Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Techniques for Prostate Massaging

Prostate infection or Chronic Prostatitis causes inflammation, pain and no doubt much discomfort for the male suffering from it. There are treatments and medications available to relieve the symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis but there is a procedure – Prostate Massage – which is performed in hopes of relieving the prostate gland of pain and a build up of secretions.

There is a Prostate Massage Technique that effectively helps the patient with Chronic Prostatitis. The Prostate Massage Technique is performed to help take some stress off of the prostate gland. The prostate gland, the rectal area, these are both areas of heightened sensitivity. Realizing this it is imperative to be fully knowledgeable of the correct Prostate Massage Technique. This procedure should be performed by a doctor or medical professional – an individual who is fully aware of the prostate gland and its sensitive state. Of course if the prostate gland is infected or in poor health, it would be even more fragile. In this procedure, technique is everything.

The Prostate Massage Technique can be performed with two instruments, a prostate massager or the index finger. The Prostate Massage Technique is similar no matter which tool is used. The main difference of course is the use of the index finger is a much more gentle way of performing the massage. With the index finger and a latex glove inserted into the anus, the prostate gland is gently massaged and stimulated. This massage and stimulation relieves the prostate gland of the painful build up of fluid. The other route to take to carry out the Prostate Massage Technique is the use of a prostate massager. The prostate massager is designed to be similar to a finger with a curve at the top. Inserted into the anus the prostate massager is used to perform the Prostate Massage Technique. With light to medium pressure, the massager is maneuvered in circular motions repetitively to massage the prostate gland and lobes. It’s also important to specifically avoid any vigorous motions around the nerve in the center of the prostate gland.

Whichever tool is used to perform the Prostate Massage Technique is up to the doctor and the patient. The doctor may choose the prostate massager as the instrument for the job while the patient might prefer the manual digital approach because of its softness and ability to be gentle. Whichever tool is chosen is not as important as the Prostate Massage Technique. It is essential that this technician be very familiar with this technique.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

How do you prevent prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. In fact, only skin cancer is more common. Over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

But, there is some good news about prostate cancer, too. Of the one in six men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only one in 34 will die from the disease. And, death rates from prostate cancer are declining because of earlier detection and better treatments. Prostate cancer is usually a slow growing form of cancer, making it an excellent target for prevention.

Who Gets Prostate Cancer?

While doctors don’t fully understand exactly what causes prostate cancer, there are some risk factors that do increase a man’s likelihood of developing this disease.

Age – Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. By the time a man reaches the age of 80, his chances of getting prostate cancer are greater than 50%. However, at this age, prostate cancer is often not fatal, because it grows so slowly that other health factors are more significant.

Ethnicity –Doctors do not understand why, but African-American and Hispanic men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Asian and Native American men have the lowest risk for developing this disease.

Diet – Diets high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in anti-oxidants and low in saturated fats reduces a man’s risk. Some foods that are particularly thought to be important in decreasing your risk of prostate cancer include:

• Soy

• Tomatoes – the lycopene in tomatoes is a powerful anti-oxidant and is thought to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – such as those found in salmon and mackerel

• Vitamin D

• Selenium

Family History – A man’s risk for developing prostate cancer is greater when he has had a father or brother who has developed the disease. This is especially true if his relatives developed the disease at a young age.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Well, obviously diet is of significant concern in preventing prostate cancer. Make certain that your diet is low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables. Stick to lean cuts of meat and be sure to get your fair share of fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Another important aspect of protecting your prostate health is seeing your doctor. Currently, there are two ways of testing for prostate cancer. The first is a simple digital rectal exam. Most men will have this exam as part of a regular physical beginning after age 40.

In this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in the anus and manually feels the prostate gland. The doctor can feel if the prostate is enlarged, or if lumps can be felt. This is an important exam, but it’s not perfect, because the doctor can only feel the bottom and sides of the prostate gland. There could still be problems with the top of the gland, or there could be tumors too small to feel.

The second test is called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. This is a blood test that checks the level of a protein made by the prostate. A normal prostate makes just a little of this protein, but when a man has prostate cancer, he typically produces very high levels of PSA.

Finally, along with your healthy diet, consider adding green tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to prevent some forms of cancer, prostate cancer among them. There has been a fairly wide body of research on this subject, as well as on the ability of other foods and vitamins (such as the ones listed above) to prevent prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is a document that examines all of these possible preventers, and looks at the evidence that exists to support their effectiveness. This report has been published by the UK Tea Council and covers much of the research that supports the theory that green tea can prevent prostate cancer. In addition, this report discusses the strides made in prostate cancer prevention, and why this cancer in particular should be a target for prevention, rather than treatment.

Men often assume that at some time in their lives they’ll be facing prostate problems, or possibly prostate cancer. And, it is still a common health issue that many men will face in their life time. But, if all men can practice some simple prevention techniques, such as eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and green tea, and visit their doctor regularly, it’s very possible that we can even further reduce the number of men who suffer prostate cancer.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current offerings at http://www.goldenmoontea.com/

Ways to Detect Prostate Cancer and How It Can Be Treated

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in men today. With 230,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States, the thought alone can make anyone cringe. Just mentioning that you have cancer can be very frustrating and very depressing. You have to consider the fact that cancer is one of the most deadly diseases known to man.

You have to realize the fact that the causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear in the medical community. There may be theories but it would take a very long time to confirm the theories today that suggests the different causes of prostate cancer.

First of all, you need to be educated on what prostate cancer is in order to know what to expect in case you have one. Prostate cancer is the dangerous duplication of malignant cell in the male prostate gland or in the reproductive organ. You have to consider that almost half of men suffer from problems with their prostate. However, even men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have an excellent prognosis. The key to cure prostate cancer is to detect it as soon as possible.

Prostate cancer is a slow-moving disease. The fact that men die from other causes before they even realize the disease will tell you how prostate cancer works. Basically, there are no symptoms on prostate cancer in the early stages of the disease. Only the advanced stage of prostate cancer can have visible symptoms that will include bone pain, leg weakness and incontinence.

Today, you have to consider that your prostate health is very important. You have to realize that cancer is the second-leading killer in the United States and it is definitely a great idea if you know just what's going on in your body.

The advanced stages of prostate cancer will include enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in urinating, little bladder control, and sexual dysfunction. It may also lead to painful ejaculation.

These symptoms can also be the symptoms of nonmalignant prostatitus, which can be easy to treat as long as it is detected and treated on its early stages.

Today, there are different methods to treat prostate cancer. Most of the time, if the cancer has been detected at its early stages and have not spread to other parts of the body, radiation therapy will usually be recommended by your doctor. Another common treatment for prostate cancer is Radical Prostatectomy. In this procedure, the whole prostate and its dependent parts are removed. You have to consider that this type of surgery is very intense and are only recommended for people in good health.

However, on the advanced stages of the cancer, and if it has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy is usually recommended and is also considered as the best way to treat cancer. It uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

So, if you are concerned about your prostate health, you should visit your doctor and express your concerns. The doctor may recommend you to a specialist where you will be tested for prostate cancer. Always remember that there is a greater chance of recovery and effective treatment if the prostate cancer is detected at its early stages.

Always keep in mind that there is nothing wrong or embarrassing if you are concerned about your health. The doctor will be able to advice you on the different treatments available and will recommend which treatment is right for you.

For more information on your Prostate Cancer try visiting http://www.prostate-cancer-101.com


Prostate Problems - From A Mere Inconvenience To Life Threatening

For many men prostate problems represent nothing more than a mere inconvenience and just another one of those things that we all have to put up with as we get older. To others however they represent a truly life threatening condition.

Prostate problems fall into two broad categories – a benign enlarged prostate and prostate cancer and, for many men, the real problem is that one often hides the other.

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is a very common condition indeed that will affect the majority of men as they pass through their 50s and 60s and beyond. A benign condition that is confined to the prostate gland, an enlarged prostate will cause a variety of problem with urination but these are often quite mild and many men simply choose to live with them. If symptoms do become troublesome then often medication will do the trick and, if all else fails, there is a range of minimally invasive procedures with few risks or complications that can be brought into play to solve the problem.

Prostate cancer on the other hand is a very different kettle of fish. In its early stages prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be very effectively treated. However, as the disease progresses cancer spreads into the surrounding tissue, organs and bone of the abdominal region and can then be carried through the lymphatic system to just about any and all areas of the body. Once prostate cancer starts to spread treatment becomes increasingly difficult and it is often a case of simply trying to arrest or slow the spread of prostate cancer rather than trying to eradicate it.

Prostate cancer kills thousands of men every year despite the fact that it can be very effectively treated if caught in its early stages. So just why is it such a killer?

Unfortunately because so many men suffer from an enlarged prostate, and know that it is a benign condition which they are often half expecting, they don't worry when the symptoms first appear and simply soldier on, not thinking to bother their doctor. After all they reason, the doctor will only tell them what they already know and advise them to live with it and come back again if the symptoms become so bad that they feel that they need treatment.

In some cases however the problem creating the symptoms may well be an enlarged prostate but, alongside this, prostate cancer could well be developing. Waiting until an enlarged prostate requires treatment may well mean that it is too late to easily treat an often now quite advanced case of prostate cancer.

The answer of course is simple. If you start to develop the symptoms of an enlarged prostate then pop along and see your doctor. He'll run a few tests and may tell you that you indeed have an enlarged prostate and not to worry. But, if you are developing prostate cancer he'll tell you that too and, more importantly, he'll be able to offer you treatment now when it will do you some good.

Prostate problems are more often than not nothing to worry about, but why take the risk.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for further information on http://prostatecancerexplained.com/

The Earliest Signs of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men (skin cancer is first). The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, and some people think that all men would eventually have prostate cancer if they lived long enough. As with all types of cancer, the best outcomes happen when the cancer is detected early, so it is important to know the signs of prostate cancer.

The earliest signs of prostate cancer are:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Decreased flow and force of urinary stream

Unfortunately, these early signs of prostate cancer can be caused by other problems, such as acute or chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). There is no specific warning sign or symptoms of prostate cancer.

There are two tests doctors perform to aid in early detection of prostate cancer: a rectal exam (feeling the prostate gland through the rectum) and PSA (protein-specific antigen). Neither of these tests is specific, either.

If a man has urinary symptoms, an enlarged prostate or an elevated PSA, most physicians will refer him to a urologist for a biopsy of the prostate gland. This is the only surefire way to diagnose prostate cancer. Several biopsies are taken from different parts of the gland to make sure they don’t miss anything. Prostate biopsy can be done as an outpatient. The discomfort is usually minor, and most men are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Since PSA testing has become available, prostate cancer is being detected and treated earlier. Early treatment options, such as brachytherapy, have fewer serious side effects than more aggressive treatments, and the treatment is more successful.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a website on http://www.prostatehealthadvice.com/ providing prostatitus advice for everything from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.

Prostate Pain

Prostate pain is caused by the inflammation of the prostate gland, which is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to secrete and store a fluid that constitutes up to one-third of the volume of semen. This inflammation of the prostate is also known as prostatitis. If the prostate grows too large, it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination extremely difficult and painful and in extreme cases, completely impossible. Prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics, prostate massage or in extreme cases, surgery.

In older men, the prostate gland often enlarges to the point where urination becomes very difficult. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and can be treated with medication or with surgery that removes a part of the prostate gland. The surgery technique most often used in such cases is called transurethral resection of the prostate. In this case, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting elderly men in developed countries and a major cause of death among them. Regular rectal exams are recommended for elderly men to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. There is also a blood test that measures the concentration of a protein, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is normally very low.

Elevated and more sophisticated test results may be an indicator of disorder within the prostate either prostatitis or benign hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The PSA test cannot distinguish between them, but can certainly lead a doctor to investigate further. Prostate cancer is treated with hormone manipulation, which is the prevention of production of testosterone, with radiation and surgery. It has recently been found that a drug known as Docetaxel can be effective in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Pain Medications

Pain medications generally deal with painkillers, medically known as analgesics. They are a member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. The word analgesic is derived from the Greek word 'an' which means 'without', and 'algia' which means 'pain.'

Analgesic drugs act in different ways on the peripheral and central nervous system of the body. They include paracetamol (acetaminophen), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol, and various others. Some other classes of drugs, not otherwise considered analgesics, are also used to treat neuropathic pain syndromes, which include tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Analgesics can be broadly categorised into three groups. The first one comprises of Paracetamol and NSAIDs. The exact mechanism for action of paracetamol is uncertain, but it apparently acts centrally. Aspirin and the NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase, leading to a decrease in prostaglandin production. This improves pain and also inflammation, in contrast to paracetamol and the opioids. Paracetamol has few side effects, but dosing is limited by possible hepatotoxicity (potential for liver damage). NSAIDs may predispose to peptic ulcers, renal failure, allergic reactions, and hearing loss, and may also increase the risk of hemorrhage.

The second group is of Opiates and morphinomimetics. Tramadol and buprenorphine are considered to be partial agonists of the opioid receptors. Morphine, the common opioid, and various other substances like pethidine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and diamorphine, all exert a similar influence on the cerebral opioid system. Dosing may be limited by toxicity caused by opoids leading to confusion, myoclonic jerks and pinpoint pupils, but there is no dose ceiling in patients who can tolerate this. Opioids, though very effective analgesics, may have some unpleasant side-effects. Up to 1 in 3 patients starting morphine, may experience nausea and vomiting, which is generally relieved by a short course of antiemetics. Pruritus or itching may require switching to a different opioid. Constipation occurs in almost all patients on opioids, and laxatives such as lactulose, macrogol-containing or co-danthramer are typically co-prescribed. When used appropriately, opioids and other similar narcotic analgesics are safe and effective, carrying relatively little risk of addiction. Occasionally, gradual reduction of the dose is required to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The third category is of the specific agents consumed by patients suffering from chronic or neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, especially amitriptyline, have been shown to improve pain in apparently a central manner. The exact mechanism of carbamazepine, gabapentin and pregabalin is unclear as well, but these anticonvulsants are used to treat neuropathic pain with modest success.

http://www.pain-web.com provides detailed information on Pain, Back Pain, Pain Relief, Arthritis Pain and more


Friday, January 26, 2007

The latest articles about prostate cancer risk and its prevention on this blog:


Prostate Cancer as Number One Preventable Health Crisis

Prostrate Cancer Warning Signs

Prostate Natural Health Tips Any Man Can Do


Diet Influences on Cancer Risk or Healthy diet to prevent Prostate Cancer

Use Medicine In BPH Treatment

Preventing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. In fact, only skin cancer is more common. Over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

But, there is some good news about prostate cancer, too. Of the one in six men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only one in 34 will die from the disease. And, death rates from prostate cancer are declining because of earlier detection and better treatments. Prostate cancer is usually a slow growing form of cancer, making it an excellent target for prevention.

Who Gets Prostate Cancer?

While doctors don’t fully understand exactly what causes prostate cancer, there are some risk factors that do increase a man’s likelihood of developing this disease.

Age – Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. By the time a man reaches the age of 80, his chances of getting prostate cancer are greater than 50%. However, at this age, prostate cancer is often not fatal, because it grows so slowly that other health factors are more significant.

Ethnicity –Doctors do not understand why, but African-American and Hispanic men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Asian and Native American men have the lowest risk for developing this disease.

Diet – Diets high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in anti-oxidants and low in saturated fats reduces a man’s risk. Some foods that are particularly thought to be important in decreasing your risk of prostate cancer include:

• Soy

• Tomatoes – the lycopene in tomatoes is a powerful anti-oxidant and is thought to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – such as those found in salmon and mackerel

• Vitamin D

• Selenium

Family History – A man’s risk for developing prostate cancer is greater when he has had a father or brother who has developed the disease. This is especially true if his relatives developed the disease at a young age.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Well, obviously diet is of significant concern in preventing prostate cancer. Make certain that your diet is low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables. Stick to lean cuts of meat and be sure to get your fair share of fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Another important aspect of protecting your prostate health is seeing your doctor. Currently, there are two ways of testing for prostate cancer. The first is a simple digital rectal exam. Most men will have this exam as part of a regular physical beginning after age 40.

In this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in the anus and manually feels the prostate gland. The doctor can feel if the prostate is enlarged, or if lumps can be felt. This is an important exam, but it’s not perfect, because the doctor can only feel the bottom and sides of the prostate gland. There could still be problems with the top of the gland, or there could be tumors too small to feel.

The second test is called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. This is a blood test that checks the level of a protein made by the prostate. A normal prostate makes just a little of this protein, but when a man has prostate cancer, he typically produces very high levels of PSA.

Finally, along with your healthy diet, consider adding green tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to prevent some forms of cancer, prostate cancer among them. There has been a fairly wide body of research on this subject, as well as on the ability of other foods and vitamins (such as the ones listed above) to prevent prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is a document that examines all of these possible preventers, and looks at the evidence that exists to support their effectiveness. This report has been published by the UK Tea Council and covers much of the research that supports the theory that green tea can prevent prostate cancer. In addition, this report discusses the strides made in prostate cancer prevention, and why this cancer in particular should be a target for prevention, rather than treatment.

Men often assume that at some time in their lives they’ll be facing prostate problems, or possibly prostate cancer. And, it is still a common health issue that many men will face in their life time. But, if all men can practice some simple prevention techniques, such as eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and green tea, and visit their doctor regularly, it’s very possible that we can even further reduce the number of men who suffer prostate cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Early And Advanced Prostate Cancer treatment

There is a wide range of prostate cancer treatments available today and the treatment that your doctor recommends will depend to a very large extent upon the progression of the disease. Thereafter it is a matter of discussing each treatment option with your doctor and of considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as of course looking carefully at the risks which all prostate cancer treatments carry.

Prostrate cancer treatments fall into two broad categories – those that are recommended for early (Stage I and Stage II) cancer which is confined to the prostate gland and those used to treat advanced (Stage III and Stage IV) cancer which has spread to other areas of the body.

Early stage cancer treatments are designed to remove the prostate or to destroy it and thus to stop the cancer cells before they have a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

The surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) will normally be carried out as either traditional open surgery or using a less invasive laparoscopic approach. One recent development is the introduction of robotic surgery (using the da Vinci system) which has the advantage of preserving nerves, muscles and other structures in the area of the prostate. Robotic surgery is extremely effective but should be carried out by a highly skilled surgeon in a centre with considerable experience in using this technique.

Radiation therapy may also be used to kill the cancer cells within the prostate gland. A variety of different radiation therapy techniques may be used and treatment will normally be carried out over a period of several weeks.

A relatively new technique, which is still being evaluated, is known as cryosurgery. During cryosurgery, which is carried out under anesthesia, cooling probes are guided into the prostate using ultrasound and the cancer cells are killed by freezing them.

The final form of treatment used for early stage cancer is high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This procedure is again carried out under anesthesia (or using a local spinal anesthetic) and a probe is placed into the prostate gland through the rectum. A beam of high intensity focused ultrasound is them used to raise the temperature in the area of focus and thus to kill the cancer cells.

For late stage prostate cancer hormone therapy is used and this is designed not to attack the cancer itself but to target the male hormones (in particular testosterone) which the cancer cells need to grow.

Late stage treatments will include orchiectomy (the removal of the testicles), which is designed to remove the source of the body’s main production of testosterone, or a variety of hormone treatments aimed at either reducing the level of testosterone and other male hormones in the body or of blocking their action.

In cases where hormone therapy proves ineffective, systematic radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended.

Whatever the stage of your cancer it is important to consider all of the options carefully and weigh the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each carefully before choosing the treatment that is best for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

How to Detect Prostate Cancer and How It Can Be Treated

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in men today. With 230,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States, the thought alone can make anyone cringe. Just mentioning that you have cancer can be very frustrating and very depressing. You have to consider the fact that cancer is one of the most deadly diseases known to man.

You have to realize the fact that the causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear in the medical community. There may be theories but it would take a very long time to confirm the theories today that suggests the different causes of prostate cancer.

First of all, you need to be educated on what prostate cancer is in order to know what to expect in case you have one. Prostate cancer is the dangerous duplication of malignant cell in the male prostate gland or in the reproductive organ. You have to consider that almost half of men suffer from problems with their prostate. However, even men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have an excellent prognosis. The key to cure prostate cancer is to detect it as soon as possible.

Prostate cancer is a slow-moving disease. The fact that men die from other causes before they even realize the disease will tell you how prostate cancer works. Basically, there are no symptoms on prostate cancer in the early stages of the disease. Only the advanced stage of prostate cancer can have visible symptoms that will include bone pain, leg weakness and incontinence.

Today, you have to consider that your prostate health is very important. You have to realize that cancer is the second-leading killer in the United States and it is definitely a great idea if you know just what's going on in your body.

The advanced stages of prostate cancer will include enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in urinating, little bladder control, and sexual dysfunction. It may also lead to painful ejaculation.

These symptoms can also be the symptoms of nonmalignant prostatitus, which can be easy to treat as long as it is detected and treated on its early stages.

Today, there are different methods to treat prostate cancer. Most of the time, if the cancer has been detected at its early stages and have not spread to other parts of the body, radiation therapy will usually be recommended by your doctor. Another common treatment for prostate cancer is Radical Prostatectomy. In this procedure, the whole prostate and its dependent parts are removed. You have to consider that this type of surgery is very intense and are only recommended for people in good health.

However, on the advanced stages of the cancer, and if it has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy is usually recommended and is also considered as the best way to treat cancer. It uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

So, if you are concerned about your prostate health, you should visit your doctor and express your concerns. The doctor may recommend you to a specialist where you will be tested for prostate cancer. Always remember that there is a greater chance of recovery and effective treatment if the prostate cancer is detected at its early stages.

Always keep in mind that there is nothing wrong or embarrassing if you are concerned about your health. The doctor will be able to advice you on the different treatments available and will recommend which treatment is right for you.

For more information on your Prostate Cancer try visiting http://www.prostate-cancer-101.com where you will find a variety of prostate cancer information and resources including Prostate Cancer Treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Woods

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

The Use Of Medicine In BPH Treatment

There are a number of ways of treating BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or an enlarged prostate) of which medical treatments, or the use of drugs, is the commonest form of treatment following watchful waiting.

(Watchful waiting applies in cases where symptoms are mild or where the patient is not particularly troubled by his symptoms and involves simply checking on the patient once or twice a year to ensure that he is not developing complications as a result of his BPH. This can be a useful option for some patients as it avoids the risks associated with other forms of BPH treatment and, on occasions, the symptoms will actually lessen over time.)

One commonly used group of drugs in BPH treatment are alpha-blockers which were originally designed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Alpha-blockers act to relax the muscles of the prostate gland, as well as the neck of the bladder, and so reduce pressure on the urethra and improve the flow of urine.

Although alpha-blockers relieve BPH symptoms they do not reduce the size of the prostate and so the symptoms are likely to return if treatment is stopped. Alpha-blockers will usually produce a moderate reduction in symptoms and common side effects include dizziness, headaches, a stuffy nose and stomach and intestinal problems. These problems appear in about 12% to 15% of patients.

Another frequently prescribed group of drugs are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This particular group of drugs acts to lower the level of the main male hormone found in the prostate gland and thus marginally reduces the size of the enlarged prostate. It is however a very slow acting drug and patients will normally need to take the drug for 6 to 12 months before any effects are evident.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors usually produce less of a reduction in symptoms than alpha blockers but can be particular useful in cases where the prostate is considerably enlarged and patients are at risk of developing acute retention – an inability to urinate. Common side effects resulting from the reduction of the male hormone include erection problems, a decrease in sexual desire and a reduction in the amount of semen produced. These problems are seen in about 5% to 8% of patients.

In cases where the prostate is particularly enlarged and patients are finding that they are especially troubled by their symptoms, the doctor may recommend a combination of both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

In addition to prescription drugs patients may also wish to consider the use of herbal remedies. A number of such over-the-counter remedies are available but, at present, their effectiveness and safety have not been proved and none are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the use of some of the herbal remedies available can lead to distortions in the results of diagnostic tests and also interfere with the actions of prescription drugs. As a result, you should consult your doctor before using any form of herbal remedy.

For more information on BPH treatment please visit Prostate Cancer Explained

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Saunders

Prevent Prostate Cancer By Eating A Healthy Diet

Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer among men. In recent year, the number of affected male is on the rise, and has become a very serious problem to be noted. Fortunately, our diet can play an important role in preventing prostate cancer.

The symptoms of prostate cancer can include frequent urination, difficulty in initiating urination, pain and discomfort during urination, blood in the urine and lower back pain. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but it is very important for all men over the age of 50 to have a thorough prostate examination every year to detect any signs of occurrence of cancer. The earlier the discovery of any problems, the better it is for full recovery.

In order to prevent prostate cancer, it is important for one to eat healthily. It is crucial for men to understand that red meat, such as meats like lamb, beef and pork, are thought to increase the risk of prostate cancer. That is perhaps red meat contains high levels of saturated fat. Dairy products too have high levels of saturated fat, and hence they have been suspected to cause higher risk of prostate cancer as well.

It is also important to help prevent prostate cancer by changing diet. When it comes to using diet to help prevent prostate cancer, the biggest problem seems to be saturated fat and the lack of fiber. Cases of prostate cancer tend to be at their highest levels in countries where levels of saturated fat in the diet are the highest.

We just need to make a small change in our diet to prevent prostate cancer. We can try things like changing saturated fat to unsaturated fat, or consume less meat and eat more vegetables in our diet. These changes are important, especially to those men who are at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Theses dietary changes can do much more than help prevent prostate cancer by eating healthier. It can also have other important health benefits, such as reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. Start today by eating a higher number of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetable are rich in nutrients, low in fat, and delicious, so they should be a major part of any healthy diet.

Of course any major dietary change should be discussed with your doctor to find the most suitable diet that fit your body best. Your doctor can help you make the most out of your dietary changes, and can help guide you and monitor your progress. So start making changes and prevent yourself from getting prostate cancer today!

Want to know more about Prostate Cancer Prevention? Click for more top and latest info on Prostate Cancer Prevention now or go to http://prostate-health.greenhealthinformation.com

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Prostrate Cancer Warning Signs - Facts on Men's Health

Understanding prostrate cancer warning signs is very important as nearly every man experience some type of prostrate problem during his lifetime. Enlargement of the prostate is commonly experienced by men after the age of forty-five. Although this may not be a problem in itself, it is uncomfortable and could potentially develop into more serious maladies.

Prostrate cancer begins when cells in the prostate grow in uncontrollable fashion and invade the surrounding tissues or even spread throughout the body. It is not surprising that prostrate cancer has become one of the major killers of men. Unfortunately, majority of men know little about the disease. It is also suggested that ethnicity is one of the factors that offers some differentiation, with black men the highest risk and Asian men the lowest.

Prostate Cancer Warning Signs

It is possible to cure prostate cancer given the condition is detected in the early stages. One of the best things to do to promote good prostate health is to take a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test every year. The test involves simple procedures to check your prostate and you will be given recommendation if any condition is detected.

The test, however, cannot give you a comprehensive report on the prostate cancer detection. It is simply because prostate cancer symptoms are very difficult to detect. Many men do not even seek medical advice when the symptoms are present, partly because they are very similar to those of another disease: BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

There are some prostrate cancer warning signs that are worth mentioning. They include:

- difficulty starting urination

- painful urination

- incomplete emptying of the bladder

- lower pressure of the urination stream

- frequent urination of small amounts

- pain during ejaculation

- blood in the urine

Treatment for prostate cancer patients has to be specific to the individual case. Doctors have to determine several decisive factors, such as general health condition, age, location of the tumor in the prostate, size of the tumor. The common option for treatment is surgery. However, the main operation, known as radial prostatectomy, is extremely tiring to the body, so the patient has to be in good health condition.

Getting a hormone therapy is also a common option. This treatment does not kill the cancer cells but it reduces the size of the prostate tumor of the majority of patients. Above all, it is important to pay attention to food that you consume. Recent research by the authoritative US National Cancer Institute revealed that men who consumed more than 1/3rd of an ounce of onions, scallions, garlic, chives per day were much less likely to have prostate cancer.

Read here for facts and information about prostate cancer. Learn what you should do to treat prostate cancer effectively. Also understand how to find an online help for prostate cancer.

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Prostate Cancer as Number One Preventable Health Crisis

Can you believe that prostate cancer is the number one cancer-killer of males in the world? Can you also believe that there is no niversally-agreed upon strategy for its’ diagnosis and management? There is a lot of talk these days about prostate cancer on the news, yet nobody can seem to figure out what is behind the whole thing. A recent article actually suggested that masturbation is the solution! Tired old references to the high incidence of prostate cancer in the clergy are cited. If you have ever surfed the Internet with your content filter turned off, you will have no doubt that the entire world is doing anything but holding back their seed in pursuit of spiritual ideals.

So what is behind these staggering numbers? Chinese medical theory would suggest that too much sexual activity is as bad as too little, and common sense in any culture points to the benefits of moderation with respect to any activity. Plant-based herbal remedies like saw palmetto and pumpkin seeds are purchased in large numbers, but the relief they offer is fleeting at best. Their temporary benefit, however, points back to a concept in Chinese medicine called “excessive yang.” In western thought, we would say that something has “overheated.”

Your prostate may indeed be suffering from a fever! How could this happen? The answer lies in a substance called DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. This is a by-product of testosterone metabolization, and perfectly natural. DHT is what allows you to produce erections and build muscles. Ironically, it also leads to an inflamed and enlarged prostate if it continues to accumulate in the prostate gland. Interestingly, DHT accumulation in the scalp is what accounts for hair loss. Incidentally, this explains why western drugs that promote hair growth also promote testicular shrinkage.

The truth is that DHT production has been on the rise over the last 30 years. The western world eats a tremendous amount of meat that is filled with hormonal back-wash that has been accumulating in livestock long before they are ever brought to the slaughterhouse. How else could we "grow" the animals so fast? Poetically, we also absorb this accumulation of hormones when we eat these "fast-track" animals. We also ingest sports supplements and energy boosters purchased at our local vitamin shop that are filled with hormone pre-cursors in order to deliver on their claims of more energy and enhanced sexual function.

This in itself may not be so bad for the prostate if all the excess DHT was actually burned up. Unfortunately for the prostate, it rarely is. This is where the problems begin. As time goes on, the prostate really has no options available to it other than to grow larger and harder. This brings on a flurry of problems such as premature ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and ultimately impotence. In this respect the medical establishment has resumed their usual course of inventing harmful surgeries, radioactive seed implants, and side-effect laden drugs. The bodies keep piling up and survivors are exactly that--often with permanent damage to their sexual organs as a result of their treatment at the hands of the medical establishment. In the end, a lot of it comes down to money: many chronic wasting diseases such as cancer and AIDS have simple, cheap cures but this doesn’t make anybody any money. Of course, I am aware that I will be branded a conspiracy theorist at best and an imbecile at worst for making such a statement. The common belief is that a cure for AIDS would be all over the news should it suddenly be discovered. People who subscribe to such notions also believe that AIDS "cocktails" are what is keeping industry poster-boy Earvin "Magic" Johnson from kicking the bucket prematurely.

The truth is that there are cheap and effective solutions for most of life's problems. Mind you, I don't think buying a pair of magnetic rings will make you an immortal, but I do think purchasing an electronic blood cleaner modeled after the one used by the medical industry itself (or is it the other way around) makes for sound experimentation.

Getting back to prostate problems, some people have gone back to traditional prostate massage methods, but the traditional methods are often messy or psychologically as discomforting as a routine prostate exam. Luckily, there are new herbal remedies being developed by individuals who use their own bodies as laboratories, and these same individuals are developing methods for massaging the prostate that are non-invasive.

With knowledge we are one step away from power, but it is the application of acquired knowledge is where the power really lies.

Plato Rosinke
www.prostatesecrets.com

http://www.prostatesecrets.com offers education and herbal supplements to fix prostate problems. If you've got a prostate problem, then we've got the solution.

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