Living With Prostate Cancer

Living With Prostate Cancer
By Abigail Franks

The baby boomer population bubble has now reached 60 years old.

This means that many of us are going to need to face illness
and diseases that come with surviving six decades.  Prostate
cancer is one such disease that is expected to grow in number
over the next few decades.

Statistically 180,000 new prostate cases are being
diagnosed in the United States every year with about 32,000 men
dying from this disease annually.  Although these are the
statistics that are used, the fact is that many of these men
will will die and not from the actual prostate cancer, but from
allowing the cancerous condition to grow until it is
unmanageable.  This is due to the fact that prostate can
metastasize or move from the prostate area and infect organs,
bones and lymph nodes.

This should cause every man to pause and realize that prostate
cancer is a serious disease that if given the chance will kill
you.  It is now the second leading cause of deaths among
men in the United States after lung cancer. In Canada about
17,000 males are diagnosed with prostate each year and
about 4,200 die each year from the disease.

The sad fact is that many of these deaths are avoidable.  As
with many cancerous diseases, early detection is the key to
effective treatment and even cure.  Prostate is diagnosed
based upon how advanced the malignant tumor has grown.  In the
early stages, we have maximum flexibility in treatment options
and can both manage and in many times cure this potentially
deadly disease.

Diagnosis usually start with a medical history as studies have
shown that heredity may be a factor with prostate cancer.  Next,
a DRE or digital rectal exam is done.  This is a quick and
simple exam where the doctor feels your prostate for any
abnormal bumps, size difference or texture.  In addition to a
DRE, the doctor may suggest a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
blood Test.  This blood test looks for abnormal markers that may
indicate the presence of a developing cancerous situation.

There's growing evidence to suggest that a diet very rich in
vitamins and nutrients can also help maintain our body's ability
to ward off many serious diseases.  Although the definitely not
a cure for prostate cancer, the use of natural remedies to
strengthen your body's immune system can only help to keep you
healthy.  There's no question that a low-fat diet along with
appropriate vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthier
and make you better able to fight off disease.

Several studies have suggested that men who had a diet

rich in
selenium and vitamin E. had fewer cases of prostate cancer.  The
kinds of foods that contain selenium include meat, grains,
seafood, and some kinds of nuts. It's critical that you meet
with your doctor before making any radical changes to your diet
as other problems may arise.  There's also some evidence to
suggest that the nutrient lycopene found in tomato based
products such as ketchup can provide some protection against
contracting prostate cancer. 

According to a study in the British Journal of Urology
International, men that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer
who take supplemental lycopene (is found in very high amounts in
tomatoes) and still get their testicles surgically removed are
likely to experience less bone pain, less disease and stand more
chances of living longer than those who have only had surgical
removal of their testicles.

In the end, a partnership with your medical doctor is the best
way to remain healthier longer.  By taking some responsibility
for your health, changes in your lifestyle are much easier to
make

About the Author: Abigail Franks writes on a variety of
subjects which include family, health, and home.  For more info
on Living with prostate visit the sites at
http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com/more_articles/prostate-cancer-support.php
and http://www.prostate-cancer-treatment-expert.com

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