Wednesday, October 28, 2009

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer ?
My brother is over the age of 50, making frequent trips to the bathroom during the night? these symptoms may indicate that he has a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate or a cancerous enlargement of the prostate, How to determine , is there any other symptoms?

Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
Most prostate cancers are not symptomatic until they are in later stages, however, when symptoms do develop, they may include frequent trips to the bathroom, increased urinary urgency (meaning the urge comes suddenly and can't be held very long), erectile difficulties, dribblling after urination, pelvic and/or lower back pain. Some of these symptoms are also the same for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The only way to tell for sure is to have a physical exam (A DRE - doctor inserts lubricated finger in rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormalities, humiliating, yes, but it is not that bad and can save your life!!!), blood tests for PSA (prostate specific antigen detected in the blood, and when elevated can suggest the presence of prostate cancer), transrectal ultrasound, and/or biopsy if the other tests are suspicious. As an aside, any man over 40 or with any urinary difficulties should begin prostate cancer screening. When caught early, it is highly curable. When caught too late, it is not. Often when younger men get it, it tends to be more aggressive so get checked!!!!
2 :
Sheryl's answer pretty much covered it and I want to add my 2 cents. A visit to the urologist for a PSA test and if suggested by the findings of the PSA, a biopsy to confirm/rule out cancer is really the only sure way. I had a lot of trouble with the first doctor I saw who neglected to refer me to a urologist ( I was almost 60 and my prostate was only slightly enlarged so he apparently felt no need to tell me about it) and further trouble with the first urologist I DID get to see over a year later. Looking back, the worst mistake I made in handling my prostate cancer was my hesitancy to go to a different urologist. Be very proactive and don't only request the test, demand it if necessary! Best wishes for preferably a non-cancer diagnosis and if cancer is diagnosed, that it is caught early.
3 :
You can check http://www.cancerssociety.org/ for detail info

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

My dad has prostate cancer I need to know if anyone has gone through this.

My dad has prostate cancer I need to know if anyone has gone through this.?
They say it is advanced prostate cancer and he just found out about a month or two ago. Currently he is going through hormonal therapy to lower his testosterone level. Feb. he goes to get his prostate completely removed. Has anyone gone through this, or knows someone who has and might know how long he has. Im 18 and my dad is my hero.
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
most ppl who have it pass away from old age not from the cancer! I will keep you in my prayers ,..Tell your dad to stay strong we wil be thinking of him!
2 :
Many men get this, and I know someone who had the same surgery that your dad is going to have about 10 - 12 years ago, and he is still doing well. Good Luck!
3 :
Most men get prostate cancer. My dad has it and had his prostate removed then had proton radiation. He had proton radiation because a little bit of cancer was left in him from the biopsy. He is doing good. It's been a year since they removed his prostate and it's been 6 months since they finishes his Proton radiation. The only down falls are, He will not be able to have an erection and might be stuck in diapers. My dad was able to re-train himself to hold his urine pretty fast so my dad and my nephew potty trained at the same time. My dad is 65
4 :
Your Dad is lucky to have you - good luck to you both. Lots of men get this, and when I set up a website for women dealing with side effects from cancer drugs, I was gently reminded by men that they had problems too with these drugs. So I have set up www.after-cancer.com/prostate It is 'live' but needs work - when comments are up do send anything you or your Dad wants to mention. Verite R
5 :
There are other alternatives besides surgery. Please investigate before using the surgery option. What is his Gleason Score and PSA when diagnosed? When was the hormone shot administered, and is it a three or four month shot? Fuller

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Can prostate cancer be cured without radiation or surgery? (By holistic medicine, exercise and destressing, et

Can prostate cancer be cured without radiation or surgery? (By holistic medicine, exercise and destressing, et?
My PSA was 3.2, my Gleason score was 6 and my tumor score was T1C. All in my favor. I'm 64 and in great physical shape - except for the prostate cancer. The side effects of the treatment are frightful. I don't smoke and haven't for the last 44 years.

I hate to surrender "quality of life" merely to gain a few years when I might be killed in a car crash or die from something else anyway. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Cancer - 1 Answers
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1 :
I don't know.
2 :
My father was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer (meaning it had already spread to his bones) in May of 2000. Because it had already spread, he was treated with Casodex and Lupron Depo (hormone therapy). He survived for more than seven years on these treatments and his prostate cancer was fairly advance (his PSA was 250 when he was diagnosed and the meds brought it down to >1). Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer in January 2008. HOWEVER, my friends dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the same time. His was caught early and he had the surgery. He is still healthy as a horse. If you've caught it early, I highly recommend the surgery.
3 :
Dean Ornish was able to reverse prostate cancer in 49 patients with life style change and few supplements. He studied 93 men who decided not to have conventional treatment and divided them into two groups. One group didnâ€™t change their diet or lifestyle. The other group made the comprehensive lifestyle changes that Dr. Ornish describes in his new book and that were the basis of his work in reversing heart disease. He published his dramatic finding that the PSA levels (a marker of cancer) went down in the lifestyle change group but went up in the control group -- and that prostate cancer growth was reduced by 70 percent. And after 4 years only 6 of the lifestyle change patients needed more aggressive conventional therapy, compared to 21 of the control patients. Conclusion : Intensive nutrition and lifestyle changes may modulate gene expression in the prostate. Understanding the prostate molecular response to comprehensive lifestyle changes may strengthen efforts to develop effective prevention and treatment.
4 :
Jim, I almost want to say the same as the "points gatherer" who answered "I don't know" because in truth, I have been treated for prostate cancer but never having tried the holistic approach, I guess I probably SHOULD say I don't know. I believe you are in what was described to me as the "watchful waiting" group. My cancer was bi-lateral and had spread to the surrounding soft tissue, confirmed by biopsy. Since my cancer was already outside the prostate and my PSA while not high, was higher than yours at 6.5, and involved both sides of the prostate the doctor felt it was showing signs of becoming aggressive. My brother had been diagnosed a year earlier with only one side involved and his had not gotten outside the prostate. I elected for the same treatment he opted for -brachytherapy followed by external beam radiation. I also had the pre-seed implant shot of testosterone suppressing Lupon. That's where our experiences parted ways. He had minimal after effects, was playing 18 holes of golf again within months (still is -and walking, no cart), and has no sign of the cancer in his follow-up PSA tests. I have had a nightmare of all of the side effects they list as "only affecting 2-3% of patients. Incontinence, impotence, severe edema both legs, massive weight gain, developed deep vein thrombosis and type 1 diabetes. Who knows if all of that is related to the radiation treatments - all I know is I didn't have any of it before that Lupon shot started me off. My life has become a life of doctors and hospitals. I'm still alive and grateful for it but there is definitely a quality loss. If I had to do it over knowing what I know now? I still don't know. My cancer was showing aggressive tendencies and I might have stopped after getting the seed implants but we don't get "do-overs" so there is no sense in me dwelling on it except to share what I have learned with someone like you. Your cancer certainly sounds like the "watchful waiting" type where you will go of old age before the cancer gets you but ultimately the tough decision is going to be yours. If it were me, and I can't say it strongly enough - it ISN'T me, it's you, I would hold off and do the watching -very, very closely.
5 :
The treatment for prostate cancer has been controversial for many years. With most cancers we know if it shows certain characteristics what the best treatment is, but this is not so with prostate cancer and the manâ€™s lifestyle always has to be taken into consideration. I deal with cancer everyday and attended many meeting s along with the doctors I work with and my ex-husband is a urologist. So I can tell you, we do not know of any holistic ways to treat this. Everything about your cancer is in your favor, except your age, youâ€™re a little young for prostate cancer and this makes deciding on treatment so difficult. The way I see it, if you decide on watchful waiting you might as well try a holistic approach during this time, as it couldnâ€™t hurt. The only things I know that may be helpful in this regard is there appears to be a link with an increased intake of vitamin A and a decreased intake of vitamin D. Some studies have shown altered estrogen androgen metabolite levels may lead to prostate cancer and exposure to cadmium may also be a risk factor for it. If you should decide on surgery I would go with a robotic surgery. It is less invasive, has a faster recovery and it is more precise, decreasing the risk for ED. You should also get another opinion or two to help you decide and I suggest you get one from a teaching facility as they are involved in research and most likely have the equipment to do a robotic surgery. You may also want to consider proton therapy. I have included a link for you to read about it. Best wishes. http://www.protons.com/proton-therapy/conditions-treated/pelvis.html?utm_source=Internal%2Bsearch&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Internal%2BLink
6 :
No, prostate cancer cannot be cured by "holistic medicine, exercise and destressing," and anyone who has already lived for 64 years ought to have enough common sense to know that already. You should discuss your (very legitimate) "quality of life" concerns with your doctor, and decide on an acceptable treatment regime; 64 is awfully young to just "give up" and accept that something is going to kill you! If you were 94, it might make sense to avoid treatment, since old-age would kill you before the cancer, but 64? Talk to the doc...
7 :
Hello, I am from Romania, as long I can remember the elders in my little town are sitting on the front porch eating sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds -fresh no shells. This is the kind of life we were offered...I never heard that any of those old or young men complained about prostate cancer..recently I read in a book (from my library; God's Medicine Is Best by Linda Wise) that those seeds are natural medicines to fight off prostate cancer.. Good Luck, just try the seeds friend!

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Friday, October 16, 2009

How come I have only seen one prostate cancer awareness program

how come I have only seen one prostate cancer awareness program?
but many breast cancer awareness program/ad/fund raiser/walk etc and the prostate cancer event was even a privatlty sponsered thing where as with breast cancer the city helps seems unfair eh? "Okay, I call sexism on this meme today. Also, why do you guys think so lowly of yourself? Why can't you do anything on your own? You can stand on your own two feet, and you can make a difference for the causes you believe in. Just freakin' do it and stop expecting the women to drop everything to take care of your sh!t. Jeebus. How old are you again? Do you really still need mommy? " wth, women expect special treatment, then u come up with this bullsh*t??????????
Gender Studies - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You're right. I wear a breast cancer band because I naturally identify with other women, but I'll get a prostate cancer one too...I would hate my own dad to get prostate cancer and not get any support.
2 :
That is one more than melanoma cancer awareness program.
3 :
MAN you got 1? I got none. Even when benifits a fund raiser are fun it seems to not provide basic info. Expecially what to look for. oh I read your last comment..... FYI in reality you simply may not have noticed any before. Perhaps you are paying more attention to it lately. TWT
4 :
Men aren't so open to talking about their private parts. But you are right. We should get them talking.
5 :
Honestly. Breast cancer advocacy people have worked really, really hard to get the awareness that they've got. It's not their fault if other advocacy groups haven't had the same success. Okay, I call sexism on this meme today. Also, why do you guys think so lowly of yourself? Why can't you do anything on your own? You can stand on your own two feet, and you can make a difference for the causes you believe in. Just freakin' do it and stop expecting the women to drop everything to take care of your sh!t. Jeebus. How old are you again? Do you really still need mommy? ETA: Show me once, ever, where I said that women should get special treatment. Go ahead, try. I've spent way too much time here, so it should be easy. My questions and answers are open. Go for it. I have consistently said that men and women are _equal_. That the sexes are capable of equal things. What's your problem? Why are you advocating special treatment for men, where you don't even have to take care of yourselves? I don't expect every person on earth to drop everything to send money to my pet causes; I don't know why you expect the same.
6 :
An excellent point! It IS unfair! What are you going to do about it?
7 :
Well then why don't you contact the American Cancer Association or the Prostate Cancer Foundation and ask how you can help organize a fundraiser for prostate cancer?? Our local news channel does a walk every year and has an annual "Prostate Cancer Awareness" month where they remind everyone nightly to tell their male loved ones to get a prostate check, as well as have highlights and interviews with prostate cancer survivors.
8 :
http://www.pcaw.com/ http://www.ustoo.org/ http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3437_368348_375923_langId-en,00.html Do something about it! There are numerous ways to get involved and spread awareness.
9 :
First of all, I think it has to be said that as many men die of prostate cancer as women die of breast cancer. I think 'unfair' is the wrong word to be using. Most of the breast cancer awareness programs are organised and backed by women who are either breast cancer survivors or who have lost a mum/sister/aunt etc to the disease. Men have every right to organise similar projects, but due to the stigma attached to prostate cancer, many choose not to. I am pretty certain the 'privately funded' prostate cancer event would been eligible for government support - the govt aren't out to see men getting sick from cancer. There may have been many reasons they didn't apply for funding. Men are notoriously rubbish about caring for their health, whereas women are used to going for regular checkups and screenings. As a result breast cancer is usually picked up fairly early when it is treatable, while most men wait until they have major symptoms before they get any prostate issues checked out. Woman have also been very vocal in coming forward about being survivors. Wives of celebrities and public figures, mums and everyday women are vocal about being breast cancer survivors while men tend to keep quiet about it. Like they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! The govt will only offer funding if it is requested. Men need to get out there, organise themselves and be loud and vocal about this disease. They need to organise fundraisers, special days and raise awareness. They need to remind us that our dads, brothers and husbands are dying of this disease at a frightening rate and make sure we all get involved.
10 :
I agree! We need more adds and campains about prostate cancer, and ALL THE OTHER CANCERS OUT THERE!!!!!! It's like the world is only concerned about breat cancer (I think it is too)
11 :
Because so much money has been outlayed on women that their just isnt enough around to help men as well. And besides, feminism would not want to detract from women so would die before allowing mens issues to come to the equal balance of womens.
12 :
Prostate cancer is taken very seriously over here in The UK. Most G.P's run well men and women clinics for all of their patients. If you are over 35 yrs of age and male they check you out. It's a killer and many men have lost their lives to this dreadful disease. 10 years ago men over here did not wish to discuss this issue- now fortunately they do. There exist many charities who steadfastly raise money for research into this. In July of this year I helped a friend of mine who had prostate cancer organise a golf tournament to raise monies for research into this. Surprisingly I was the only woman involved, probably because I am retired and have the time to devote to issues such as this. I would humbly suggest that all men over 35 years of age get themselves checked out for this. A very good question.

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Monday, October 12, 2009

I'm in my twenties, should I be checked for prostate cancer

I'm in my twenties, should I be checked for prostate cancer?
I have urination problems but they aren't that bad I only go pee sometimes and I drink a lot, I went to the doctor for it but haven't got test results back yet. Should I ask him to do a prostate exam?? Is prostate cancer rare at my age??

Men's Health - 7 Answers
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1 :
only if he suggest yet your young yet prostate issues usall start at age 45 ...
2 :
Prostate cancer is rare at your age, but not unknown. If it will give you peace of mind, then have an exam done.
3 :
Obviously first wait for the results, then eventually ask the doctor.
4 :
Screening for prostate cancer comprises the following: a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, which is raised in any disease of the prostate; and a digital rectal examination, where the doctor checks the size, shape and consistency or your prostate via the rectum. These screening tests have a role to play in males from the age of about 45 or 50 onwards. There is some evidence that men as young as 40 should be getting tested, but as the screening tests aren't that specific (in so far as they yield a lot of false positives for prostate disease of any sort, not simply prostate cancer), i doubt that screening of men younger than 45 will be shown to be of any merit. In short, no need for a finger up the bum yet.
5 :
you don't have prostate cancer jason... i would be happy to check it for you ;-)
6 :
I wouldn't worry about having prostate cancer... very unlikely you have cancer yet. But don't worry, if you live to an old age you will most likely die with prostate cancer but not from it.
7 :
Prostate cancer is very rare at your age but the risk of having it dramatically increases after the age of 50. Visit http://www.getsupplementreviews.com/mens-health/ so you can learn the symptoms, remedies, and the DOs and DONTs to avoid it.

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

I need info on prostate cancer and side effects from treatment

I need info on prostate cancer and side effects from treatment?
I have a close friend who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I need some questions answered on what the chances are for survival if it is caught early and what are the chances of having a regular love life after having your prostate removed? This is a man only 45 years old with a very active life and sex life and he is very concerned about how life will be after he has the surgery, if there is anyone who can tell me about personal experiences that are valid, please don't send clips of articles on prostate cancer because I have read ALL those, thanks
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
There is absolutely no risk in the surgery..bt in sex life he may feel a bit discomfort..that he may prevent by adding lubricant or oily substance during sex..may he get well soon
2 :
The chances of survival are actually pretty good. Prostate cancers tend to be extremely slow growing, and most men will eventually die of something else entirely- even if they opt not to have it surgically removed. The procedures to remove the prostate have improved radically over the past decade, and most men are left quite able to function pretty normally afterwards. The major adaption has to do with changes in how he will ejaculate, which will be different without the prostate. The prostate produces the fluid that carries sperm out of the body, and without it, sperm will either not exit the testicles or he will experience what is called retrograde ejaculation. In that, sperm is ejacululated upwards into the bladder. Although he won't ejaculate, he will not be completely sterile though. His testicles will still produce sperm, and sperm can be obtained through needle aspiration. Obviously that's not a GP office procedure, but fertility experts and urologists can do it, and he can become a father with a little help from science. As far as his responsiveness, most sexual response is still between the ears, and he will not lose his drive along with his prostate unless he feels "un-manned", as a rule. Exactly what sort of treatment he requires will be determined by the stage of his cancer though. He may have directed radiation treatments for a while after the surgery, and that will have some ill effects on him temporarily. Those will generally go away once the radiation is finished, and those usually are mostly fatigue related- not sex drive related. Everything else should respond pretty much as it was designed, because testosterone is not produced in the prostate- only prostate fluids. So the main ingredients for sex life will still be present and accounted for. Once he recovers from the surgery and treatment, he should expect to be just as active as he ever was, with the exception of the change in how he ejaculates. He will probably feel a lot better if the urologist can put him in contact with some other men who have had the surgery done, who can reassure him in person with personal experience. I know this all from working with patients post-op and from a couple I know. I have it on good authority from the man's wife that EVERYTHING still works just fine, only a bit different. As she puts it, everything but the sticky wet spot, which she doesn't miss at all.
3 :
Here some thing you can look at. american cancer society www.prostate-cancer.com www.prostatecancerdecision.org I hope it help. God be with you
4 :
I had prostate cancer in 2005 and am just fine with a current psa of .13 that is point one three.... cured.. I was treated with Proton Radiation. The reason I chose proton ratiation is that it has a 90% cure rate and no side effects. It is the best possible prostate cancer treatment available today in my opinion... I was not sick one single day during or after treatments and every part of my body works just as before I had the treatments. I am not incontent nor am i impotent.. Its like I never had cancer and I am now fine. Proton Radiation is very different from conventional radiation... With Proton Radiation 85-90 % of the treatment energy is delivered exactly at the point needing to be treated... Therefore no other body tissue or organs are damaged as with conventional radiation..that is why it has no side effects.. There is a website called PROTON BOB (bob stands for brotherhood of the balloon..it is part of the treatment) . The website tells lots a bout prostate cancer and proton radiation.. If you go to the website, you and your friend both should read the Patient Testimonal Section.. You will then see what I am talking about... Any one with Prostate Cancer who has ever been treated with Proton Radiation is as sold on it as I am.. We all just hate to see people take the other treatments when such a good treatment is available...that has no side effects and such a high cure rate.There is also a new book out written by Robert J Marckini (a prostate cancer surviver) called YOU CAN BEAT PROSTATE CANCER. It can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and ebay and some other places I think.. It tells all about prostate cancer and then it tells all about all of the different treatments options available today and includes all pros and cons or side effects of each treatment.. Any one with Prostate cancer or prostate problems should read the book..especilly before deciding on a treatment type,. Doctors have been slow to recommend Proton Radiation for several reasons, many did not know about it, or knew very little about it.. , many considered or still consider it experimental.. then there is the green dollar bill reason.. If they send the patient else where for treatment they or their hospital dont make any money.. However they are now starting to recognize Proton Radiation.. I was treated at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda California.. Loma Linda pioneered the treatment in this country 17 years ago and their success has been so great that they are now no longer being ignored.. M D Anderson in Houston Texas built a facility last year and now offers Proton treatments, Mass General in Boston, one in Jacksonville, Florida and one in Indiania currently offer it I think.. The Proton Bob website tells where its available....Just dont let some doctor who is not familiar with Proton Radiation or wants to treat you how ever he is trained ..tell you what to do..make you own decision... To me chosing Proton Radiation is a no brainer .. the 90% cure rate and no side effects... It was like being on a ten week vacation when I had my treatments... If you would like I can locate some people in your area who have had Proton treatments who would be glad to share their experience with you.. I will be glad to talk to you myself .. just email me here on yahoo answers.. any of us (former proton radiation) would be glad to talk to you . That is how much we believe in the treatment..and why not.. just read the testimonials at PROTON Bob.....Sorry I wrote so much ... but I just hate to see any one subject themselves to something bad when it is so unnessary... have a great day. Im not going to check my spelling and typos.. it disconnets me some times so here it comes bad spelling and all... Also most websites like American CAncer society etc.. will say nothing about Proton Radiaton... It is so aggravating.. they are mostly controlled with doctors and people who use other treatments.. and will not recommend it.. I think it is mostly a money thing still..very sad...Only thing I can say.. Is check with those of us who have had Proton Radiation and see what we have to say and whether or not we would do it over again.. I can tell you the universal answer will be YES!!!!! One funny thing when I was taking my treatments.. sure were lots of doctors and other medical professionals out there being treated for it with Proton Radiation.. guess it was good for them and not their patients... well there are several doctors in the testimonial section on Proton Bob.. they are catching on.. One other thing and I will finally quit.. If I were going to take the treatments, I think I would do it at Loma Linda University Medical Center again.. mainly because they have been doing it so long.. however Im sure MD Anderson or some of the others would be just fine.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Does homosexuals get prostate cancer from anal sex

Does homosexuals get prostate cancer from anal sex?
Since you gays get slammed from behind, does that damage your prostate? Doesn't it give you prostate cancer? If its unhealthy why do you do it in the first place!?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered - 5 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
try it and find out
2 :
no, prostate cancer is a low risk for homosexuals, HOWEVER, for some reason ( presently theorized but unknown) there is a 35 TIMES higher risk of anal Cancers in homosexual men who are receptive during anal sex. site and information available at this web address: http://lgbthealth.healthcommunities.com/msmcancer/index.shtml
3 :
LOL. Do homophobes not know that "Does Homosexuals" is incorrect grammar?
4 :
You have such a command of the English language and grammar..!!!! "Does homosexuals etc etc etc..? Don't you mean "DO homosexuals etc etc.."? Congratulations on your knowledge of medical situations as well... Rachelle In High Heels
5 :
No, a penis touching a prostate wouldn't give it cancer unless the penis was, like, radioactive or something.

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

What are good alternative treatments to prostate cancer

What are good alternative treatments to prostate cancer?
My friend who is a Physician's Assistant just found out he has prsotate cancer, and is looking into alternative treatments. Any suggestions? 48 years old, stage 1, no other health complications and thank you everyone for your time and great responses - helps so much!!
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
depends on the stage ?? gleason score 6 i think is good caught early so i know pts that have done well with hormonal therapy its a shot on your fanny every 4 mos with psa and prostate exams .... or a radical prostatectomy hmm how old is he??? he should have a bone scan and ct done to make sure it didnt spread good luck!!!
2 :
I would have thought a physician's assistant might possibly have known better than to look to alternative cancer 'treatments'. In this context 'alternative' means 'unproven and untested'. If a medicine has been proven to work, it is no longer alternative medicine, it is just medicine. Sadly wherever there is cancer there are ruthless charlatans waiting to part vulnerable and desperate people from their money in exchange for ineffective and sometimes dangerous 'treatments'. There are also, of course, well-meaning and kind people who pass on information about 'alternative treatments' they have heard of, usually from unsubstantiated anecdote. These people, though kind, are ill-informed and invariably have no experience of cancer. Conventional treatments are far from perfect, but we know - because they have been rigourously tested and proven in double-blind clinical trials - that they save many lives and prolong many, many more. If your friend experiments with alternative treatments he will be investing money, hope and - most dangerous of all - time in ineffective scams while his cancer remains untreated. People will probably recommend diets; I once thought my organic vegan diet, rich in fruit, veg and juices, and my healthy lifestyle would protect me against cancer. It didn't; nor did it cure me. If your friend is tempted by any particular 'alternative treatment', he (or you) should do a search on http://www.quackwatch.org/ for the facts.
3 :
If they worked, "alternative" treatments wouldn't be alternative any more, would they? They would be tested, approved, and absorbed into the gamut of mainstream treatments. I am appalled to hear that someone working as a Physician's Assistant has failed to grasp this most fundamental division between treatments that actually work and treatments that may or may not work...
4 :
I dont think this would be considered an alternative treatment, but I can tell you from experience.. the very best and easiest treatment. I had prostate cancer 3 years ago. I was treated with Proton Radiation at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda California. Proton Radiation is very different from conventional radiation in that it has little and usually no side affects..I was not sick one single day during my treatments, all my male plumbing still works just like when I was 30... Proton Radiation has no side effects because it delivers 90% off the energy for treatment exactly to the specific area being treated... It is released at that point.. Therefore, no surrounding tissue or organs are damaged... The cure rate is about 90% the same or I think a little better than other treatments available.. There is a website called Proton Bob that has much more information about Proton Radiation.. Please read it..and especially read the section of Testimonials from former Proton Radiation patients. Loma Linda University Medical Center pioneered Proton Radiation in this country about 17 years ago and because of their great success, other hospitals in this country are beginning to offer it finally. MD Anderson in Houston, a hospital in Mass( at Harvard I think), one in Indiana and one in Florida that I know of.. The Proton Bob website tells you where it is available. Many Doctors do not recommend it yet.. some just dont know about it, some still consider it experimental and others just flat have a vested interest problem in sending patients else where for treatments... uhhh they dont make any money!!! When all treatments are considered, I believe Proton Radiation is a no brainer decision, no side effects and a cure rate as good or better than other options!! Funny lots of Doctors wont recommend it for their patients, but when I was at Loma Linda having my treatmets, there were sure lots of doctors and other people in the medical fields out there having the treatments for thier Prostate cancer... If you have any questions, feel free to email me or i will also visit on the phone... best of luck... ohh my psa is point one nine thats.19... just be sure and have him check into Proton Radiaton before he decides on any other treatment,.... I think its the only way to go!! One other thing, there is a new book out called YOU CAN BEAT PROSTATE CANCER... by Robert J. Marckini, a prostate cancer survivor he out lines all treatments available and gives the pros and cons.. your friend probably already knows them, but its a great book for any one with prostate cancer... Mr. Marckini had Proton Radiation several years ago.. Every patient who has had Proton Radiation is completely sold on it.. at least, all I have ever met.. Having my treatments was like being on a 3 month vacation in California ..was great. Again be sure you and your friend read the Proton Bob website.. youll see what Im talking about!!!..........Just had to add this.. I read one of the answers above from the fellow who had surgery, chem and radiotherapy..... There is absolutely no need for any of that when Proton Radiation is available.. sorry to write so much.. but since I have already been through it, it just upsets me to see any one go through all of that when its not necessary at all.. As you know those are exactly the treatments that most Urologist are going to try to convince you to take.. My first Urologist wanted me to take Lupron for 10 years.. told me I could live 10 more years.. I had a PSA of 4.5 and a gleason of 8 ..how ridiculicious.. my spelling isnt good and my puter cuts of if i spell check ...sorry here it comes mispelling and all!!
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A good diet of vegetables and fruits can help. Blueberry and pomegranate juices can slow the cancer. Biobran and Zyflamend are great against prostate cancer. THe first one stimulate the imune sistem and the second inhibits cox-2 and supress cancer cells. Best whishes
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Anybody who is recommending herbs, chants, or crystals is an idiot. I just had prostate cancer - the treatment depends on the age of the patient. Here's what I learned: In old folks, they give them hormonal shots to slow the tumor (the thought being that surgery will make their life worse, and they will die of something else before the slow cancer gets them) For older folks 60-70's or so who may not tolerate surgery, they use radiation, either seeds or beam. This cures the cancer, at least for awhile. Be aware of the side effects - burns, etc. Also be aware of the incidence of recurrence - there's a lot of data out there! I had mine removed (I'm 55). The latest in surgery is the DiVinci robot - no large incision, and I was discharged 36 hours after surgery and fully recovered after 4 weeks, other than retraining my plumbing. The robot surgery spares the critical nerves for "man land", it just numbs them for a bit. My cancer was completely confined to the gland, so the incidence of this coming back is slim indeed. Your PA friend should find an experience urologist who can guide him. I consulted several to ensure the accuracy of the information
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I have an alternative suggestion that is all natural and is full of vitamins & mangosteen. If you are interested in learning more, send me an email. Ingrid.

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