Prostate cancer prevention and treatment

Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer as a killer of American men with cancer. And it is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Only skin cancer affects more.In the past two decades, the number of American men diagnosed with prostate cancer has skyrocketed . There were an estimated 186,000 new cases last year. Meaning, more discoveries are made earlier. These early diagnosis are possible, thanks in part to a routine blood test that looks for a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), as this has become a standard practice among doctors. Thus, more lives are spared due to early detection.

Dispite these findings however, there will still be about 27,000 prostate related deaths this years. Again, thanks to early screening, the deaths will be reduced from 31,000 annually before there were PSA screenings to the much lower amount mentioned above, 27,000 annually.
In the summer of 2000, I went for a physical and blood work unrelated to prostate screening. I discovered that my PSA levels were at 8 and needed watching. '0 to 4 is considered in the normal range', my doctor had told me. I had an ultra sound probe examination, and that confirmed that everything looked normal and that was that.
In 2004, I became chronically exhausted. I began to urinate frequently. Began to experience excruciating leg cramps. All kinds of symptoms including numbing of the extremities and severe weight loss.

After reluctantly going in for tests, it was discovered that I had diabetes and prostate cancer.
My diabetes were over 600, ( 98 - 120 ) is considered normal. My prostate PSA had risen to well over 20 counts. One friend's count was at 10 and his was also diagnosed cancerous. In my case even at this time, I had none of the classic symptoms of prostate problems. Not enlarged, and there were none of the other problems associated with this type of cancer affecting other areas of my life. In all outward appearance, It looked normal. The tissue was healthy looking to the trained urologist eye. Only under close scrutiny of a biopsy, did the test results betray the appearance of normalcy. It was cancer. The symptoms that had forced me to seek out my doctor again? They were all caused by the onset of diabetes.

What are the causes of both of the illnesses? Since I have both. Usually it occurs from an improper diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It is also hereditary, as I later learned. My father had prostate cancer. I had known he was sick with something, but did not know it was prostate related. And my mother, died from juvenile diabetic complications. Mine is type II.

A healthy and active lifestyle goes a long way in delaying or preventing prostate cancer. It starts with a good diet. Replacing more meat with more fruits, vegetables and fish. Include more chicken than red meats. Regular exercising. Anything to get those vital signs up and moving again.
Regular checkups including colo-rectol screenings is also advised. This is a must for all men approaching their mid-life years. With a positive outlook on life, we can meet the challenges of aging. We can prevent or cure many of the things ailing us.Thankfully I caught my cancer in time. Later we will discuss low-grade prostate cancer.