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.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:37 am
How long can you live with Prostate cancer?
About ten years or so ago I went to the doctor and asked about Prostate cancer screening. He said I was too young. Besides being over worked under paid and uninsured I have a pain in my scrotum and it feels like I have an 8 ball in between my crotch. I have been doing a lot of heavy lifting and I am exhausted. Everything works fine down there but I am very tired. A friend of mine had kidney cancer and he died shortly afterwards, he complained of being tired. Also my bones hurt. I was thinking that I could have a body infection. Should I be terminated by lethal injection? Getting sick is a sin in this country, I should be punished. Of course I could be over reacting, it has been a terrible week.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
My dad had prostate cancer and has beat it with chemotherapy. From what I understand (second hand through him), if caught early enough prostate cancer is one of the cancers with the best success rates.
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I am sorry you are in pain. Do not let not having money or insurance keep you from getting the medical help you need and deserve. I do not know where you live, but there are free clinics in almost every State. Call the emergency room of any hospital and ask where you can go to get medical help, explain that you have no money or insurance.You can just go to an ER to see a doctor, they can not refuse to treat you because you have no money, they will bill you.If you can not pay the bill – you can not pay it, better to owe a bill than to lose your life. This could be very serious, do not put it off any longer. I hope you feel better and also get medical help.
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Many men have prostate cancer the question is have fast growing is it. The younger you are when it is found is an indicator of how agressive it is. Under sixty five it means loosing the gland. If you are older the Doc many choose other means. All men should take for granted they prostate cancer and study what they can do diet wise to slow cancer.
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
there is no set time everyone is different. Should you want a simple pre screen ttest for it get a EPT test kit if it shows possitive see your doctor immediatlythis type of cancer is cureable please dont delay
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Your sentiments are correct. What to do? It is really a great sin to get disease like cancer. However do not worry. Now have you contacted the doctor. ASAP please visit him for an evaluation of the disease. You may not have he disease and the symptoms you have told may be for some other reason. Only a doctor can tell you and treat you. Please do not worry. you will be alright. please visit your doctor immediately.
Best of Luck
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
While prostate cancer is a known killer, it, like all cancers, can take from a few weeks to several years to really get you. Ypou didn;t say your age but if you are over 15 and asked for a prostate check, the doctor should oblige. In fact all guys once they are pretty well through puberty should have everything checked annually. Unfortunately, unless one is insured and the insurance covers routine medicals, very few people actually get them. And due to embarassment or whatever even those who do get routine checkups don't insist on genitals being thoroughly examined.
As for your current pain in the scrotum, I would be more suspocious of a hernia or similar problem causing the discomfort especially given you do heavy lifting. so insured or not, it is tiem to get an appointment with a doctor who will give you a thorough exam in the genital region to determine wha tis right and what is in need of treatment.
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
You have to insist on an examination or at least an x-ray to see if there is anything there.
The life expectancy is quite high if treated. Not so if it goes un noticed and untreated. The doctor should work for you, not just work if they feel like it. Insist upon the test if he refuses report him to the medical board and see another doctor. No one is too young or too old to have cancer that's an excuse because he don't want to have to work.
I have dealt with cancer patients from the age of 6 months to 97 years. Cancer does not have a prefered age.
References :
November 14th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
i really like your sence of humor..sorry you have had a bad week.A scrotal mass is a lump or bulge that can be felt in the scrotum, the sac that contains the testicles.A scrotal mass can be benign (generally harmless) or malignant (cancerous). Benign scrotal masses include:
Varicocele — a varicose vein along the spermatic cord
Hydrocele — fluid collection in the scrotum
Hematocele — blood collection within the scrotum
Spermatocele — a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells
Scrotal masses can be caused by inflammatory or infectious diseases (for example, epididymitis), physical injury to the scrotum, herniation (inguinal hernia), or tumors.
Symptoms
Painless or painful bulge or lump within the scrotum (testicle lump)
Infertility
Enlarged scrotum
Most conditions that cause scrotal masses are either not important or can be easily treated. Even testicular cancer has a high cure rate with early diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, any scrotal mass should be examined promptly by a qualified doctor. Any delay in diagnosing cancer may reduce the ability to cure it.. oh ny thhe way go to a (e.r.) and get checked they cant refuse to treat you even if you have no insurance…..good luck 2 you…..
References :