From A Nurse - Help For Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer, is prostate cancer. You may have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and don't know what to do.

Men younger than 40 are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer but should be vigilant, never-the-less. The most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer, is prostate cancer. You may have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and don't know what to do; the first thing to do is don't panic, generally it's slow-growing - next change your diet to living foods.

If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be symptoms of cancer. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom. One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Impotence is a potential complication after a prostatectomy or after radiation therapy.

Urinary incontinence can be one of the possible complications of surgery. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate gland is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is choosing the best treatment for you.

Thoroughly discuss all your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary - don't be afraid to ask. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Eat a lot of fruits and veggies every day, not just a token banana or apple. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots. If possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet.

Concentrating on a diet of predominately fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement in your health within 30 days. For natural treatment for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.

Eat at least one, preferably two organic apples with the skin on every day. Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend-- know one will ever know. Get familiar with juicing and juice every day for an extra phytonutrient boost. If you haven't been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you're a man older than 50 who has never been screened for prostate cancer (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon. Make sure to read everything you can about natural and conventional treatment online and offline. The one thing that you should not do however is rely on information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision; double-check everything.

About the author: For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments