Prostate Cancer--Cutting the Risk

Cancer occurs when the immune system weakens, allowing abnormal cells to grow out of control.
Cancers are usually named according to the part of the body in which they occur. Prostate cancer isthe result of abnormal cell growth within the prostate. In 2005 (most recent dates available from theCenter for Disease Control), 185,895 men developed prostate cancer and 28,905 men died from prostate cancer. In the U.S., prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men of all races.

What is the prostate? The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is located behind thebladder and in front of the rectum. It’s approximately the size of a walnut and the urethra (tube thatempties urine from the bladder) passes through it. As men age, the prostate increases in size (BenignProstate Hyperplasia) resulting in the narrowing of the urethra, decreasing urine flow. What are the risk factors for prostate cancer? Researchers are not in agreement to which factors may cause prostate cancer. Some of those most agreed upon are: (1) Age. The older a man is, the more likely to develop prostate cancer...(2) Genetics. Though no gene is known to raise or lower prostate cancer risk, a man whose father, brother or son develops prostate cancer is 2-3 times more likely to develop it himself...(3) Race. Prostate cancer is more common in some racial and ethnic groups; however, the reason for this is unknown.

What is prostate screening? Prostate screening means looking for cancer before symptoms occur. There is disagreement within the medical profession whether or not screening is effective. Currently, there is not enough evidence to decide if the potential benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential risks. The two tests most commonly used are the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). DRE is performed manually by a doctor or nurse. PSA is a blood test. As a rule, the higher the PSA count, the more likely a prostate problem exists—it is not necessarily indicative of a cancerous condition. There are many factors which can increase PSA counts: age (as men age, certain medical procedures, an enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis (infection of the prostate) to name a few. As mentioned, there is much disagreement within the scientific community whether or not screening is effective. Statistically, if 100 men over the age of 50 take the PSA test, and 85 have normal test results, a small percentage of those 85 will have a cancer that was missed or undetected by the PSA test. The remaining 15 will have a higher than normal PSA, resulting in further testing. After further testing, only 3 of the 15 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What are my treatment options? As with screening, the medical community is in disagreement regarding which treatment method is most effective. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound and hormone therapy are a few of the possible treatments available. However, active surveillance (watchful waiting)—close monitoring of the cancer and treating it only if and when it causes symptoms—may be a viable option. Active surveillance can protect against serious side effects such as urinary incontinence, impotence, free radical cascade resulting in immunological deficiencies, etc. that may occur with unnecessary treatment interventions. Complementary and alternative medicine, also known as integrative medicine, may be a viable option as well. Integrative medicine may include practices in addition to, or instead of, the usual or standard ways of treating cancer. These may include naturopathy, nutritional supplementation, herbalism, diet-based therapies, homeopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis.

What signs should I watch for? First and foremost, monthly self-exam by men over 50 should include: checking for lumps in prostate or testicles; thickening and/or fluid retention in the scrotum; persistent, unexplained back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs; straining, difficult, bloody or frequent urination. These symptoms are not necessarily indicative of prostate cancer—there are other conditions such as BPH which can cause similar symptomatology. Also, if you are considering treatment for increased libido and/or impotence, consider the possibility it may stimulate prostate cancer. Live responsibly. Seek help if any of these symptoms occur. Recommendations: Each person has been uniquely created by God (Ps. 139:13). Therefore, it is important to evaluate each person individually. To offer “blanket” recommendations would be irresponsible of Ron or me.

It is your God-given and Constitutional right to choose the treatment plan that is best for you. Ron and I respect your right of choice in health matters. At the close of your appointment with either of us, we will frankly discuss any possible health concerns. We will remind you of the treatment options available to you. Those options include: natural; medical; or combination of both natural and medical (aka integrative medicine). Whichever treatment plan you choose, we will be supportive of your choice!

New Horizons Natural Healthcare Communications