balance of androgens (male hormones). As men age, their hormonal balance changes and they use the fluids less often. Unused fluids in the prostate will harden.

If the prostate is inflamed, it can cause a painfully enlarged prostate, prostatitis or prostate cancer. When testosterone, the male hormone, is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it can lead to prostate cancer or enlargement.

Ending Prostate Problems

There are a few ways to end prostate problems. One option is having surgery to correct the problem. This should be used as a last resort after exploring more natural and less invasive choices. Second, there are heated laser treatments available to ease an enlarged prostate. While this is a less invasive option than prostate surgery, it can be costly and time consuming. Third, there is the option of prostate massage. There are devices sold for just this purpose. They are said to release build up fluids to provide relief from prostate pain.

There is another method for relieving prostate problems, though. It includes making healthy lifestyle choices and including avena sativa in your diet.

Avena Sativa Ends Prostate Problems

Avena sativa is a cooked seed used in cereals and flour. It can also be sprouted and used in salads and sandwiches. It is rich in silicon, manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamins A, B1, B2 and E. It is an oat complex for men that support prostate health in a natural way. It actually shrinks an enlarged prostate. Used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle in general, it can greatly improve the health of the prostate.

The keys to ending prostate problems are eat healthy and limit dairy intake; incorporate exercise into your daily routine; reduce stress; and add an avena sativa supplement to your diet. Getting into a healthy routine will ease the pain of an enlarged prostate and prevent prostate problems in the future.

More information on avena sativa herbs is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

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August 31, 2008

Just wrong to cut back on prostate cancer screening

Just wrong to cut back on prostate cancer screening

Houston Chronicle, United States

Rates of death from prostate cancer and rates of diagnosis at advanced stages have decreased markedly since testing became widespread. ...

Source : google news

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August 29, 2008

Awareness About Your Prostate Health

Awareness About Your Prostate Health
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. Besides, if a doctor tells you that you have cancer, you would definitely feel depressed and frustrated. It is a fact that many people have died from cancer. Being the second-largest killer in the United States, you should always be aware of your health.

You can never blame people who overreact about their health. Besides, with cancer growing to be the biggest killer disease in the world, who wouldn't be concerned about their health status?

One kind of the most common kinds of cancer that affects the male population in the United States is called the prostate cancer. This type of cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer develops when the cells in the prostate gland mutates and multiplies. Usually, prostate cancer can be treated effectively and easily if it is detected on its early stages when the cancer has not spread throughout the rest of the body. However, treatment becomes difficult if the cancer reaches advanced stages where it will likely spread to various parts of the body. For treating advanced stages of cancer, you will go through the treatment called chemotherapy.

This is why the male population in the United States is getting more and more aware of the fact that it is important to know about their current prostate health condition. By detecting the cancer on its early stages, you will have a greater chance of recovery.

To know if you have prostate cancer, you should know about the signs and symptoms that is associated with it. First of all, prostate cancer develops at a very slow rate. Because of this, symptoms may not be felt on its early stages. This is why it is important that you should often be updated about your current prostate health. The signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can be felt on the advanced stages of the disease.

However, there are cases where symptoms can be felt during the early stages of the cancer. The symptoms may be similar to other prostate diseases, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy. The symptoms of prostate cancer may include increased urination especially during the night, difficulty starting and maintaining steady stream of urine, blood is often found when urinating, and painful urination.

Prostate cancer will also cause problems to your sexual functions, such as painful ejaculation and difficulty in achieving or maintaining erection.

In advanced prostate cancer, you will feel additional symptoms. Because the cancer has spread throughout your body, you will feel bone pain especially in the vertebrae, pelvis and ribs. Prostate cancer that has spread to your spine can also compress the spinal cord which can cause leg weakness and urinary and fecal incontinence.

Today, there are various treatments for cancer. With the combined awareness about the prostate health in the United States, death because of prostate cancer has decreased. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't worry about getting prostate cancer anymore. You have to consider that you should get your regular prostate check-up in order to detect any irregularities in your prostate that may be cancerous.

Always remember that with early detection of prostate cancer, you will have a greater chance of fully recovering from the cancer. If you let the cancer develop into its advanced stages, treatment will be more difficult and your chances of recovering from the disease will decline.

You can find out more information on Prostate Cnacer by visiting http://www.prostate-cancer-101.com

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August 27, 2008

Diseases Of The Prostate Gland

Diseases Of The Prostate Gland
Prostate is a glandular organ present only in males. It surrounds the neck of bladder and the first part of urethra and contributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.

Common Diseases of the prostate glands are:

Prostatitis: This is the inflammation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.
Benign enlargement of the prostate: This is a non cancerous tumor of the prostate seen after the age of 50.
Cancer of the prostate: This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate Cancer is directly linked with the male sex hormones - Androgens. If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases. It is found that after the removal of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumor. Prostate cancer is mainly found in the posterior lobe. The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation. Histologically prostate cancer is an adenocarcinoma.

Growth of Prostate Cancer: Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer. The tumor compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination. Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early. From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles. Tumor cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder. Cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes through the lymph vessels. From there cells move to retroperitoneal (Behind the peritoneum) and mediastinal lymph nodes (in the chest). Spreading of cancer cells take place through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enders the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen:

No symptoms: Tumor is small and only in the posterior lobe. This is diagnosed accidentally.

Slight difficulty in urination: Here the tumor is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed. Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination. When the tumor spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding. Urine may come out drop by drop.

Retention of urine: When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of the urine. This can may lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure etc. In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally to coma.

More Prostate Cancer Articles are published at Cancer Article Directory. Consultation with a qualified medical practitioner is highly recommended. This article is for information purpose only.

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August 24, 2008

Living With Prostate Cancer

Living With Prostate Cancer
The baby boomer population bubble has now reached 60 years old. This means that many of us are going to need to face illness and diseases that come with surviving six decades. Prostate cancer is one such disease that is expected to grow in number over the next few decades.

Statistically 180,000 new prostate cancer cases are being diagnosed in the United States every year with about 32,000 men dying from this disease annually. Although these are the statistics that are used, the fact is that many of these men will will die and not from the actual prostate cancer, but from allowing the cancerous condition to grow until it is unmanageable. This is due to the fact that prostate cancer can metastasize or move from the prostate area and infect organs, bones and lymph nodes.

This should cause every man to pause and realize that prostate cancer is a serious disease that if given the chance will kill you. It is now the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States after lung cancer. In Canada about 17,000 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and about 4,200 die each year from the disease.

The sad fact is that many of these deaths are avoidable. As with many cancerous diseases, early detection is the key to effective treatment and even cure. Prostate cancer is diagnosed based upon how advanced the malignant tumor has grown. In the early stages, we have maximum flexibility in treatment options and can both manage and in many times cure this potentially deadly disease.

Diagnosis usually start with a medical history as studies have shown that heredity may be a factor with prostate cancer. Next, a DRE or digital rectal exam is done. This is a quick and simple exam where the doctor feels your prostate for any abnormal bumps, size difference or texture. In addition to a DRE, the doctor may suggest a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood Test. This blood test looks for abnormal markers that may indicate the presence of a developing cancerous situation.

There's growing evidence to suggest that a diet very rich in vitamins and nutrients can also help maintain our body's ability to ward off many serious diseases. Although the definitely not a cure for prostate cancer, the use of natural remedies to strengthen your body's immune system can only help to keep you healthy. There's no question that a low-fat diet along with appropriate vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthier and make you better able to fight off disease.

Several studies have suggested that men who had a diet rich in selenium and vitamin E. had fewer cases of prostate cancer. The kinds of foods that contain selenium include meat, grains, seafood, and some kinds of nuts. It's critical that you meet with your doctor before making any radical changes to your diet as other problems may arise. There's also some evidence to suggest that the nutrient lycopene found in tomato based products such as ketchup can provide some protection against contracting prostate cancer.

According to a study in the British Journal of Urology International, men that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene (is found in very high amounts in tomatoes) and still get their testicles surgically removed are likely to experience less bone pain, less disease and stand more chances of living longer than those who have only had surgical removal of their testicles.

In the end, a partnership with your medical doctor is the best way to remain healthier longer. By taking some responsibility for your health, changes in your lifestyle are much easier to make

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and home. For more info on Living with prostate cancer visit the sites at http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com/more_articles/prostate-cancer-support.php and http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com

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August 23, 2008

To Prevent An Unhealthy Prostate

To Prevent An Unhealthy Prostate
The discomfort and embarrassment of a enlarge prostate affects 60% of men between the ages of 40 and 60. Up to 80% of those who are 80 years old. A enlargement of this gland puts pressure on your urethra. This results in problems when you urinate.(Increasing in a need to urinate more frequently and leaving you with a strange feeling that you haven't urinated or emptied your bladder at all.)

Zinc is an essential for prostate health. Studies have shown that taking zinc supplements reduces the size of the prostate and relieves the symptoms.(Fed Pro 35:361, 1976). Take 60 mgs of zinc a day for 6 months. You can then reduce this to 15 to 30 mgs a day.

Saw palmetto is another great source you can add to your diet. This is a herbal supplement with no side effects. 80 to 160 mgs a day would be an appropriate preventive dose. Saw palmetto has been used by the Native Americans for years.

Watch out for these symptoms:

* Frequent need to urinate.(Waking up several times a night to urinate.)

* Feeling a urgent need to urinate(this can make you feel like you are going to have a accident if you don't get to the toilet in time. And you start doing this alot.)

*A Difficulty in urinating(initial hesitation before urine starts to flow.)

*Dribbling after urinating.

*Blood in your urine.

To keep your prostate from bugging you in the prevention of a unhealthy prostate, start having alot of interaction in love making and sex. You need to keep ejaculating and you need to ejaculate frequently. If you are having a problem ejaculating properly, there are products available over on my blog to get you started. Yes, lots of love making and sex.

HINT: If one stops having orgasms, the fluid backs up and the glands become swollen. This is what is called prostate congestion(swollen glands and then pain.)

It wouldn't hurt to stay active sexually. Do something about your prostate now before its too late.

Good Day, I am a freelance writer specializing in mens health issues. I am also a personal trainer. And I do some photography as well. Any subject that I write about concerning a mans health is more knowledge for you that you need to know. And to always let you know that help is always available. http://menshealth-shane.blogspot.com

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August 16, 2008

Testing For The Presence Of Prostate Cancer

Testing For The Presence Of Prostate Cancer
About one in every six men will develop prostate cancer which, apart from skin cancer, is the number one cause of cancer deaths in men. For this reason it is vitally important for men to monitor the health of their prostate with regular testing. Some of the prostate health tests available today include:

The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). The digital rectal exam has been the benchmark of testing for both benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer for many years and is a simple examination in which your physician can feel the prostate gland with a gloved finger to assess its size and condition.

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. The PSA blood test was approved for use by the FDA in the mid 1980s and is now widely in use. This test looks for the presence of a prostate specific protein in the blood and it is recommended that all men over the age of 50, together with 'at risk' men over the age of 40, have an annual PSA test.

Urine Testing. Urine testing can not only check for diabetes and liver and kidney disease but can also check the condition of the prostate by looking for signs of infection in the blood.

Hyperplasia Intrvenouspyelogram (IVP). This test is a form of x-ray examination in which a dye is injected into the bloodstream and monitored as it passes through the body's vital organs. As far as the prostate is concerned this test follows the flow through the kidneys, bladder and ureter tubes which drain the kidneys and thus looks for any possible restriction caused by an enlargement of the prostrate gland interfering with the flow or urine out of the bladder.

Bladder Ultrasound. This simple non-invasive procedure which can be carried out in the doctor's office can detect whether or not the bladder is emptying fully following urination and thus whether or not an enlarged prostate is narrowing the urethra.

Prostate Ultrasound. A prostate ultrasound is useful for estimating the size of the prostate gland and is also important if further testing using a biopsy is recommended.

Uroflow. A uroflow is another very simple test in which the patient urinates into a container and the strength of the flow of urine is measured.

Cystoscopy. A cystoscopy allows the doctor to make a visual examination of the urethra and the bladder using an instrument which is inserted through the urethra.

In general your doctor will normally recommend PSA screening and will also usually carry out a digital rectal examination as these two tests together are without doubt the best way to detect the presence of possible prostate cancer or of other developing prostate problems. One or more or the other tests mentioned here (or indeed several which we have not listed) may also be ordered but, at the end of the day, the only sure way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer is by carrying out a biopsy.

A prostate cancer biopsy take a number of very small tissue samples from different areas of the prostate for microscopic examination and can not only definitively confirm the presence of prostate cancer, but can also give an indication of the size and type of any cancer.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on a wide range of prostate problems and their solutions, including the therapeutic use of prostate massage

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August 15, 2008

7 Alternatives Therapies For An Enlarged Prostate

7 Alternatives Therapies For An Enlarged Prostate
If you are suffering from an enlarged prostate gland then your first port of call must be your doctor so that you can be sure that this is a simple case of benign prostatic hypertrophy and nothing more. Once you have a firm diagnosis there are then a number of treatment options open to you and here we look at seven common forms of alternative therapy.

1. Ayurveda. Two popular treatments are to mix Punarnava, Gokshura and Shilajit herbal powders together and then to take just one quarter of a teaspoon each day mixed into a little warm water. Alternatively, you could try horsetail, ginseng or hibiscus tea and these can be taken three or four times a day.

2. Reflexology. Reflexology sessions, which direct energy to specific pressure points on the body, begin with relaxing your whole body and then shifting the focus of the reflex to those areas of your body which are in the greatest need of assistance. In this case that means directing energy to the prostate, adrenal, endocrine, pituitary, parathyroid and thyroid glands as well as to the pancreas with the reflex in your hands or feet.

3. Food Therapy. A diet which is high in zinc has been shown to be beneficial in shrinking an enlarged prostate and so food therapy essentially means following a low fat diet (especially avoiding saturated fats) and including foods which are known to be high is zinc such as flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. You can also take a daily zinc supplement.

4. Imagery. Imagery is closely linked to hypnosis and both use positive visualization techniques to effect positive change. One exercise which has been shown to be beneficial to some enlarged prostate sufferers is to close your eyes, breathe out three times and then imagine entering into your body. Once inside, find your prostate gland and slowly examine it from every angle before putting it into a thin golden drawstring net and pulling the drawstring so that the net fits snuggly around the prostate. At the same time picture your prostate gland shrinking back to its normal size. This exercise should be practiced twice each day for about three or four minutes for three weeks and then left for one week, before repeating the process over about six months.

5. Hydrotherapy. For many enlarged prostate sufferers a daily hot bath taken for about a month does the trick. Simply sit in a hot bath with water up to your navel for thirty to forty-five minutes and then follow this immediately with a cold bath or shower.

6. Vitamin and Mineral Therapy. Herbal medication containing a specific mix of vitamins and minerals can also help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate. The vitamin and mineral mix, which is taken twice a day, should contain 200 international units of vitamin E, 30 milligrams of zinc, 1 milligram of copper, half a tablespoon of flaxseed oil and 160 milligrams of saw palmetto.

7. Yoga. Some Yoga poses can increase the blood flow to your groin and so relieve certain prostate problems. Two poses in particular which will benefit prostate problems are the 'knee squeeze' and the 'seated sun' together with the 'stomach lock'. If you are not familiar with yoga then there are many excellent illustrated books available and you should be able to pick one or two up at your local library without any problem. You should be aware however that it is not advisable to practice the 'stomach lock' if you are suffering from hypertension, hiatal hernia, ulcers or heart disease.

For many people these alternative techniques seem on the surface to be of little if any value at all, but for anyone who is familiar with alternative medicine, or such things as ancient Chinese medical practices, it is no surprise to find that they really can work.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on a variety of prostate problems and covers topics such as enlarged prostate treatment and the therapeutic technique of milking the prostate gland.

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August 13, 2008

Some Thoughts About Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Nearly all men will run into some form of prostate problem during their middle or later years and, thankfully, in most cases these problems will be relatively minor or, if they are more severe, at least not life threatening. For some men however the problem will be prostate cancer and a diagnosis of cancer can literally turn your world, and that of your family, upside down.

Hopefully, more and more men will begin the process of screening for prostate cancer and their problem will be caught at an early stage when there are several treatment options available and the possibility of curing the disease completely is good. But, whether this is the case or not, a diagnosis of prostate cancer can still be devastating and you need to consider carefully just how you are going to deal with it.

As with so many things in life these days dealing with prostate cancer can be complicated and there are many different opinions about just what the best course of action is. For this reason it is always wise to take a step back for a moment and educate yourself about this disease before rushing into any decisions. Your doctor will be able to give you advice and also to furnish you with some literature and of course there is probably no better place to research the condition today than right here on the Internet.

Many people panic when they are diagnosed with cancer but, unless your prostate cancer is a particularly aggressive form of cancer and is spreading rapidly, which is rare, you do not need to do anything today and can take a few days to let things sink in and to do your homework. This is also a good time to get a second opinion. Many people worry about getting a second opinion thinking that they are in some way doubting their doctor's competence. This however is not how your doctor will see it if he is worth his salt and it is very sensible to get another view on your condition and opinion about how best to treat it.

You will find that there are usually several treatment options open to you depending upon several factors such as your age and general state of health, as well as whether or not you are suffering from any additional problems arising out of an enlarged prostate, such as kidney damage or bladder infection. In the vast majority of cases however, even when your options are narrowed because of your age or health, you will still have several routes which you can follow.

However, before you get involved in the details of different treatment options it is also a good idea to sit down and consider just how you feel about having cancer. This may seem an odd thing to say, but people react very differently to a diagnosis of prostate cancer and just how you feel about will be an important factor in your treatment decision.

For example, do you feel strongly that you want to do whatever it takes to get this 'thing' out of your body and that you couldn't possibly stand the thought of living with cancer for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. Or do you feel that you have lived to a ripe old age and that you wish to pass your remaining days in comfort and certainly do not want to put yourself through surgery or the side-effects or radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

Take the time to think carefully about your own situation and that of your family and weigh your own personal circumstances carefully. If you are alone and in your late seventies you may feel differently from a relatively young man in his forties with two young children to care for.

Medical treatment is not simply a matter of science but is something which is very personal to you and should always focus on your needs and, most importantly, on your wishes.

ProstateProblemCenter.com focuses on a wide variety of prostate problems including enlarged prostate treatment.

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August 11, 2008

Watchful Waiting As A Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

If, like a growing number of men, you have been having regular prostate screening which has picked up the possibility of prostate cancer, and this has subsequently been confirmed with a biopsy, then you are probably lucky enough to have caught the cancer early when it is still confined to the prostate gland and in what is called Stage I or Stage II. If this is the case then one possible course of treatment might be 'watchful waiting'.

Some people feel that it is slightly odd to call watchful waiting a form of treatment because, as the name suggests, you simply watch the cancer and wait to see what happens. Other names for this approach are 'observation' and 'surveillance'. So when would this approach be appropriate?

As long as your cancer is confined to the prostate gland you are generally fairly safe and it is not until it threatens to spread beyond the prostate that your doctor will become concerned. So, if like many prostate cancer cases your cancer is both confined to the prostate gland and growing very slowly there is no need for immediate action and it is often safe to simply take some time and see how it develops.

Now if you are getting on in years and in this situation watchful waiting may well be a very good option because if the cancer is growing slowly enough there is a very good chance that you will die from old age, or some other condition, before it gets to be a problem. In these circumstances you might well feel that it would be silly to put yourself through surgery or radiation therapy for little if any real gain. So, in this case you would simply visit your physician at regular intervals for him to keep an eye on things and do nothing at all unless a problem arises.

If however you are still a reasonably young and otherwise fit man then watchful waiting might again be a sensible approach for a while but it may not always be such a good idea in the longer term, not least because, even though your cancer may be growing very slowly, you are still reducing your control of the disease the larger your cancer becomes and this may cause a problem if and when you are forced to deal with it.

Dealing with prostate cancer, whether by surgery or radiation treatment, is best done when the cancer is small and when you are in the best position to cope with treatment and recovery. The older you get the more likely it is that complications will arise from your treatment or that you will have difficulty in recovering following treatment.

Another very important consideration is the way in which you cope with watchful waiting mentally. For some men simply sitting back and doing nothing knowing that they have a cancer growing in their prostate gland can be very stressful indeed. However, for other men the fact that they have cancer doesn't bother them at all as long as they know that it is slow growing, confined and being monitored regularly.

At the end of the day you must clearly be guided by your physician, but whether you choose to live with your prostate cancer or to seek treatment for it is, and always should be, very much a personal decision.

ProstateProblemCenter.com looks at a wide range of prostate problems including everything from the digital rectal exam to advanced prostate cancer treatment.

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August 5, 2008

A Biopsy Is The Only Certain Way To Diagnose Prostate Cancer

Although there are many tests available today which can indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer the only way to be certain about whether or not you have prostate cancer is to undergo a prostate biopsy.

Although there are a number of excellent tests to indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, such as the digital rectal examination and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, the only certain way to diagnose the presence of prostate cancer is to carry out a prostate biopsy.

A biopsy will normally be conducted by a urologist and can be done as an 'office' procedure. There are various different ways in which a biopsy can be taken but it is common to start by taking a transrectal ultrasound. Here an instrument is inserted through the rectum and sound waves are used to produce a computer image of the prostate gland. With this image to hand the doctor can then use a hollow needle to take several small samples of tissue from the prostate for examination under the microscope.

Most patients would say that the biopsy is not an especially painful procedure, but you will probably feel a stinging sensation.The areas from which samples are taken, and the number of samples removed for testing, will depend upon the reason for the biopsy. For example, if the biopsy is simply in response to rising PSA levels then half a dozen or more samples may be taken from different areas of the prostate. However, if the biopsy is being done to examine a particular abnormal area of the prostate then only two or three samples may be collected.Once the samples have been collected they will be examined by a pathologist.

Normal prostate cells are typically of a standard size and neatly arranged in a recognizable pattern. However, prostate cancer cells normally vary in size and are irregular in shape.If the pathologist determines that cancer is present then he will go on to grade the cancer to indicate whether it is a low grade cancer which is likely to be slow growing, or a high grade cancer which may well be aggressive and spread quickly.In 1977 the pathologist Donald Gleason devised a scale for categorizing prostate cancer and this scale is now widely used today.

The Gleason scale ranges from 1 to 5 (with 1 representing a low grade cancer and 5 a high grade cancer) and a grade is assigned to each of two samples from the largest areas of cancer with the grades being added together to produce a final Gleason score.A Gleason score of 2 to 4 is considered to be low and indicates a cancer which, depending on the age of the patient, may now pose a significant threat during the patient's lifetime. A score of between 5 and 7 is an intermediate grade for which treatment can often halt the disease in its tracks.

Once a Gleason score reaches 8 the cancer is said to be aggressive and is likely to spread outside of the prostate glandHealth Fitness Articles, if indeed it has not already done so.Testing for the possible presence of prostate cancer is recommended for all men over the age of 50 and for those men over the age of 40 who fall into a high risk category. It is important however that once prostate cancer is suspected a biopsy is carried out to confirm its presence so that treatment can be given.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides detailed information about the prostate gland including just what a prostate exam entails.

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August 4, 2008

Prostate Examinations Can Quickly Identify A Prostate Problem

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign swelling of the prostate gland which affects almost all men over 60 and this short article looks at the procedure of testing for the presence of this condition.

Nearly all men will experience one type of prostate problem with almost half of all men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (a swollen or enlarged prostate) by the time they get to the age of 60 and nearly ninety percent getting the problem by the time they reach 80 years of age.

As its name suggests benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous or benign swelling of the prostate and can generally be treated with medication or with minor minimally invasive surgery. However, the first step is to make sure that the problem is indeed benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than another problem, such as problems with the bladder or kidneys or an infection of the urinary tract.

Whilst carrying out a check for benign prostatic hyperplasia it is also important to look for prostate cancer as, despite the fact that an enlarged prostate does not produce prostate cancer, it is possible for both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer to exist alongside each other.

Initial testing frequently involves having a prostate examination, or digital rectal examination, together with an assessment of the symptoms reported by the patient and his medical history. As the prostate lies between the rectum and the bladder it is an easy matter for a doctor to insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for signs of swelling or abnormality. A prostate examination is possibly not the most agreeable of procedures but is more uncomfortable than painful.

It is also possible for you to undertake your own prostate examination or for your partner to do this for you. In fact, more and more men find that this relatively simple self examination can be carried out quite easily once a month or so when having a shower. This can provide a great deal of peace of mind and can also allow any enlargement to be detected at a very early stage so that it can be treated.

The doctor may well also order a variety fo laboratory tests at this point. These tests may include a blood test to determine PSA levels, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and a urine test.

Prostate specific antigen is present in the blood and is specific to the prostate with levels climbing a little bit in response to benign prostatic hyperplasia and quite markedly in the case of prostate cancer.

The remaining tests are intended to look for the existence of an infection of the urinary tract or problems with the kidneys, both of which might lead to symptoms that are similar to the symptoms found in cases of an enlarged prostate.

In some instances the doctor might also order further tests such as an ultrasound examination that can determine the size of the prostate and measure the volume of urine in the bladderArticle Search, or a cystoscopy (an examination undertaken with a thin flexible scope) to evaluate the condition of the urethra and bladder.

When none of these tests produce clear results a doctor might order a prostate biopsy in which several small tissue samples are removed from the prostate for microscopic examination.

ProstateProblemCenter.com looks at the symptoms of enlarged prostate and the digital prostate exam.

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August 2, 2008

Prostate Cancer Treatments For Early And Advanced Prostate Cancer

There is a wide range of prostate cancer treatments available today for both early and late stage prostate cancer and this article outlines the choices open to patients.

There is a wide range of prostate cancer treatments available today and the treatment that your doctor recommends will depend to a very large extent upon the progression of the disease. Thereafter it is a matter of discussing each treatment option with your doctor and of considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as of course looking carefully at the risks which all prostate cancer treatments carry.

Prostrate cancer treatments fall into two broad categories – those that are recommended for early (Stage I and Stage II) cancer which is confined to the prostate gland and those used to treat advanced (Stage III and Stage IV) cancer which has spread to other areas of the body.

Early stage cancer treatments are designed to remove the prostate or to destroy it and thus to stop the cancer cells before they have a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

The surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) will normally be carried out as either traditional open surgery or using a less invasive laparoscopic approach. One recent development is the introduction of robotic surgery (using the da Vinci system) which has the advantage of preserving nerves, muscles and other structures in the area of the prostate. Robotic surgery is extremely effective but should be carried out by a highly skilled surgeon in a centre with considerable experience in using this technique.

Radiation therapy may also be used to kill the cancer cells within the prostate gland. A variety of different radiation therapy techniques may be used and treatment will normally be carried out over a period of several weeks.

A relatively new technique, which is still being evaluated, is known as cryosurgery. During cryosurgery, which is carried out under anesthesia, cooling probes are guided into the prostate using ultrasound and the cancer cells are killed by freezing them.

The final form of treatment used for early stage cancer is high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This procedure is again carried out under anesthesia (or using a local spinal anesthetic) and a probe is placed into the prostate gland through the rectum. A beam of high intensity focused ultrasound is them used to raise the temperature in the area of focus and thus to kill the cancer cells.

For late stage prostate cancer hormone therapy is used and this is designed not to attack the cancer itself but to target the male hormones (in particular testosterone) which the cancer cells need to grow.

Late stage treatments will include orchiectomy (the removal of the testicles), which is designed to remove the source of the body’s main production of testosterone, or a variety of hormone treatments aimed at either reducing the level of testosterone and other male hormones in the body or of blocking their action.

In cases where hormone therapy proves ineffective, systematic radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended.

Whatever the stage of your cancer it is important to consider all of the options carefully and weigh the advantagesBusiness Management Articles, disadvantages and risks of each carefully before choosing the treatment that is best for you.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments please visit http://ProstateCancerExplained.com today.

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July 31, 2008

How To Prevent Prostate Cancer Or Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Many thousands of men die each year from prostate cancer and yet the number of deaths could be substantially reduced with just a few simple preventative measures.

It would be nice to think that there was some simple routine that you could follow, or diet that you could adopt, or pill that you could take to give you a one hundred percent guarantee that you would not develop prostate cancer.

Unfortunately no such routine, diet or pill exists today and, despite our best efforts, some of us will inevitable contract prostate cancer. There are, however, many things that you can do by way of prevention and it is certainly possible to lower your risk of developing the disease.

The first thing that you must do is to simply recognize that there is indeed a risk of contracting prostate cancer and that this risk will vary from person to person.

For example, if you have a family history of prostate cancer with perhaps a grandfather, father or brother dying from the disease then you are twice as likely to contract the disease as somebody without any family history. One difficulty here is that, because prostate cancer often strikes quite late in life and can sometimes be very slow to develop, many men die as a result of some other condition before their prostate cancer has developed to any great extent. So, if a member of your family has always been assumed to have died from a heart attack, that doesn't mean that he didn't suffer from prostate cancer and it's worth checking your family history closely to see if you are at higher than average risk.

Other risk factors include such things as race with African Americans, for example, at higher risk than Hispanic men who, in turn, are at higher risk than Caucasian men. People living in Western society are also at greater risk because of the nature of the diet followed by many in the West.

Whatever your level of risk, all men are at some risk of developing the disease and it is most likely to strike once you pass the age of 40. So what can be done to reduce the risk?

The two main areas to consider are your diet and the use of dietary supplements.

When it comes to diet the main culprit within the normal western diet would appear to be animal fat which, with the high level of meat in many western diets, is understandable. The solution here is simply to reduce the amount of meat in your diet and, when using meat, to stick to meats containing low levels of fat or to choose leaner cuts of high-fat meat.

When it comes to dietary supplements we enter something of a minefield, as opinions vary widely and are also often driven more by profit in this highly lucrative market than by any real medical evidence.

The list of possible dietary supplements for consideration in preventing prostate cancer is far too long for this short article and ranges from vitamins, such as vitamin E, and minerals, such as Selenium, to estrogen and green tea extract. It is also necessary, when looking at dietary supplements, to view the wider picture of your overall health and to consider these not simply in terms of preventing prostate cancer.

It is also an excellent idea when considering supplements to look first at your diet itself and the need for virtually all supplements can be eliminated if you simply ensure that the required vitamins and minerals are included within a properly balanced diet including a wide variety of such things as fresh fruit and vegetables.

Although many thousands of men will die this year from prostate cancerFeature Articles, a large proportion of these deaths will have been unnecessary and a combination of early prostate cancer screening and some simple preventative measures could have prevented thousands of unnecessary deaths.

For more information on how to prevent prostate cancer and what to look out for when it comes to enlarged prostate symptoms please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com

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July 30, 2008

Should I Have Prostate Surgery?

The majority of men will experience some degree of prostate difficulty in later life and many will be faced with the question of whether or not to undergo prostate surgery. This article looks at some things to consider when making your choice.

For a few men the arrival of middle age brings with it increasing urinary difficulty caused by an enlargement of the prostate gland. Instances of urinary difficulty increase with age so that by the time that most men reach retirement there's a better than 50/50 change they'll be experiencing difficulties and, if they're lucky enough to reach the age of 80, then they'll almost certainly run into difficulty as prostate problems affect about 90% of the male population by this age.

While enlargement of the prostate is extremely common it is also a benign condition that is confined to the prostate gland and for many men it will develop very slowly over a period of years. There are a variety of symptoms, almost all associated with problems in passing water, and these can range from the quite mild which are really not too bothersome and which you can certainly live with as just another sign of the ageing process, to more severe symptoms which are sufficiently annoying to warrant treatment.

In addition to the common problem of an enlarged prostate, which will affect almost all men at some point, a significant number of men will also develop prostate cancer which, while it starts life in the prostate gland, can eventually spread throughout the body and is an extremely dangerous condition and the second most common form of cancer death in the United States today.

An enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are two quite separate conditions and, despite what you may have heard, an enlarged prostate does not cause prostate cancer. The two conditions can however exist side-by-side and one problem with prostate cancer is that the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can mask the presence of a growing cancer.

The first step therefore is to call in and see your doctor as soon as you start to experience any sort of problems passing water and get him to establish the root of the problem.

If you consult your doctor at the first sign of trouble and he diagnoses prostate cancer then it is very likely to be at early stage of development and confined to the prostate gland, in which case your doctor will almost certainly suggest prostate surgery. In this particular case, unless there is a very good reason why you should not have surgery (such as the presence of other medical conditions that you place you at risk from surgery) then the answer to whether or not you should have prostate surgery is invariably going to be "yes".

There can be no question that the best way to deal with cancer is to remove it altogether and, when it is confined to the prostate gland, the easiest and best way to do that is to have it surgically removed.

If, however, your doctor diagnoses nothing more than an enlarged prostate the question of whether or not you should have surgery become a bit more complicated and you will need to discuss your options with your doctor.

There are a range of treatments available for an enlarged prostate including drug therapy and non-surgical treatments, as well as several different surgical treatments and each has its own advantages, disadvantage and risks.

The major difference in the case of an enlarged prostate is that the vast majority of treatments are not designed to cure the problem but are aimed at reducing symptoms so that it does not unduly interfere with your quality of life.

The question of whether or not you should have prostate surgery is very much dependent upon the cause of your problems. If you have prostate cancer and prostate surgery is the recommended option then, unless there is a good reason for deciding otherwise, you should almost certainly accept your doctor's recommendation. If, however, prostate surgery is being considered for an enlarged prostate, then there will be a range of other options open to you and you will need to make a very personal decision, in consultation with your doctorFind Article, about whether or not prostate surgery is the choice you feel would be most appropriate.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for more information on prostate surgery and other prostate cancer treatments.

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Precisely What Is The Prostate Gland And What Are The Signs Of Developing Prostate Problems?

A lot of men are still not aware of exactly what the prostate gland is and of how important it is to consult your doctor once they begin to experience the signs and symptoms of a developing prostate problem. It may seem odd but for years men knew little about their prostate and it is only in recent years as prostate cancer has become such a prominent issue that men are beginning to ask just what the prostate is and what it does.

The prostate is a crucial part of a man's reproductive system that manufactures the clear fluid that makes up a significant portion of male seminal fluid. Sperm is carried from the testicles up to the prostate where it is mixed with prostatic fluid and proteins to make semen.A normal prostate is roughly the size of a walnut, weighs about one ounce and sits just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is also often described as being shaped something like a donut and partly wraps around the urethra, which carrying urine from the bladder and out of the body.

Through a man's life the prostate continues to grow, although from about the age of twenty until the mid-forties growth is extremely slow and is all but undetectable. Once a man passes approximately forty-five however it is extremely common for the growth of the prostate to speed up and most men will start to experience the symptoms of an enlarging gland during their forties or fifties.In many cases an enlarging gland leads to little more than some mild discomfort that a lot of men simply learn to live with. In other instances however the prostate may become so enlarged that it squeezes the urethra enough to produce various symptoms that need treatment or persuade a man to ask for treatment to ease his discomfort.

Mere growth of the prostate at this point in a man's life is simply a normal part of aging and is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP.However, the biggest danger with an enlarged prostate is that this may be something more than a simple case of enlargement and may be effectively masking an underlying cancer.As the prostate begins to grow it also begins to put pressure on the urethra and to narrow it so that the first signs of a developing problem are normally seen when it comes to urinating.

In particular you might experience difficulty in urinating and need to 'strain' to start the process. You may also suffer from a weak urine flow and a flow that tends to stop and start. As time goes on you will also find that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently, particularly during the night, and that you feel as if you need to visit the bathroom even just after you have just done so.As you can imagine this can become more than a little bit of a nuisance but, nevertheless, a lot of men are content to simply see it as one of the problems of aging and learn to live with it.

Now there is nothing wrong with this but the mistake which all too man men make is not to consult their doctor at this stage to ensure that the problem is only BPH and that it is unlikely to lead to other problems in their particular case.Aside from the obvious risk of their being an underlying cancerScience Articles, BPH can also cause other problems such as kidney disease or bladder infection.Should you begin to encounter symptoms that are suggestive of a developing prostate problem then talk to your doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on various prostate problems and also provides advice on having a prostate exam.

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