Prostate Cancer

Summary

Prostate cancer kills an estimated 35,000 men in the United States every year and affects another 165,000. Most cases of prostate cancer do not occur until after the age of 50 but in recent years there has been a steady rise in occurrences among men in their 30’s and 40’s. Prostate problems, including cancer, are also on the rise among all ages as a result of poor diet and increasing environmental pollution. Overall, cancer of the prostate is the most typical type of cancer in men over 50, and the second most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly common in black men who have a 40% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other races.

Treatment choices for cancer of the prostate vary depending on how far the cancer has progressed and the individual’s age. For men 70 years and older, if their cancer is localized, often the treatment method is simply, “wait and see,” rather than intense treatment. In younger men, or men whose cancer shows signs of spreading into additional areas of the body, physicians will frequently suggest intense treatments. Included in this are chemotherapy, radiation, surgical removal of the prostate gland (revolutionary prostatectomy), internal seed radiation (in which radioactive seeds are surgically placed into the prostate), synthetic endocrine therapy, and cryosurgery, which freezes both the prostate gland and the cancer cells till they die. These conventional therapies all have intense side effects and do not guarantee the cancer won’t return at another time. In addition, particularly in older men, treatment may not be necessary, because, in 80% of prostate cancer cases, the cancer grows slowly and does not spread past the prostate gland itself, therefore causing little additional problems.

Extreme caution: If you suspect you have prostate cancer, speak to your physician immediately.

Types of Prostate Cancer

There are two types of prostate cancer—localized and metastasized. Localized prostate cancer refers to the initial phase of prostate cancer in which the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Metastasized prostate cancer is a far more serious condition in which cancer cells have spread into other parts of the body (generally via the blood or lymph nodes).

Prostate Cancer Signs

The signs of prostate cancer include blood in the urine; pain in the prostate region, genitals, or lower back; prostate enhancement (BPH), difficulty urinating, extreme fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Caution: Early-stage prostate cancer can develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. Scheduling regular (annual) testing and check-ups is very important for males 50 and older, and men who have a family history of prostate cancer.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

There are many potential causes of prostate cancer. These include, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), congestion and buildup of waste products within the lymphatic system, lack of physical exercise, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, chronic constipation, impacted colon, hormone imbalances, parasites, sexually transmitted diseases (especially gonorrhea), stress, and genetic predisposition. Men who enter puberty later than normal, also have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.

Males who suffer from chronic autoimmune diseases are also at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer because their weakened immune system allows cancer cells to easily spread forming tumors in the prostate gland and other parts of the body. Often, in this circumstance, prostate cancer can spread aggressively. Men who have jeopardized immune systems must be extra careful about all types of cancer and should schedule themselves for regular checkups.

Vasectomy may increase the risk for prostate and testicular cancer. This is most likely due to the production of antibodies known as anti-sperm, which are created during vasectomies. Anti-sperm reduce the defense response, making it more difficult for that immune system to identify and assault cancer tissue.

Chronic rigidity in the muscle tissue that surrounds the prostate gland can also cause prostate cancer because such tightness can restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the prostate gland. This is particularly true of chronic tightness in the abductor muscles which surround and overlay the prostate gland. (You can feel your own abductor muscle tissue by probing with your fingers where your inner thighs meet the section of your groin.) Tight abductor muscles can create added stress on the prostate, causing it to become solidified, losing its natural softness. This further limits the flow of air to the bloodstream, reducing the delivery of vital nutrients to prostate cells and tissues.

Restricting clothing, particularly tight underwear and devices that place pressure on that part of the body, can also restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the prostate. Moreover, according to researchers in the field of energy medicine, belt buckles—especially buckles that contain nickel—create energy congestion when worn over the center of the waistline. This blocks the essential energy pathway to the prostate, known in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. To avoid such energy blockages, avoid wearing belts with nickel buckles and position your buckle off-center if you must wear one.

In addition to wearing loose underclothing, choose breathable natural fibers, such as cotton or other natural fibers, rather than man-made materials.

Radiation, including the radiation emitted by microwave cooking units, can also increase the chance of prostate cancer, even if such units are not in use.

Prevention

Avoidance is the best approach for dealing with prostate cancer. This includes scheduling an annual physical examination that includes both a digital rectal exam and, a blood test to determine your PSA (prostate particular antigen) rating and potential for prostate enlargement. (Be aware: Although the PSA test can also be commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, recently it has been discovered to be ineffective for this purpose, to the point where its developer no longer suggests that it be utilized to screen for cancer of the prostate.) Other useful diagnostic tests to consider, depending on your symptoms, include urinalysis, ultrasound, and other blood tests to help you determine your immune status. Hormone testing should also be considered for men 40 and older.

Other preventive measures include consuming a healthy diet, proper dietary supplementation, and regular (a minimum of three times each week) exercise. In addition, minimize exposure to infectious diseases that can compromise your immune system. Whenever engaging in sexual activity, wear a condom to protect yourself.

Testing for Prostate Cancer

Conventional medicine utilizes a variety of techniques to screen for cancer of the prostate. In addition to the PSA test, biopsy, digital rectal examination (DRE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all regularly used. Other tests which might be used include bone fragment scans, and tests to determine if the cancer has spread, such as the ACP, ALP, and (RT)-PCR. Below is an overview of each testing method as well the limitations associated with each one.

Biopsy: Biopsy involves the cutting away of a small piece of prostate cells which are sent to a medical lab for evaluation. The procedure is performed by placing a very thin needle into the rectum and through the lining separating the prostate from the colon.

Although biopsy is a good way to determine whether or not cancer exists, it has two potential shortcomings. First, it is very possible that not all cells of the prostate are infected with cancer. If the needle happens to reach normal cells, the tissue test will render a false-negative reading (a reading that signifies the patient is free of cancer, when in fact he is not really). Second, biopsy procedures can cause cancers to spread because they can push small cancer growths into the bloodstream where they can travel undiscovered to other areas of the body, forming new tumors and perhaps metastasizing. Because of this, holistic cancer specialists frequently prefer to not perform biopsies.

Bone Scan: Bones scans are performed intravenously by injecting sufferers with a radioactive substance. A couple of hours later, the patient is scanned with a sophisticated diagnostic device that enables radiologists to capture specialized images from the patient’s body. These pictures are then examined by the radiologist who looks for indicators that would suggest cancer has spread to the bone. Bone scans are not typical because they are expensive and not always accurate. Often, other bone problems such as joint disease or brittle bones are mistaken for cancer, thereby causing undue stress and additional difficulties for the individual who is misdiagnosed.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The DRE test involves a physician inserting his or her gloved finger into the patient’s rectum in order to check the prostate for possible cancer signs. Typical signs include changes in prostate size, shape, and hardness, as well as protrusions or solidified nodules. The DRE isn’t always correct and is by no means 100% conclusive. Moreover, these types of signs can be mistaken as cancer whenever all they actually indicate are an enlarged prostate (BPH). However, if these symptoms do occur, it is important to continue with additional testing.

MRI: This procedure enables physicians and radiologists to see inside the body to look for feasible signs associated with cancer. Usually, MRIs are used to detect the spreading of most cancers and are not usually useful for diagnosing most cancers in the early stages. Additionally, the procedure can be quite expensive, particularly for individuals who do not have insurance.

ACP, ALP, and (RT)-PCR Tests: The ACP test, also known as the acid, serum and phosphatase check, is a bloodstream test that helps determine if cancer has spread. However, it is not always accurate and can provide a false-positive result (indicating a person has cancer whenever he does not) for a variety of reasons, especially if there was ever catheterization for urinary problems, recent digital rectal exams, or if the patient has prostate problems other than cancer.

The ALP, or alkaline phosphatase check is another bloodstream test which screens for a specific molecule associated with the bones, liver, and other body parts. If the liver molecule is higher (more than 90-239 units for each liter of blood), it may indicate that cancer has spread to the bones. However, the test is far from definitive, and can result in false positive readings because of such factors as bone breaks and fractures, and the use of various pharmaceutical grade drugs such as barbituates.

(RT)-PCR stands for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It’s a fairly newly developed bloodstream test that screens for the presence of most cancers cells within the bloodstream. Unlike the ACP and ALP tests, this is much more precise and can be highly successful in detecting if cancer has spread. However, it is much less accurate for diagnosing early-stage localized cancer.

Nonconventional Cancer Tests

Holistic cancer specialists attempt to diagnose cancer of the prostate at the very first possible stage using analysis methods that are both accurate and safe. To do this, they employ a number of diagnostic techniques, including electro-dermal screening (EDS), thermography, ultrasound examination, and nonconventional blood assessments, such as the Molecular Oncology Bloodstream Test.

Electro-dermal Screening (EDS): Electro-dermal screening (EDS) is a noninvasive diagnostic technique which measures the electrical current of particular points on the hands, face, or feet that correlate with energy meridians associated with traditional Chinese medicine. The electric signals radiated at these points provide information about the status of the body’s organs and internal systems, and can be used to detect the presence of toxins, energy and hormone imbalances, and harmful microorganisms, all of which can contribute to the onset of cancer. At the disposal of a highly skilled EDS practitioner, EDS can detect most cancers, and a number of other health conditions, even when other advanced testing techniques fail to do so.

Thermography: Thermography is a unique and highly accurate method for detecting hidden cancers, including those in the prostate gland. The practice of thermography uses warmth to find tissues infected with cancer. Warmth is emitted as an organic byproduct of cellular metabolism. However, cells and tissues infected with cancer usually emit higher levels of infrared warmth compared to wholesome, normal tissue. Thermography devices are able to detect these differences in infrared warmth emission, helping to pinpoint possible cancer problem areas in the body that might otherwise be undetected.

Ultrasound examination: an ultrasound is a highly effective diagnostic technique employed by both conventional and holistic healthcare professionals. Many holistic cancer specialists prefer it over biopsy and PSA tests as a means of detecting prostate cancer due to the accuracy and the fact that, unlike biopsy, it provides no potential risk of cancer cells breaking away to enter into the blood stream.

The Molecular Oncology Blood Check: Developed by the researchers at the Bio Focus Institute for Molecular Oncology and Laboratory Medicine in Recklinghausen, Germany, this method is widely used by doctors and oncologists throughout Germany and other European countries. The Molecular Oncology Blood Test is extremely effective for discovering cancers in their earliest stage, making treatment far more successful. The test functions by identifying and isolating minute cancer cells in the blood stream, often ahead of when conventional diagnostic techniques can detect cancer. In addition, the exam can be used to successfully match the most appropriate therapeutic treatment with each person’s unique health needs, considerably increasing the probability of a successful end result.

The Molecular Oncology Blood Test has become available to patients in the United States as well as Canada. To learn more, please visit www.biofocus.de and click top of the right part of web page for the English version.

Organic Cures

Aromatherapy: The following essential oils can help to reduce symptoms of prostate cancer: Bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood, and tea tree essential oil.

Ayurveda: Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, can help to relieve symptoms, as can the herbal combination of amla, triphala, neem, as well as shilajit.

Diet plan: Avoid all foods which are high in unhealthy saturated and trans-fats, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats and oils, margarine, and shortening. Eliminate refined white flour which can be found in the majority of foods found on grocery store shelves including, white bread, bagels, crackers, cakes, snacks, and other baked goods and entrees. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, simple carbs, sugars, spicy foods, and all processed and industrial “junk” foods. Stay clear of all non-organic pasteurized milk and dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese. It is best to eat raw natural dairy products.

Take control of your health and consume a diet of organic whole foods, raw fruits and vegetables, oats, and whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat. Include water soaked nuts and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Minimize your consumption of red meat but be sure to consume adequate amounts of organic free-range poultry, bison and wild-caught fish. Consume generous amounts of raw or lightly steamed organic vegetables and large fresh salads daily. Cook with avocado butter or oil and use extra-virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil and hemp seed oil as sauces on vegetables or as the base for your daily salad dressing. Throughout the day, consume plenty of real, filtered water, and avoid drinking—as well as bathing in—unfiltered tap water, because tap water contains heavy metals and pesticide residues that can become highly concentrated in the prostate gland.

The raw food diet can be highly beneficial to sufferers of prostate cancer. Using the guidelines outlined above as a base for a clean and healthy diet plan, one can then transition into a raw food diet when ready. Those who follow a raw food diet see changes within themselves very quickly because the diet plan helps detoxify the body and release stored energy.

The diet mainly consists of raw fruits and vegetables, and soaked nuts and seeds, supplemented with a daily consumption of fresh organic juices produced from a variety of vegetables such as celery, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot, kale, and parsley. Constantly rotate periodic selections of other organic vegetables for variety. Raw foodists enjoy salads, dehydrated flax crackers, seedlings, patés, combined soups, smoothies, and marinated veggies which are often mixed with drenched sea vegetables. Since little to no cooked food is consumed, the raw diet has the advantage of immediately eliminating many common things that trigger allergies. No prepared wheat or wheat byproducts are consumed, and dairy is usually emitted, though some might choose to consume moderate quantities of uncooked goat or sheep whole milk products in the form of a fermented food, such as homemade raw kefir or natural yogurt.

Dr. Gabriel Cousens, of the Tree of Life Center, endorses the raw diet and only offers 100% raw foods at his healing escape in Patagonia, Arizona because he believes the diet has healing powers. It is essential to note, for those considering selecting a raw food diet plan, you might miss cooked foods, though you will not miss the toxins in your body. More often than not the raw meals diet is as an incredible tool that can be used to quickly transition from a serious wellness challenge into a healing process, ultimately resulting in higher immune function and better health.

Detoxification Treatment: Cleansing the colon is a valuable preventative method that can help clear energy pathways and release pressure on the prostate caused by poisonous build up within the colon. Also, if you are constipated, this will cause an overall toxic condition which makes the prostate gland more vulnerable to cancer. After you have improved your diet plan, consider a number of Colon cleansing treatments, perhaps beginning with a basic cleanse and progressing to a more in depth colon cleanse. Both can be done in the comfort of your own home. In addition, colon hydrotherapy with a skilled therapist is highly recommended.

The Light Beam Generator, or even LBG, is another valuable energy device for preventing as well as treating cancer of the prostate. The LBG employs low-current, cold gas photons which transmit and transfer numerous energy waves to the cells of the lymphatic system. In addition to being an important part of the immune system, the lymphatic system also serves as the body’s filtration system and plays a vital role in eliminating wastes. When wastes and their by-products are improperly eliminated, the lymphatic system becomes clogged which blocks oxygen from getting to the cells.

The energy frequencies emitted by the LBG positively affect the electromagnetic field associated with cells and tissues over which it is positioned, including those of the prostate. This, in turn, rebalances their electrical charge, enabling the cells to rapidly eliminate their accumulated waste products and cellular debris. This process not only aids the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, but it also helps to reduce inflammation and related pain and symptoms. In addition, as the lymphatic system is cleansed, the body becomes better able to deliver vital nutrition and air to the prostate gland’s cells and tissues thereby improving the body’s overall ability to fight and reverse prostate and other cancers.

Flower Essences: Crab Apple as well as Pine works well for men with prostate difficulties.

Glandular Therapy can significantly relieve prostate gland problems. Extracts of bovine (cattle) or porcine (pig) prostatic cells taken orally or given intramuscularly provide essential nutrients to help fight prostate cancer. Glandular therapy can also help protect against antibodies brought on by infection and diminished immune function.

Herbal treatments: Saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) is recommended for prostate cancer due to its ability to inhibit testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excessive amounts of DHT in the body is a common element among sufferers of various male health problems, including prostate cancer. These herbs also help to decrease swelling of prostate tissue, and provide increased bloodstream and air flow to the prostate.

Extra herbs that may directly help to ease prostate cancer symptoms are: Artemisia, pokeroot, periwinkle, mistletoe (Viscum recording), colchicines, hemlock, Berberis aquifolium, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and burdock root. Hoxsey method (an herbal method, developed by the late Harry Hoxsey, D.D.) is recommended. The natural spice turmeric, which contains cur cumin, an anti-cancer agent, can also be useful, as can astragalus and maitake, a therapeutic mushroom. Fennel tea will help reduce the results of radiation treatment and radiation.

Other helpful herbs tackle problems commonly associated with prostate cancer such as immune deficiencies, and Cat Scratch Fever (uno de gato). Helpful herbs include: Echinacea, garlic clove, green tea, oregano oil, Pau d’arco, and nettle root. Milk thistle can also be helpful because of its ability to detox the liver and improve hormonal imbalances. Also consider Chimaphila umbellata, or pipsissewa, (an evergreen plant) horsetail, and uva ursi, which all have potent antiseptic properties.

Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Hansi, also known as Enercel, developed by Argentinian biologist Juan Jose Hirschmann, can be helpful for all types of cancer but particularly prostate cancer. Additional useful homeopathic remedies consist of Apis mellifica, causticum, chiaphilla umbellate, clematis, lycopodium, medorrhinum, pulsatilla, sulphur, and thuja.

Hydrotherapy: Alternate between cold and hot sitz bath two to five times per week to help improve blood flow to the penis and prostate, and strengthen the overall health of the male genital system.

*Purified water is essential for this and all hydrotherapy treatments. Treatments for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water, provide clear directions and recommendations.

Juice Treatment: Combine red cabbage, celery, and lettuce juice, and consume 8oz. twice daily. Carrot, cucumber, beet, radish, and garlic clove juice can also be helpful. Fresh green juices provide an essential nutrient boost to the diet. Create new mixtures of vegetables, and discover your personal favorites.

Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, at least three times a week for 45-60 minutes each session. If you smoke, stop, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Also avoid alcohol, and all caffeinated beverages. Learn to properly manage and reduce stress, as stress can negatively affect healthy immune function. In addition, drink an 8-oz glass of pure, filtered water every few hours to cleanse the urinary tract and properly hydrate the body.

Mental/Psychological Aspects: Prostate issues can often be connected to emotional issues, thoughts, and beliefs. Sexual guilt often plays a part. Support for these types of issues can be found in numerous locations. Many alternative practitioners can help you experience a deep release. These types of professionals can help one delve into the deeper layers of emotions which may need to be explored in order to fully unravel the issues related to prostate cancer.

Nutritional Supplements: Useful nutrients for treating and preventing prostate cancer include vitamin A, beta-carotene, supplement B3 (niacin), B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. The amino acid L-arginine is actually recommended, as are alpha-lipoic acidity and a find mineral method, as well as Ω-three oils, flaxseed oil, evening primrose, and eicosapentaenoic acid (Environmental protection agency). Garlic pills, acidophilus, and hydrochloric acidity (HCl) can be helpful, as can Wobenzyme, a proteolytic enzyme method than assists protect against irritation. Other nutrients include the proteins alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine, in addition to beta-sitosterol and quercitin. Modified citrus pectin is also recommended because of its ability to reduce the chance of prostate cancer becoming metastasized. Furthermore, the nutrient IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is suggested for its potent immune-improvement properties.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM professionals believe prostate problems are caused by a combination of stress, low hormonal levels, and diminished kidney performance. To resolve these problems the following treatments are recommended: Acupucnture, consumption of traditional Chinese herbs such as ginseng and lotus seed, deep breathing, and Tai chi and Qigong. Traditional Chinese physicians also believe prostatitis can be caused by moist heat. To combat damp heat, TCM physicians will often utilize herbs which remove dampness and excess water, such as polyporus, akebia, or even cephalanoplos, and Dianthus formulas.

Alternative Treatments

Other useful therapies for preventing and treating prostate cancer include: Acupuncture, Psychophysiological feedback Training and Neurotherapy, Bodywork (Feldenkrais Technique, Reflexology, Shiatsu), Chelation Treatment (to improve general circulation as well as detoxify heavy metals), Chiropractic, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine (Light Beam Electrical generator), Led Imagery and Visualization, Hypnosis, Magnet Therapy, Mind or Body Treatments, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathic Treatments, and Yoga. (See References for explanations of these Optional Therapies.)