Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer of UK men. If it is found early and is still confined to the gland itself then the chances of survival are excellent. Modern surgical techniques, combined with drugs such as Viagra, mean that an operation to treat prostate cancer does not signal the end of a patient’s sex-life.

The prostate itself is a small, walnut-sized gland situated near the bladder in men that produces one component of semen. There are a broad range of prostate cancers, some of which are extremely gentle and indolent and may not cause any significant ill health. However, others have the ability to spread to other parts of the body and cause more significant damage if not treated. This means it is important to catch prostate cancer early and then it is possible to treat it using a radiotherapy and surgery.

The Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The first sign of prostate cancer can be noticed when you go to the toilet. You may find that you are going to the toilet a lot more and that you are unable to maintain a full stream whilst urinating. However, these problems are also associated with a number of medical problems and do not always signal prostate cancer.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are caused by the growth of cells, whether malignant or benign, pushing against the urethra, the thin tube which links the bladder to the penis. If you are suffering from the above symptoms then you should also look out for painful urination or ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, and pain in lower back, hips or thighs.

Again these symptoms could be caused by any number of things, including infection, but it would be wise to visit your GP to get them checked out. There are several ways that a doctor can check for prostate cancer. The simplest way is the digital rectal examination, in which the doctor insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for an an enlarged prostate. Following this a blood test can be conducted to look for any rises in any chemicals in the blood, and after this comes more sophisticated tests, such as ultrasound scans, and x-rays.

The Causes of Prostate Cancer

The exact causes of prostate cancer are still unclear but there are a number of factors which may increase your chances of developing it. These include, but are not limited to, a family history of prostate cancer, and a fat-rich diet.

There have been a number of studies into the link between prostate cancer and vasectomy but these have so far proved to be inconclusive.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Sometimes the best treatment for prostate cancer can be to not treat it at all. This is sometimes the case of older men when it is judged that surgery or other treatments may cause more harm than good.

If the cancer has spread from the prostate, or it is believed that it will spread, then surgery is normally the first course of action to remove it whilst is still possible and prevent further spreading. A prostatectomy is when the prostate gland is removed, usually along with small parts of the lymphatic system near the gland. However, this type of surgery can cause nerve damage which can prevent men from getting an erection ever again, or maintain complete control over urination. This does not mean that a man’s sex life is over though as modern “nerve-sparing” surgical techniques, when combined with drugs such as Viagra, can ensure that the effects on both function and quality of life are minimised.

Other treatment option is radiotherapy which will be precisely targeted on the pelvic area, whilst other doctors are fighting prostate cancer by using the body’s own hormones. In the latter’s case, prostate cells, including cancerous ones, which are sensitive to levels of certain male hormones, can be rendered far less active if levels are reduced. However, this can reduce the sex-drive of the patient.

Advances in Prostate Cancer Surgery

Advances in prostate cancer surgery mean that surgeons can now successfully remove the prostate without causing the problematic nerve damage which has been inevitable in the past. In addition, radiotherapy technology advances mean that far higher doses can be targeted more precisely on the prostate, killing more cancer cells with fewer treatments.

A technique called prostate brachytherapy has also made some great advances in recent times and its use is becoming more and more common. There are two methods of brachytherapy – permanent seed implantation and high dose rate (HDR) temporary brachytherapy.

Permanent seed implantation involves injecting approximately 100 radioactive seeds into the prostate gland, which give off cancer-killing radiation at a low dose rate over several weeks or months, and the seeds remain in the prostate gland permanently.

HDR temporary brachytherapy involves placing very tiny plastic catheters into the prostate gland, and then giving a series of radiation treatments through these catheters.

Another option is High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to “melt” away the 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.

Prostate cancer is classified as an adenocarcinoma, or glandular cancer, that begins when normal semen-secreting prostate gland cells mutate into cancer cells.

The symptoms or conventional treatment of prostate cancer will not be discussed here, as they are well documented, and a great deal of research has been underway for a long time.

Rather, our discussion is first of all the mutation of the normal prostate cells, and then, a restoration without mutation of new cells, letting the body’s immune system clear away the cancer.

Mutation of Prostate Cells

A genetic mutation is defined as a distinct change of the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome of any organism. This in turn results in the creation of new characteristics or traits not found in the parental type.

Mutations occur very seldom on their own in nature. Instead, they are usually caused by mutagens (substances or forces that give rise to mutations). In the case of the cells of the prostate, these may be (often are) environmental in nature, or by direct invasion of strong radiating forces.

Whatever the specific cause, the cancerous mutations on the prostate gave rise to new cells that if generally left untreated, can metastasize, and end up with death as the result.

Conventional Treatment vs. Alternative Treatment

There are now several options available to the men afflicted with this condition. There is also an alternative treatment that can be used on its own, or in conjunction with any of the various conventional treatments available.

The alternative treatment suggests the afflicted man to get in intimate touch with his deepest self, and locate the perfect pattern of non-diseased genetic codes which produced non-diseased prostate cells.

Once this is done, the pattern can be superimposed on the cells of the prostate, and the new cells are produced to the original pattern. This is called application of the Konov Principle

The Konov Principle

Sergey Konov, a contemporary Russian film producer, writer and original thinker, has coined the phrase Genetic Memory to express the repository of all chemical-physical events in our bodily and mental existence.

Konov has explained that in the case of cancer of the prostate, the genetic memory has records of both the normal and cancerous genetic information.

By the application of addressing the genetic memory, one can re-establish the priority of the normal arrangement

Addressing the Genetic Memory

By following some basic yogic exercises in relaxation and concentration, one may become gradually aware of one’s inner and basic nature, including the mechanism of genetic reproduction of cellular material.

The technique of achieving this may be found in earlier articles covering application of the Konov Principle.

The actual possibility of discovering one’s ideal genetic combinations and then superimposing them upon the later, mutated variety is a real and practical possibility.

Doctors are still quite uncertain about the nature of the healing process, and quite impressed with recent “placebo” cures occurring when patients believe strongly enough they are being treated.

These patients may have accidentally found their way to their own genetic memories, and healed themselves.

This article does not suggest you should reject medical treatment if you need it, but rather, should you find yourself ill, with say, prostate cancer, some deep self-realization techniques and practice, can bring you closer to realizing your own nature, and help yourself effect a cure.

When a patient is first diagnosed with prostate cancer and has had all the relevant tests to check the extent of the disease he will normally have an appointment with his doctor to discuss what is best. Prostate cancer treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer and on the intent of the treatment. For example early prostate cancers will be treated with surgery, radiotherapy or watchful waiting. Prostate cancer surgery is a definite possibility for many men in the early stages of the disease and so the subject should be discussed with the doctor. Late prostate cancers will be treated with hormone therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a mixture of all 3. Often patients will be given a choice of treatments by the doctor and the pros and cons of each option explained. There is no best cancer of prostate treatment because the treatment you receive will depend on the extent of your cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER RADIOTHERAPY (COMMONLY CALLED PROSTATE CANCER RADIATION TREATMENT)
Many men undergo radiotherapy as it is often regarded as the best prostate cancer treatment. This may be with the aim to cure the cancer or to shrink and control it depending on the stage. Often hormone treatment is given prior to radiation treatment to help reduce the size of the cancer and improve the rate of cure. Small cancers don’t need this hormone pre-treatment.

TYPES OF PROSTATE CANCER RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy is the treatment for cancer of the prostate with radiation. This is most often as X-rays which pass through the body and kill the cancer cells in its path known as “external beam radiotherapy”. The alternative way to treat the prostate is from within the body using small radioactive sources known as “brachytherapy”. Brachytherapy is only suitable for a small proportion of men with early prostate cancer and with a suitable sized prostate gland. It has the advantage of slightly fewer side effects during the treatment but would not be so effective at curing more bulky prostate cancers.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIOTHERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER
The majority of men with cancer of the prostate will have this type of radiation treatment. It is given by a machine called a Linear Accelerator. This makes high energy X-rays which are good at killing cancer cells. Linear accelerators are worked by radiographers who will also help you get into the right position for your treatment and give you advice during your treatment.
For the treatment the patient has to lie on a thin couch, rather like those used in the CT or MRI scanners. The machine then moves around the patient to deliver X-rays from several different angles, all pointing towards the prostate gland. Each treatment takes approximately 10 minutes to give, and the full dose of treatment is spread out to be given every day over a few weeks. This helps to give a big enough dose to the prostate to kill the cancer whilst reducing the side effects of treatment.

To make sure you are in the correct position and the prostate is being treated properly either an X-ray picture or more usually an extra CT scan will be taken before treatment starts to locate the prostate gland accurately. At this time you will also be given several tattoos (tiny dots on the skin) so that when you lie on the couch for each treatment the radiographers can make sure you are lined up properly. This helps to make sure the prostate gland is treated fully and to reduce side effects.

Patients are not able to feel X-rays or even be aware that the treatment machine is on. However as patients go through the weeks of treatment there are a number of common side effects that can be expected. Most of these are short term side effects which slowly build up through the treatment, are worst at or just after the end of treatment and then improve quite quickly (within a few weeks). There are also some long-term or late side effects which can occur.

Prostate cancer symptoms might or might not manifest in a man suffering from this condition. Being a slow developing type of cancer, some men who have the disease might not even know that they have it. Since cancer of the prostate is more common in older men, there are those who die of other causes or diseases without even being diagnosed with prostate cancer until their bodies are examined in the autopsy table. Particularly in the early stages, symptoms are almost non-existent in patients with this disease.

For men who did experience prostate cancer symptoms, the most common are frequent urination, increased tendency to urinate at night, difficulty in maintaining a steady stream of urine, pain during urination and blood in the urine. Cancer of the prostate can also cause sexual function problems such as difficulty in achieving erection and painful ejaculation. If the condition is in the advanced stage or has metastasized in other parts of the body like the bone and the lymph nodes, additional symptoms will be most likely to occur. These can include bone pain, particularly in the spine, pelvis and ribs. If the cancer has spread to the spine, it can compress the spinal cord which can result to weakness in the legs and even urinary and fecal incontinence.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are very similar to those of other prostate disorders such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostatitis. To determine the reason behind the symptoms, a thorough examination is necessary. If the cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the patient will have a better chance of treating and maintaining the condition. Several methods of detecting cancer in the prostate have been developed during the last few years and two of the most common are the prostatic specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).

PSA is a protein that is produced in the prostate gland and released in very small amounts into the bloodstream. If a patient has a prostate condition, more PSA is released into the blood until it reaches a level where it can be easily detected. PSA levels under 4 ng/mL are usually considered as normal, while levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL are considered intermediate. However, in some cases, men with prostate cancer still record a low level of PSA. In cases like these, a DRE is often conducted to supplement the results of the PSA test.

DRE is a process wherein the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the size, shape and texture of the prostate and determine any irregularity. It is also often used by urologists to distinguish between cancer and non-cancerous conditions such as BPH and prostatitis.

Although DRE and PSA test have been widely used as screening techniques, doctors have cautioned that these diagnostic measures are not 100 percent accurate. Other factors might cause the elevated level of PSA in a man’s blood or cause irregularities in the prostate. With this in mind, patients are advised not to rush into these tests but have a long, detailed discussion with their physicians first.

Getting screened for cancer is only advisable if any of the common prostate cancer symptoms are experienced by the patient. It is also important to remember that the symptoms might be caused by other conditions and not by cancer at all.

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S.

Men have traditionally been less likely to seek medical attention than women, especially for minor problems which often serve as warning signs for more serious underlying illness. It’s estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.

Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. One cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not.

Another test usually used when symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. A number of tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.

Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C.

Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you’re taking and how often and how long they’re taken. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all.

Impotence is a potential complication after the prostatectomy or after radiation therapy. An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Thoroughly discuss your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary.

Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer.

Because it’s a slow-growing disease, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer. In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you. Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems.

Here we go again folks. Researchers are now suggesting that lycopene, abundantly found in tomatoes, can now lower the risk of getting prostate cancer. These modern studies on prostate cancer have concluded that tomato-based products may greatly help in protecting men from prostate cancer.

The study shows that the more tomatoes in a persons diet, the more the possibility that he will not develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. A natural prostate remedy for optimal health should also include a blend of vitamins and minerals supplements for good prostate health.

The next question I am sure you will ask is – why are tomatoes this important in preventing prostate cancer. Well, it has been discovered that the lycopene found in tomatoes is an antioxidant which in turn is a kind of chemical agent which helps to prevent or reverse the cellular process of oxidation.

This works on preventing prostate cancer because it has been proven that too much cellular oxidation can be dangerous to one’s health. This is mainly because oxidation produces free radicals, which increase one’s chances of developing cancer tissues. So, by its antioxidant nature, lycopene (and ultimately tomatoes) help to destroy the free radicals and thereby prevent prostate cancer and other forms of cancer for that matter.

Other ways is to look for food and vitamins that contain lots of antioxidant like Vitamin E. Such vitamins will go a long way in helping you to kill the free radicals in your body.

REALITY CHECK!

Well, in theory, this whole eating tomatoes to keep prostate cancer at bay sounds like a good idea, think back on all the other ideas that have been proven false.

Coffee Causes Cancer
Coffee Doesn’t Cause Cancer
Don’t Eat Eggs They Raise Your Cholesterol
It’s Okay to Have a Couple Drinks a Week
Oatmeal Lowers Your Cholesterol
Oatmeal Doesn’t Lower Your Cholesterol

We’ve heard for years that getting a suntan substantially raises the risk of skin cancer, and we should work to stay out of the sun. Recent research however suggests that at least some sun exposure can actually be beneficial to our overall health and well-being.

The problem is that many researchers are now focused not on good science but on getting media attention. This desire for attention results in theory’s being published and reported to the general public without adequate research or proof. The whole idea of eating more tomato-based products to increase your lycopene could probably be the result of this media attention drive.

Still, on the possible chance that this may be at least somewhat beneficial and the fact that it won’t harm you, it doesn’t hurt to add another serving or so of tomato products to your diet. So go ahead and squeeze that ketchup onto your plate… at least for now, it’s good for you.

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