Prostate Cancer in Men - A Major Health Threat

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in American men. However, there are many types of cancer, normally named after the part of the body in which it is detected. Of all the cancers, lung cancer is the number 1 killer, while prostate cancer is the second most common.

The prostate is a gland located by the bladder, and is the part of the reproductive system. A level of prostate swelling commonly occurs in men over 50, but sometimes cells do become cancerous. Prostate cancer is most likely to occur in American men, less so in European, and least likely in Asia men. The reasons for this are unknown for sure, but diet and lack of exercise are possible causes that are taken seriously by scientists.

Although prostate cancer causes many deaths each year, if detected early the sufferer has a greater chance of long term survival. Conventional treatment can be either surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy. Sometimes chemotherapy or proton therapy are used.

There have been many studies being carried out into various natural remedies for prostate cancer, some of which have been quite enlightening

1. Recently, a combination of broccoli and tomato was tested on mice with prostate cancer cells, and the results have been given widespread publicity.

2. In a Swedish study it was found that men who ate fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, had significantly less chance of developing prostate cancer. That is more good news for those of us who have been taking omega-3 supplements for heart health.

3. A recent study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests men with low risk prostate cancer may benefit from a wait and see approach to aggressive conventional treatment, which may do more harm than good.

There are many other studies which you will find of interest if you have, or are interested in prevention of, prostate cancer. More will be featured here later.