Preventing Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the prostate gland (illustrated) is one of the major killers of male men in North America and Europe, including the British Isles. Nearly all men above age 50 begin to have enlargement of the gland that is responsible for manufacturing semen which carries male sperm into females, and thus results in human reproduction. Some men begin have problems with their prostate gland at earlier ages than others, and these problems may or not result in a malignancy or cancer of this gland which is normally the size of a walnut, and situated between the kidneys and the bladder.

Countries of residence, as well as lifestyle and ethnic origin may result in greater risks in prostate cancer. Studies have found that men living in countries where red meat and dairy products are eaten more frequently tend to develop prostate cancer more often than those living in countries where more fish and vegetables are eaten. Men of Afro American or Afro-European origin also tend to develop prostate cancer more frequently due to a combination of diet and high levels of the male hormone testosterone.

An enlarged prostate may not indicate the presence of a malignancy and may cause a condition known as benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, which may partially block the filling of urine in the bladder and result in pressure or urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. The condition may also result in complications such as urinary tract infections due to the bladder not emptying completely.

High levels of prostate specific antigens, otherwise known as PSA may or may not indicate the possibility of cancer as some men with normal PSA readings develop prostate canter while men with benign enlarged prostates and above normal PSA readings do not. What is a more accurate indication of cancer is what is called 'free PSA' which indicates how much PSA is 'floating' in the bloodstream. A high free PSA reading of 20 to 25 is considered normal while a low reading (below 10) may be cause for further investigation as the PSA is 'localized' in the prostate gland which may indicate cancer.

A number of natural remedies are available to help lessen the amount of male hormone in the prostate and reduce the risk of cancer. These include soya products, cooked tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, and saw palmetto, that is derived from the fruit of a small species of the palm family that grows mainly in the southeastern United States. While these products are said to help lessen symptoms of BHP and possibly even prostate cancer itself, diet is definitely a factor in reducing the possibility of prostate cancer. Avoiding meat and saturated fats, alcohol, and caffeine; and eating more whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruit, will greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Regular visits to a competent urologist, and regular blood tests to measure PSA levels, are also very important. If it appears that a combination of symptoms and high PSA indicate more investigation is required, then a biopsy may be necessary to determine the presence of tumors on the prostate, even if a urologist does not find indications of tumors by inserting a finger in the patient's rectum to 'feel' the presence of tumors.

While there is not 100% method for finding tumors, even with a biopsy, a combination of diet and examinations may reduce the possibility of death from one of the greatest and silent killers of adult males over age 40.