How Your Weight Affects Your Prostate Cancer Treatment

Every case of prostate cancer is different; hence each one has to be evaluated on its individual merits. Your general health, weight, age and motivation all need to be taken into account when choosing a form of prostate cancer treatment. If you are overweight, know that this factor alone can affect how your prostate cancer treatment is going to be like. Occasionally prostate cancer treatments will not have a big enough effect on some men, especially obese men. External radiation therapy uses a beam of subatomic particles to kill the cancerous cells in the prostate gland . However, if you are overweight, the beam is unable to penetrate through the extra layers of fat. This renders the prostate cancer treatment ineffective. In cases such as this, a more radical form of treatment is usually recommended. Being obese may initially help to cause prostate cancer and then it may help the cancer to spread more rapidly and more aggressively as well. Fatty diets that contain high levels of saturated fats and dairy products are thought to contribute to the probability of developing prostate cancer in the first place and remaining overweight may enhance the spread of the disease. Thus, even if the prostate gland is removed as part of your prostate cancer treatment the cancer might have already spread making it harder to control and totally rid from the body. In fact, men who are obese are 70% more likely to develop metastases i.e. secondary tumours at other sites around the body, than men who are fit and a healthy weight. This would suggest that the incidence of prostate cancer is somewhat linked to diet and that being obese may mean you require surgery as a form of prostate cancer treatment. For this reason every man over the age of 25 should make an effort to maintain a healthy weight and eat foods that are low in saturated fats and dairy products, even if it is just as a precaution against the possibility of surgery as a future prostate cancer treatment! A balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants such as lycopenes, which are found in tomatoes, watermelon and other types of fruit could seriously help to combat the first signs of prostate cancer meaning that any cancerous cells are killed before they have chance to divide and grow. Fibre is also a requirement of a healthy diet and as it helps to encourage frequent bowel movements it also rids the body of potentially harmful toxins and bacteria. If you are of a healthy weight, it is possible that you will be taking a course of radiation as a prostate cancer treatment rather than invasive surgery followed by a course of radiation. Do your sums and you will realise that being of a healthy weight has a far more advantages.

About Author: Your prostate health is important for cancer prevention. For more information, resources and support, please click http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment: What You Must Know

Prostate cancer is one classification of cancer that is easily treated. Most of the cases of this cancer are commonly diagnosed at an early stage. Patients are given the good advantage to have the cancer cells controlled at the earliest stage possible.

However, there are still cases when the cancer has already circulated and affected the full prostate which makes it difficult to heal.

Truth be told, doctors not discovered a treatment for late prostate cancer. In fact, numerous advanced prostate cancer patients exclusive get medication to extend their life and not to kill the cancer.

Nonetheless, there are still various options open for patients with prostate cancer that has already late its stage.

For example, there is the usual chemotherapy medication. The drugs utilized in chemotherapy will at least know the malign cells from affecting remaining parts.

A take titled Provenge is also being introduced. This is not the common vaccine. It slows down the motion of the cancer.

Just like chemotherapy, the most that it can do is to extend the patient's life. It can add a month or even a year. There are also hormones which can be administered to the patient. This is based from the study that the male hormone, testosterone, is the substance responsible for promoting the growth of the cancer. This means that by causing the body to cut its creation, the growth of the tumor is also slowed down.

Radiation therapy is also another choice available. This makes use of an x-ray machine which emits high-energy waves. The radiation is applied directly to the tumour. This was known to be much efficient when united with hormone therapy than hormone therapy alone.

These are just few of the accessible advanced prostate cancer treatments. Consult a doctor before choosing which one will be administered to the patient.

Author's Box:

Learn more about advanced prostate cancer treatments and find out which ones have the least side effects and at the same time, will take effect best for the patient's recovery.

About Author:

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer Treatment: What You Need To Find Out

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is a big shock for anyone however you should not immediately write your life off as there are a number of very successful prostate cancer treatments now available. You will need to meet with your oncologist to fully discuss your options and to decide which type of treatment is best for you. This will depend to some extent on the progression of your cancer as some types of prostate cancer treatments are not suitable for late stage and terminal cases. Your decision will also need to take into account which side effects you can cope with as some men find that impotence and urinary incontinence cause more distress than the actual cancer. Your individual circumstances will also have an effect on the treatment you receive. Age, overall health, other medical problems and the amount of emotional support you have at home and at work all need to be taken in to consideration. Your oncologist will be able to weigh up the details and decide on the best course of treatment; however, if you find yourself disagreeing with anything they suggest you must say so as only you know how you feel and how you will cope with the recommended prostate cancer treatment. One of the biggest things to consider when choosing a form of prostate cancer treatment is what you want to achieve. Many men simply want to be rid of the disease and do not have a problem with the possibility of long-lasting side effects such as incontinence however younger individuals often decide that they would rather choose an alternative option with a lower success rate but less severe side effects. This decision is ultimately down to you and your preferences for the future should also be discussed with your oncologist before making any decisions. Your age will also play a large part in which prostate cancer treatment you choose. Elderly men i.e. 70+ often decide to do nothing with regards to treatment as prostate cancer is in many cases a very slow growing disease and so the symptoms may not be felt during a lifetime. Alternatively you may wish to look into the possibility of hormone therapy which slows down the diseases progression but does not actually do anything to treat it, and there are no embarrassing side effects attached. If you have not yet reached your 70th birthday or you have and are still young at heart then other prostate cancer treatments need to be considered. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the commonly used treatments and any combination of the three can be incorporated into a regime to suit you. Ultimately however the decision is down to you. Talk to your family and your oncologist and consider your options carefully. Every case is different and needs to be treated on an individual basis so decide what it is you want to achieve and go from there.

About Author: There are several factors to deciding on your prostate cancer treatment . Please visit http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com for more information and resources.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: Selecting What Is Best

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer nowadays is by no means a death sentence however it is imperative that you get treatment without delay. There are a number of prostate cancer treatment options available and the best one for you will depend on your individual case. You need to speak with your oncologist and decide what you want to achieve from your prostate cancer treatment so that the right course of treatment can be selected for you. This can initially be quite difficult to do, especially when you are first diagnosed and in a state of shock however your oncologist will be able to answer any questions you may have and will be able to give you very beneficial advice. You might want to consider taking a family member with you to your consultation so that they can ask any questions that you might forget because of the stress associated with the situation. Ask your oncologist if he/she has any leaflets about the various prostate cancer treatments because as you go back over your conversation at a later date you will undoubtedly forget important aspects that require consideration. Also ask your oncologist to explain the different prostate cancer treatment options to you in easy terms. Medical jargon can be overwhelming and confusing to a stressed mind so try to make things as easy as possible. Simply put there are three major forms of prostate cancer treatment; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Hormone therapy is also often used as a complimentary therapy and any combination of the three main treatments can be used together or in conjunction with hormone therapy. The type of prostate cancer treatment that you receive will depend to a large extent on the cancer itself and how far it has progressed. When the initial cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues and then to other sites in the body, the type of prostate cancer treatment used will become more palliative than curative i.e. the treatment will slow down the growth of the cancer and help control the side effects rather than actually curing the disease. In addition factors such as your age, general health and what you want to achieve from the treatment will also be taken into consideration. The elderly may suffer from surgery much more than they would suffer with prostate cancer and so they may choose to do nothing except slow down the growth and spread of the disease. Younger men however may want to get rid of the cancer entirely and so opt for surgery and then probably radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells. There are a lot of things to consider when you choose your form of prostate cancer treatment and the decision should not be rushed. Prostate cancer is one of the slow growing cancers and so a few weeks of deliberation will, in most cases, have no major effect on the size of your cancer or the symptoms experienced. Take your time and weigh up all the options before deciding to do anything; after all, you cannot turn the clock back and decide again.

About Author: There are several factors to deciding on your prostate cancer treatment . Please visit http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-hub.com for more information and resources.

Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Da Vinci Prostatectomy - The State-of-the-Art Surgical Option

The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system of males which produces a fluid which is a component of semen. About the same size as a walnut, it is located below the bladder and above the rectum, surrounding the urethra (which is the tube which empties the bladder's urine). Cancer of the prostate occurs when malignant cells grow in the prostate tissues. Apart from cancer of the skin, prostrate cancer is the most frequent malignancy found in men, with over two hundred thousand new cases in the year 2007. Except for lung cancer, prostate cancer causes more deaths than any other form of cancer. On the other hand, autopsies show that many men have prostate cancer without it becoming a major health issue: one man in six will have a positive diagnosis at some point in life; however only one man in thirty-four will die of the disease. Almost two million men in the U.S. have survived cancer of the prostate. There are various prostate cancer treatments options open which depend upon the patient's health and age, his Gleason score, and at what stage the cancer is diagnosed. Early detection implies a greater chance of survival. Each patient must discuss his options with his physician for his particular case.

Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate gland together with some of its surrounding tissue. There are potential side effects - inability to have erections and incontinence - which can be obviated by detecting the cancer early and using techniques such as the Illinois Da Vinci surgical robot which spare nerves. Using these procedures most radical prostatectomy patients regain their erectile function and urinary continence after a period of post-surgical recovery. Options for radical prostatectomy include open surgery (the traditional method), laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery.

In the traditional open surgical procedure the surgeon makes an eight or ten inch incision to reach the prostate. This technique often causes a considerable loss of blood and a long and uncomfortable recovery period. The conventional laparoscopy technique uses a special surgical camera together with surgical instruments which make a number of small incisions to reach and remove the prostate. Conventional laparoscopy has been almost entirely superseded by Da Vinci prostatectomy, which is a robot-assisted laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which tends to minimize unwanted side effects. This procedure requires a very small incision which causes less pain, less anesthesia, less risk of infection, less time in the hospital, faster recovery, and a quicker return to normal life activities in most cases. During the operation a team of surgeons are always at the controls directing the Da Vinci's robotic camera (which the shows the surgeons on a large screen exactly what is happening inside the patient in three-dimensions), and also its two robotic arms which are operated by the surgeon's hand movements.

So when you are considering your options in prostate cancer treatments [http://www.riversidehealthcare.org/services/cancer-institute/robotic-cancer-surgery.html], you should consider first the Illinois Da Vinci surgical robot. State of the art computer robotics makes Da Vinci prostatectomy [http://www.riversidehealthcare.org/services/cancer-institute/robotic-cancer-surgery.html] the statistically best all around option in most cases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane
http://EzineArticles.com/?Da-Vinci-Prostatectomy---The-State-of-the-Art-Surgical-Option&id=1270406

Three Foods to Help Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States each year. Prostate cancer typically is an extremely slow-growing cancer. It begins in the prostate gland and is easily treatable in this stage. However, once the cancer begins to grow rapidly or when it spreads outside of the prostate gland, it is potentially dangerous and even deadly.

Prostate cancer treatments typically involve surgery and radiation therapy. Oftentimes, major damage results from these treatments. These treatments are painful and expensive.They also have serious side effects. Side effects from surgery include:

1. Risk from anesthesia
2. Risk of a heart attack
3. Risk of a stroke
4. Blood clot in the legs
5. Infection at the site of the incision
6. Risk of bleeding and requiring a blood transfusion
7. Infections in the abdomen
8. Urinary incontinence
9. Death

Prostate cancer can oftentimes be prevented through consuming good healthy foods. Some foods are particularly beneficial to the prostate gland.Tomatoes and tomato products are among the top foods for prostate health.Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which is the carotenoid that gives many fruits and vegetables their red color.

Eating tomatoes often, preferably on a daily basis can go a long way towards preventing prostate cancer. This is due to the fact that lycopene can accumulate in the cells over time and build up the ability to fight off cancer cells. Tomatoes can easily be consumed fresh or cooked in your favorite dishes. In fact, cooked tomatoes appear to have more cancer-fighting properties than raw tomatoes.

Broccoli has been proven in many studies to be effective in fighting prostate cancer. Broccoli is a powerful cruciferous vegetable rich is sulfer containing compounds known as glucosinolates. Cruciferous vegetables are especially beneficial in prostate health as they aid in removing estrogens and other toxins from the body. It is very important to prepare the broccoli correctly in order to get its cancer fighting components. It is recommended that broccoli be gently steamed to retain most of its anti-cancer compounds.

Tomatoes and broccoli may be more beneficial when consumed together rather than separately. It is believed that the different bioactive compounds in each food work on different anti-cancer pathways. This is the reason the combination of these two foods can be highly effective.

Red raspberries are not only delicious, but are rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals that can benefit prostate health and reportedly even prevent prostate cancer. Raspberries contain phytonutrients which are the healing components in the raspberries. These benefits are solely from fresh berries as opposed to processed berries or fruit drinks made from berries. So eating fresh raspberries each day is a good way to protect your prostate health.

As you can clearly see choosing to eat prostate healthy foods is one of the best and easiest things you can do to improve the health of your prostate gland and thereby decrease your risk of prostate cancer. There are many ways to include these delicious foods in your diet so plan to do so on a regular basis.

Please go to Truckingsos.com to read more articles concerning health and wellness issues and truck drivers issues such as foods for prostate health and prostate cancer treatments. Food is oftentimes the best weapon in the fight against prostate cancer.

Annalee Chambers is a trucking industry veteran and knowledgeable about the trucking industry including multiple health and wellness issues.

(c) copyright - Annalee Chambers All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annalee_Chambers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-Foods-to-Help-Prevent-Prostate-Cancer&id=7480766

Prostate Cancer Treatments and Factors

Prostate cancer has a high prevalence rate among males. Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is among the most common cancer type among men. Black men have been known to have a higher risk of prostate cancer than White men. However, such cancers can be treated with prostate cancer treatments. These treatments are chosen based on several factors relating to the kind of cancer, your age, your health condition, and so on.

What are the risk factors associated with prostate cancer?

Like most other cancers, family history could be an important factor. For instance, if your father, brother, or other men in your close family circles have had this cancer type, you would be advised to undergo regular screening tests. Here are some other important risk factors:

• Age: In the United States alone, this cancer type has the highest prevalence rate among men who are older than 65 years. It is rare to find men under the age of 45 with prostate cancer.


• Race: The incidence of this cancer is comparatively lower among Asian and Pacific Islander men. It is also comparatively low among native Alaskan men and American Indians. Black men are known to be at the highest risk of this cancer as compared with White or Hispanic men.


• Prostate changes: High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cells are known to present a higher risk of cancer among men. A microscopic examination often reveals this abnormal-looking cells.

Looking for symptoms

The most concerning fact about cancer is the lack of early warning symptoms. Signs and symptoms are usually evident only after the malignant tumor grows in size and causes a swelling in the prostate gland. However, you might want to watch out for the following symptoms that are usually caused by cancer growth:

• Facing difficulty in controlling urinary functions. For instance, some men experience leaking urine while laughing or coughing, or a frequent urge to urinate. Similarly, there are some men who experience that it might be difficult to start a stream of urine or stop it.


• Pain and discomfort are other telling signs. Some men might report difficulty in urinating standing up. Spotting blood in the urine or semen could also be an indication of a cancerous tumor in the prostate. In certain cases, a painful or stinging sensation during ejaculation or urination is experienced.

There could be other symptoms of this cancer. Hence, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for any pain, discomfort, or swelling in and around the pelvis area. This could enable the early diagnosis and subsequent cancer treatments to bring you back to good health.

Today, with the availability of advanced prostate cancer treatments, oncologists and radiologists have been able to reduce most of the pain and discomfort associated with this cancer. Prostate cancer treatments usually include hormone therapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

I have many years of experience in health research. I passionate to share my knowledge in advanced prostate cancer treatments, symptoms and preventions. It also helps to create awareness for patients and families.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_Romanio
http://EzineArticles.com/?Prostate-Cancer-Treatments-and-Factors&id=7448772