Statistically, prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men but is most often diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The treatment options for prostate cancer include: brachytherapy, hormone therapy, radical prostatectomy and cryotherapy. The cancer often lets a man know it is present by causing urinary and sexual problems. However, if the cancer is caught early enough the disease can by properly treated and in some cases completely cured with the use of available treatment options.
Radical prostatectomy – Radical prostatectomy is most often used for aggressive prostate cancer. This is a procedure used to completely remove the prostate and some surrounding tissues if the surgeon believes this will reduce the risk of the cancer reoccurring.
Cryotherapy -This is a minimal invasion cancer treatment method that freezes the prostate with the hope of completely destroying the cancer cells within. The recovery time for this procedure is very short, with most patients being able to move about the same day that the procedure.
Brachytherapy – Brachytherapy uses localized radiation to kill the cancer cells over a period of months, as in the case where the permanent seeds implant method is used. A HDR (high dose radiation) option might also be used. This is also a minimal invasion option.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy/Hormone Therapy – Prostate cancer requires the presence of the male hormone, androgen, to grow. By depriving the cancer cells of this hormone, the growth of the cancer can be slowed down. Androgen deprivation can be accomplished by giving the patient an orchiectomy (surgical castration) or by using drugs such as Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) antagonists to suppress the production of androgen. Hormone therapy can’t cure or rid the patient of the cancer cells but it is often used in conjunction with other treatment options.
Watchful Waiting – In cases where the patient has another, more serious, life-threatening disease or the patient’s life expectancy is relatively short or his health could by made worst if the cancer is treated, a watchful waiting option might be considered. Men may also elect for watchful waiting when the cancer is not aggressive or he is fearful of undergoing treatment. In any case, the cancer’s progress is monitored by the doctor, hence the term watchful waiting.
Herbal Therapy – Between 10 and 22 percent of men who have prostate cancer use herbal preparations to treat the cancer. However, men using this treatment option do experience some side effects too. Men who decide to use this treatment option must consider well, the risks involved, because the manufacturing of herbal treatments isn’t regulated.
The side effects of treating prostate can be embarrassing and frustrating to a man. Which explains why most men don’t get screened as often as they should, for fear of being diagnosed with the disease. The fact that treating the cancer can, in and of itself, further reduce a man’s health and quality of life, is a point that some make in arguing against many of the above-mentioned treatment options. However, there is no doubt that the best cure for prostate cancer is a once of prevention.
By reducing or completely eliminating animal products and process foods from the diet and following a consistent exercise routine, men can significantly reduce their chances of having to deal with this deadly disease.
Written by Salus
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