As we talked about last week, prevention and early detection is the key to victory over many diseases, including cancers. Today we are covering a topic very relative to all men—prostate health.
It has been said that men are more likely to ignore their health symptoms and less likely visit their primary care doctors than women. Although life expectancy has improved, men are still expected to live 5 years less than women. In North America, life expectancy for men is 76 years and 81 years for women. Many diseases in men are preventable and are easily detected. So, the sooner they are detected, the better the outcome.
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a male organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The normal size is usually the size of a walnut. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in males of all races. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, 1.1 million men were diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2012. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and an estimated 80% of men older than 70 will have a positive diagnosis.
Prostate cancer results from uncontrolled prostate cell multiplication. Often there are no symptoms related to this cancer. The organ produces prostate specific antigen (PSA). When the prostate enlarges due to cancer, PSA is released into the blood stream. Since prostate cancer is slow growing and symptom-free, elevated PSA is currently the most common lab indicator of prostate disorder. Even a physical exam can often miss detecting prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, PSA can also be elevated for multiple reasons causing false positives. Some of these causes are benign prostate hypertrophy, infection, age, recent trauma, as well as prostate cancer. The American Urology Association recommends discussing if PSA testing is appropriate for you between the ages of 55-69. Recommendations no longer support routine screening of all men any earlier. A wise approach would be to obtain a baseline PSA at age 55 and measuring the changes in your glands over the years.
Alternatively, a more specific marker for prostate cancer is the “Prostate Cancer Gene” (PCA3). This gene is overexpressed in 95 percent of prostate cancers and very sensitive with minimal false positives. A study published by BMC Urology in 2016 reported the most specific and least invasive way to diagnosed prostate cancer is to check for the PCA 3 gene and obtain a Prostate ultrasound called “Real-Time Elastography” (which checks the elasticity of the prostate). Most reassuring is that most types of prostate cancers are slow growing, so if waiting several months before testing is necessary, it will not be harmful.
However, it is never too early to adopt a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet, (See: Vegetables, Colors, and the Gospel, or Choosing the Right Foods Part I). Multiple studies performed in 2014, revealed that being overweight, obese and having a sedentary lifestyle were some of the greatest risk factors for this disease. There are also 32 scientific studies that correlate a strong link between dairy products (milk, low-fat milk, butter, and cheese) and prostate cancer.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
The most common prostate condition in males is called Benign Prostate Hyperplasia or BPH. In the US, approximately 14 million men suffered from BPH in 2010. Due to its symptoms, BPH is a major health concern in men.
Symptoms such as the inability to pass urine are considered emergent and should trigger a doctor’s visit. A Physical Exam, urine analysis, and some blood work to check PSA may be able to identify enlargement of the prostate. It’s important to remember that BPH is not the same thing as prostate cancer, and it also does not increase one’s risk for prostate cancer in the future.
Unfortunately, there are some non-modifiable causes of BPH. As men age, the prostate enlarges due to decrease in testosterone levels. The enlarged prostate blocks the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) causing very unpleasant symptoms, such as urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy, weak stream, straining or prolonged voiding. Some modifiable risk factors for developing BPH are obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
There are certain natural remedies that have been tested with BPH. Some are more successful than others. Saw palmetto is an herb produced from a type of palm plant. It was not found to be helpful in improving urinary symptoms or decreasing the levels of PSA.
Some promising supplements may be Pygeum, Beta-Sitosterol, and Rye Grass Pollen extract. Exercise and weight control will help with obesity and diabetes as well as hypertension. Wholesome prostate health can also be enhanced with plenty of vegetables, fruits, Vitamin C, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Taking time to learn about our bodies and symptoms will help us to prevent and treat disease, while at the same time bringing honor and glory to our Creator by studying His marvelous creation.