Top Tips to Protect Against Prostate Cancer
Dear Pharmacist,
My father and brother both died of prostate cancer. I am still fine, but at age 45, I want to do everything I can now to avoid prostate cancer. Truthfully, I am terrified. I’m a faithful reader, and I value your opinion. Can you give me more information?
--M.M. Phoenix, Arizona
Answer: Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages, and most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75. You are smart to think ahead and so I’ve researched and prepared this list to help you and other proactive men:
Consider vitamin D. This antioxidant may help reduce overall cancer risk and lower PSA values by 25 to 50 percent in men with prostate cancer. Healthy amounts of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are found in cold water seafood and in supplemental cod-liver oil.
Reduce free radical damage. I’ll be blunt: stop smoking and eating greasy burgers, french fries, beer, foods with MSG and other artificial chemicals, all of which assault your cells.
Test properly. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is America’s gold standard test but unfortunately it could be normal in the presence of prostate cancer, giving a man a false sense of security. A more accurate diagnostic lab test may be to measure the percentage of “free PSA” rather than absolute, total PSA. Also, evaluating levels of estrogen, androstanediol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone or “DHT” are important.
Don’t overmedicate: Prescribed medications suppress serum DHT but lowering it too much could backfire. It’s shocking, but very low DHT hormone will also suppress an anti-cancer hormone called androstanediol causing more aggressive tumors. Progressive physicians know this, so they routinely measure the ratio between DHT and androstanediol, which is more important than the level of either hormone alone.
Consider insulin levels. Chronically elevated blood insulin levels are associated with prostate cancer, especially in men who are overweight.
Exercise. When you are overweight, your fat cells hold on to estrogen. Excessive estrogen in a man may cause erectile dysfunction, not to mention a higher risk of cancer.
Consider diet. Men who are heavy meat eaters (5 times or more per week) are 2 and half times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who eat it once a week.
Consider natural supplements that support prostate health. Ask your doctor if these are right for you: Quercetin, curcumin, lycopene, beta sitosterol, melatonin and natural anti-fungals. Notice that saw palmetto is not on my list, because even though it can help, it could harm you if it’s not monitored.
Did You Know?
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I'm a graduate of the University of Florida and have been a licensed pharmacist for nearly 20 years. People call me “America’s Most Trusted Pharmacist” because I've spent the last 10 years writing a syndicated column on health which reaches millions of people each week.
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Comments
Stanley D
I have been trying, to eliminate the drugs, from my body, since I took Avodart and Flomax. These two drugs, gave me most of the side effects, of both instead of making anything, better. I felt that I was better off before starting them. Also I have had Radioactive Iodine, used on my overactive thyroid. Now I have an underactive thyroid. Whoopie! My breasts are very big for a man, I had no libido, no erections worth anything, No semen, I am tired all the time, My joints hurt, I get cramps in my thighs, when and if...I attempt sex. My hair, skin, mouth and throat, are very dry, I never had that. These are just some of the things that have changed, since I started these medications. I am 66, retired and disabled. There is also HBP and the weight I also can't seem to lose. I don't trust the FDA, at all. I hope the president gets that single payer medical care. All those people who oppose it, should just keep doing what they are doing and shut up! That is something that will be good, for the whole country. It will make those insurance companies, get down off those high horses and be human again. Everyone needs good health care...not drugs! Legal or not, drugs are chemicals! Our bodies, were made to process natural things, not chemicals. Sometimes, they are the cause of these conditions and problems we are told are..."DISEASES". Most of us just need to be educated about keeping healthy and do it! The FDA, the hospitals, clinics, and all of the pill pushers, don't make money, if we stay well and healthy. This system needs to be changed like the auto and oil industries. One destroys people and the other, our world and environment. Think about it! It's time we stopped being and living stupid! We can work together, for the betterment of "ALL MANKIND"! We have the combined intelligence, wealth, technology, workforce and natural resources, to make this a wonderful world, for everyone. Then there are the lazy, criminal-minded ignorant people, who want to control and get everything, for nothing. This world runs on corrupt because it pays more than rightousness, in their eyes. They have small minds and only see things they want to see, the way they want to see them. Destroy all else, is their way! Look around you and you will see it in most of life and people. It's about the "MONEY"! Look at all the "OBAMA HATERS", out there, after BUSH & CHENY, I would have voted for MICKEY MOUSE, to get that fool out of DC. Have a great day. Love to mankind. Stan
Anonymous
There are other natural "drugs" from plants that are good for prostate problems. If you are interested in finding out about them call and leave a message and I will send you the information. My number: 1-877-554-2247
Pat, Atlanta, Ga
Anonymous
Hi Stan,
I know what you mean about the pill pushers. I also believe in trying to stay healthy. Call and leave your number or e-mail and I can send you some information that might help without all the medications.
1-877-554-2247
Pat
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