Prostate cancer is detected as a tiny tumor found in the prostate gland of men. It is now considered to be the third most common cause of death for men who are over 75 years of age. Those who are at higher risk include men who work as farmers, painters and other workers highly exposed to cadmium.

Most of these tumors tend to grow at a very slow pace but can cause great harm through the years. Hence, if it is detected early on, prostate cancer can be treated. Men older than 50 years old can prevent this ailment through regular screening in the form of digital rectal examination.

Knowing More about Prostate Cancer

If prostate cancer is still in its early stages, then the symptoms can be too simple and ordinary that you would not suspect anything. Most common symptoms during the early stages of the condition include the following:

• You feel pain when you are urinating;
• The feeling of wanting to urinate even if your bladder is already empty;
• Dribbling of the urine;
• Blood stains in your urine;
• Pain felt in your hips and back.

When the disease has already spread out to the rest of the other parts of the body, the symptoms can grow more into the following:

• Pain in your bones;
• Weakness due to spinal cord compression;
• Unexpected weight loss;
• Failure of kidneys; and
• Anemia

The primary cause of prostate cancer still remains unknown though most health experts say that it is a combination of various factors like improper diet, hormonal changes, immediate environment and even genetics. Recent studies also revealed that men 55 years and older, and whose diet include foods filled with saturated fat, have increased testosterone levels which could heighten the growth of the prostate.

Majority of those who suffer from this type of cancer often survive and still enjoy years of life ahead of them even after the diagnosis. The hope for a cure can only be less if the cancer was diagnosed late, has already spread out beyond the prostate and it has developed into further complications in the internal organs.

The Importance of Exercise to Lower the Risk

A recent study by the researchers of the Harvard School of Public Health and University of California finds that having sufficient and proper exercise can lower the risk of death in men who suffer from prostate cancer. It is the very first study which evaluated the effects of implementing exercises and other forms of physical activity in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The study, which can be found in the advance online version of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests that the progression of prostate cancer can be slowed down if regular physical activity would be added to the patient’s everyday lifestyle.

This brings such perfect news for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer – especially if they are still wondering as to what to do, and what measures to take, in order to help them fight their battle with cancer. This study was conducted, involving 2,705 male participants for an 18-year period duration. The results showed that men with prostate cancer who walked for a longer time compared to the others had a 46 percent reduced risk of dying from the disease and any other complications brought by it.

Natural Tips to Treat and Prevent Prostate Cancer

The most common form of treatment for prostate cancer is surgery.  However, not everyone has the means to undergo such radical procedure.  The good news is that, there are more natural ways to help in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

Herbs have been used eons ago in the treatment of various types of disease conditions.  As in the case of prostate cancer, herbs such as saw palmetto as well as substances like selenium, zinc and lycopene can also help.

Lycopene. Many studies have shown that one natural and sure way to treat cancer is by eating foods that are rich in lycopene. It significantly help promote prostate growth, and because it is a rich source of antioxidants, it helps fight off cancer-causing free radicals thereby preventing development of prostate cancer. A research published also in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute discovered that men who eat more cooked tomato meals are less likely to have prostate cancer. The cooked tomato products can render more benefits to the body rather than taking them in in their raw form. It is only in the process of cooking that more amounts of lycopene are released when the cell walls of the vegetable break down. Other ideal sources of lycopene aside from tomato include watermelons, pink grapefruits and guavas.

Zinc. It is also recommended to take in lots of foods that contain the mineral Zinc since it helps prevent the enlargement of the prostate. Examples of these would be oysters, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and the like.

Selenium. This is another essential mineral that protects the prostate gland from damage. It can be taken in as a supplement which you can find in various drug stores in your locality. Foods that are rich in selenium are garlic, grains and chicken.

Saw Palmetto. Another popular natural cure for the prostate gland is the saw palmetto. It is capable of slowing down the DHT development that is the main cause of the development of the disease. If you would have enough consumption of this, you can prevent the gland from becoming larger and more swollen.

Legumes and Soy.  These contain phytoestrogens – chemicals that have the potential of preventing prostate cancer.

Other dietary sources that can possibly cure and prevent prostate cancer include fruits such as oranges, strawberries and grapefruit. Green tea , dark chocolate and milk thistle can also help.

Acupuncture. The method of acupuncture is also becoming known to relieve the patient from the pain when cancer has spread out already even way beyond the gland. A statement released in 1997 by the National Institutes of Health shows their support with the implementation of this method to overcome nausea that is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Other forms of massage and physical therapy can also be beneficial to help ease anxiety from the men patients.

In fighting off prostate cancer, it is important that you should bear in mind the importance of living a life that is filled with enough exercise and proper diet. Regardless of any other type of cancer you may have, the secret to having a longer life would be to think positive that you can get well even with the simplest of efforts.

Sources
umm.edu
eurekalert.org
ezinearticles.com
mayoclinic.com
suite101.com