One common form of treatment today for localized prostate cancer is radiation therapy which uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. These x-rays can either be delivered using an external radiation beam or by implanting radiation 'seeds' into the prostate gland.
External beam radiation therapy treatments are normally given on a daily basis 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) for anything up to about 6 or 7 weeks and each treatment, which is painless, lasts for just a few minutes. (Such treatments are also commonly given to patients whose cancer is no longer localized to the prostate gland but has spread into the pelvis and can also be used to relieve pain and reduce tumors in cases of advanced prostate cancer.)
In cases where tumors are large it is also common to give hormone treatment alongside radiation therapy in order to block the action of the male hormones which feed the growth of prostate cancer tumors. Such hormonal treatments are often continued for many months, or even years.
External beam radiation targets not only the prostate gland but also the seminal vesicles, to which prostate cancer can readily spread. In previous forms of this treatment it was also common to irradiate the pelvic lymph nodes but today this is only done in a minority of cases where evidence suggests that this is necessary.
There are generally few immediate side-effects to external beam radiation other than fatigue and possibly diarrhea when radiation is applied to the rectum, but both of these soon pass once treatment is completed.
Longer-term affects include impotence which affects about 40% to 50% of patients. This figure is however declining with the introduction of computer technology which now allows treatment to be tailored precisely to the anatomy of the patient with far more precise targeting than has previously been possible.
Turning to internal radiation therapy, this is a procedure in which dozens of tiny seeds are implanted directly into the prostate gland to deliver a high dose of radiation directly into the affected tissue.
Ultrasound is used to guide very thin needles from the perineum into the prostate gland to deposit the tiny seeds of palladium and iodine in a pattern which has previously been mapped using a very sophisticated computer program. The procedure, which usually takes about an hour, is carried out under local anesthetic and the patient is normally allowed home the same day. One alternative approach is to use more powerful temporary seed implants which are introduced over several days and possibly to combine this with low dose external radiation therapy. This procedure does however require hospitalization.
Internal radiation therapy carries few side-effects and normally leads to impotence in less that 15% of patients under the age of 70. It is not however suitable for everybody, especially men with large tumors or those who have undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on a wide range of prostate problems and also provides advice on many topics including the therapeutic use of prostate milking for BPH sufferers.
June 27, 2008
What Does Radiation Therapy For Localized Prostate Cancer Involve?
Fight Prostate Cancer in Its Early Stages With a Prostate Self Test
Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest diseases among men, and yet many men are unaware that they have the disease until it's too late. Next to heart attacks, prostate cancer is the leading cause of death for men. Though frequent prostate testing can be less than pleasant (as are many exams such as colon testing or heart stress tests), it's pertinent in the fight of cancer through early detection and treatment.
Early detection through a prostate examination can help you and your doctor determine a course of action to help your prostate potentially heal itself or to surgically remove the prostate gland in time before the disease becomes fatal. Prostate testing reveals if the prostate gland is swollen. Even minimal swelling of the prostate can be a sign that it is getting sick though some prostate gland enlargement often occurs as men age. In some cases, men have been completely healed thanks to early detection of a swollen prostate.
The prostate gland is located just below the bladder, and is normally about the size of a walnut. It surrounds the urethra, and its main function is to carry urine (out of the bladder) and semen through the penis. A man with prostate cancer may experience symptoms such as becoming incontinent or increased urinating frequency, painful ejaculation during sexual intercourse, or pain or a burning sensation while urinating. But with proper testing through a doctor or prostate self test, swelling can be detected before any of these symptoms appear.
Benefits of Prostate Self Tests
Thankfully, there are now prostate self tests that can be performed at home to help in the early detection of this disease. A man who is uncomfortable visiting the doctor may find a prostate self test to be a great solution. The prostate self test works similar to testing in the doctor's office, and should be completed at least once every six months.
A prostate self test involves drinking a certain given amount of water and then using a special medical tool, which can be obtained at any local pharmacy without a prescription, or it can even be obtained online. It is an easy process that any man can do, and the test results can be read using simple instructions. The prostate self test reveals if the prostate gland is swollen. Though the prostate self test is not meant to replace regular doctor visits, it can be used as an in-between testing method to keep check on the state of your prostate gland. If you detect swelling through a prostate self test, do see a doctor right away for further examination and to determine if treatment is needed.
Prostate self tests can be obtained online, and detailed explanations are provided to help you use the test properly. These tests also make excellent gifts for any man over the age of 25, for Father's Day, birthdays, or holidays. Give the gift of life to yourself or a friend or loved one.
With a prostate self test, you can avoid having so many unpleasant doctor visits while staying on top of your male health. Frequent testing is one of the primary preventive measures to help you live a longer, healthier life. Take care of your prostate health with a prostate self test today!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Fight Cancer - Prostate Self Test or Majon's Health and Beauty directory.
June 18, 2008
A Little About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects an estimated one out of every six males. Therefore it's understandable that most men want to know at least something about prostate cancer, especially as they are approaching their 40s. This article is going to touch on some of the symptoms and treatments, as well as some of the side effects that come from prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment. This article is not intended to be a substitution for your doctor's advice, so make sure that you seek a professional opinion if you feel that you may have prostate cancer.
One thing that's important to note is that you may not suffer any symptoms at all. That is why it's very important to be checked for prostate cancer frequently, and especially more so as you get older because they can find the prostate cancer before any symptoms show up at all in most cases. Some men that have prostate cancer may experience some of the following symptoms. Frequent or difficult urination, as well as a weak urine flow, erectile dysfunction as well as painful ejaculation and blood in the urine or semen.
There are many different treatment options for prostate cancer and you will want to discuss these with your doctor or healthcare professional before any decision is made. A few of the choices are active surveillance, radiation or hormone therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. There are also other choices and as I said before you should discuss these with your doctor.
One of the best things that you can do for your prostate is to make sure you take care of it in the first place. This may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Just knowing some simple things such as taking vitamin E, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and being informed about eating fats and red meat can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
About the Author
Steve writes informative articles and is the webmaster at prosate cancer and abestosis
June 14, 2008
Diet, Herbs, and Prostate Cancer
There are multiple problems that can develop in the prostate in older men. These include benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP). Some writers would suggest that BPH and prostate cancer are inevitable problems that occur in any man who lives long enough, but this is not true. There are many dietary and herbal interventions that can help prevent these problems.
BPH or enlargement of the prostate causes a weak stream, nighttime urination, frequent urination and retention of urine in the bladder. It is commonly treated with two types of prescribed medicines; finasteride (Proscar) and alpha-adrenergic blockers such as terazosin. In severe cases, surgical resection of the prostate through the urethra is performed. Saw Palmetto, derived from the American dwarf pine tree, is effective at treating early BPH. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone and therefore leads to shrinkage of the prostate. This is incidentally the same mechanism by which finasteride works. In fact, it has similar efficacy as finasteride with fewer side effects. Stinging nettle, which inhibits the growth of prostate cells, is commonly added to saw palmetto in Europe to treat early BPH.
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men with approximately 230,000 new cases annually. It is second only to lung cancer in deaths with 30,000 men dying each year. Prostate cancer risk is affected by male hormones as well diet. Men in the orient have a very low risk of prostate cancer, while men in Western Europe and United States have a high risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, when men in the Orient eat a Western diet their risk of prostate cancer increases.
WHAT TO AVOID:
The typical American diet high in animal meat, cured meats, animal fats, and milk increases the risk of prostate cancer. This type of diet not only leads to CaP but also to other cancers, heart disease and strokes.
WHAT TO EAT
Diets high in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are the best way to prevent prostate cancer. Additionally, you can consider adding some of the following.
Soy protein (isoflavones) in the diet protects against CaP by altering the production and metabolism of male hormones and estrogen. In the orient, it is thought that the high soy content contributes to the low incidence of prostate cancer.
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids (olive oil) are associated with a decreased risk of CaP. They are anti-inflammatory and improve health of blood vessels. Olive oil has been shown to directly inhibit growth of prostate cancer cells. Flaxseed another omega-3 fatty acid also has phyto-estrogen activity. In a study by Duke University, flaxseed was found to inhibit CaP cells in men who were undergoing prostatectomy.
Saw Palmetto may help to prevent CaP by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydro-testosterone. Its anti-inflammatory effect further inhibits cancer formation.
Stinging Nettle has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cells and prostate cancer cells both in the laboratory and in mice. Further human studies are needed.
Green Tea (polyphenols and isoflavones) has multiple effects including anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, and encourages natural cell death (apoptosis). There are strong data in the orient for its use in preventing prostate cancer.
Lycopene (tomatoes) is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore prevents damage to the prostate from oxygen radicals. Oxidative damage has been linked to chronic diseases and cancers.
Selenium, an essential mineral, is found in our diet. It has many activities including inhibition of prostate cancer as well as other cancers. Higher blood concentrations of selenium correlate with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts) contain sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol. These substances induce enzymes in the GI tract to break down cancer causing substances. They are also excellent anti-oxidants.
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and are thought to help with BPH. Zinc in small amounts appears to protect against prostate cancer but high amounts of zinc (100mg/day) may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate problems are not inevitable in men. A healthy diet and some herbs can go a long way in preventing prostate problems and possibly even prostate cancer.
Robert Avery MD, is a practicing oncologist in the St. Louis area. He has a keen interest not only in cancer care and therapy but also nutrition and how is helps prevent cancer. He is owner of Citrine Sun, an online company dedicated to helping cancer patients through every stage of their illness through education and natural supplements. An interesting newsletter and information about helpful supplements are available at his website, http://www.citrinesun.com Contact Dr. Avery through his email, AskDrAvery@citrinesun.com
June 4, 2008
Prostate Cancer Foundation Grants More Than $19 Million to Cancer ...
Prostate Cancer Foundation Grants More Than $19 Million to Cancer ...
Earthtimes (press release), UK
(Business Wire) The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has committed more than $19 million in new research funding for scientific investigations focused on ...
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[Source : Google News]
BN ImmunoTherapeutics Starts Clinical Trials With Prostate Cancer ...
BN ImmunoTherapeutics Starts Clinical Trials With Prostate Cancer ...
FOXBusiness
A Phase I/II safety and tolerability study in 18 male patients with non-metastatic as well as hormone-insensitive prostate cancer has begun enrolment in the ...
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[Source : Google News]
