Prostate Cancer Questions & Answers and Diet Recommendations
Prostate cancer is the second cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States.
The prostate gland sits just under the urinary bladder.
When cancer develops, it enlarges and squeezes off the urethra, causing urinary problems similar to an enlarged prostate.
However, the real danger and damage occur when some of these cancerous cells break off and travel (metastasize) to the lymph nodes, lungs and the bones.
Below is a summary of natural remedies that are commonly suggested by alternative health care practitioners for use in patients with prostate cancer. Right below this summarized table are short answers to commonly asked questions related to prostate cancer.
Natural Remedies Used in Patients with Prostate Cancer
See our article entitled Natural Remedies for Cancer of the Prostate for a full discussion on research studies and suggested dosage to use.
| Natural Remedies | What experts say about them |
| Selenium |  (What's this?) |
| Lycopene | |
| Coffee |  |
| Vitamin D | |
| Vitamin C | |
| Garlic | |
| Turmeric (Curcumin) |
|
| Ginger |  |
| Soy | |
| Black Cohosh | |
| Melatonin | |
| Zinc |  |
| Red Clover | |
| Canthaxanthin | |
| Saw Palmetto | |
| Vitamin E | |
| Shark Cartilage | Probably not effective |
Note: The treatment of any types of cancer need to be done under the direct supervision of your health care provider. These supplements should compliment and not replace the need for conventional medications or treatments. |
|
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What causes prostate cancer? No one knows for certain. For sure, genetics, diet, lifestyle and exposure to environmental toxins may play a small or even a major part in the cause of this disease. And are there any early warning signs?
Unfortunately there are not many useful early warning signs and those that do show up are not specific to prostate cancer.
But based on population studies done around the world, the following factors seem to increase the risk for a person to get cancer of the prostate gland.
Risk factors include:
- enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
- 55 years of age or older with the highest risk starting at 65 years old (over 80%)
- Following a diet with excessive amounts of animal fats
- testosterone blood levels that are higher than the average population
- race (African-Americans have the highest rate)
- toxins exposure either environmental (e.g. cadmium) or from food sources
We have written an article that covers some of the warning signs of prostate cancer and this may be of interest to you. As with most health problems, the earlier they are detected and properly managed, the more likely for a complete cure. Or at the least, the health conditions would stablize and not progress to something more serious.
What Diet Should I Consider Following to Prevent Prostate Cancer?
Here is a short list of foods to eat to help cut down your risk of getting cancer of the prostate gland as suggested by experts.
- Tomatoes
- Maitake mushrooms
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Lean meats with as little fat as possible
- Fish products
- Avoid taking excessive amounts of calcium
- Soy-based products
See Diet Recommendations for Prostate Cancer for a full discussion of each points listed above. This is for those individuals who want a better idea of how these food groups may help.
What Other Lifestyle Changes Can I Make?
Some studies showed that a heavier body weight (above ideal body weight) is linked to an increased risk of cancer of the prostate gland.
This link was established from population studies. Likely this is one of the hardest lifestyle change to make. But we had to mention it. Even a small decrease in body weight could offer some benefits.
Bottom Line
Concerned about prostate cancer? Most men should be aware of this health risk, especially as they get older. Regular prostate exam combined with PSA test, if warranted, is an effective way to ensure that it doesn't go unnoticed. Early detection and treatment will allow for a better prognosis.
Following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a regular exercise program and you will have a good chance of reducing you risk of developing prostate cancer. In addition, there are supplements that prostate cancer patients use. You can access all these eye-opening articles at Supplements for Cancer - What Works. You'll be glad you did!
