Alternative Treatments For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a male cancer starting with abnormal cell growth in the prostate gland that may metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.  It is typically comprised of many very small slow-growing tumors and it strikes approximately one out of six American men (“About Prostate Cancer”, 2010).  Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in American men, yet it is highly treatable and preventable (Rakel, 2007, p. 848).

Primary Organ/System Affected

The prostate gland and male reproductive system are predominantly affected.  If the cancer metastasizes, it can spread to other organs in the body through the lymphatic system.  Only a small percentage of migrating cancer cells can actually produce a tumor.  However, if successful, it becomes Metastatic Prostate Cancer, and cure rates considerably decline (“About Prostate Cancer”, 2010).

Triggers and Antecedents

Almost 100% of all men will develop and harbor cancerous cells in their prostate if they live long enough, so age becomes a risk factor.  Most tumors are very slow growing and rarely become life threatening.  African-American men and men with relatives who have had prostate cancer are at a relatively higher risk.  Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, high-fat diet and occupational exposure (Rakel, 2007, p. 848 - 850).  Vitamin D deficiency and essential fatty acid deficiency (especially omega-3) may contribute to prostate cancer (“Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer”, 2006; Bland, 2004, p. 73).  Xenobiotics (toxins) like herbicides and pesticides, as well as endocrine disruptors like PCBs in plastic may increase cancer risk by causing DNA damage (Rakel, 2007, p. 852).

Diagnosis

Screening for prostate cancer is done using blood tests to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with digital rectal examinations (DRE) and a urinary symptom questionnaire.  Starting at age 50 or earlier if there is familial history of the disease, men are encouraged to take annual prostate screening (Rakel, 2007, p. 850).  If prostate cancer is suspected, then a tissue biopsy of the gland using ultrasound imagery will be used to diagnose malignancy (“About Prostate Cancer”, 2010).

Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Biomedical Approach

Typical treatments include surgery to remove tumors and radiation for advanced or recurrent cancers.  Since prostate cancer is typically very slow growing, removal of growths tend to be very effective.  Hormone therapy and chemo therapy may also be used.  (“About Prostate Cancer”, 2010; Rakel, 2007, p. 850).  The pharmaceutical drug Celebrex is known to dramatically reduce PSA doubling times and is often used in treatment (Rakel, 2007, p. 854).

Botanicals and Herbs

Catechins found in green tea is believed to prevent prostate cancer.  Green tea’s benefits are dose related.  The recommendation for prostate cancer prevention is 3 to 5 cups of decaffeinated green tea daily, or 500 mg of green tea extract daily.  If cancer is present, green tea extract twice daily is recommended (Rakel, 2007, p. 854).

Nutritional Approach

Excessive calorie intake and saturated fat encourage obesity and prostate cell growth by increasing production of IGF-I and inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA) byproducts.  Omega-6 fatty acids like those in corn oil stimulate tumor growth, while omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids have the opposite effect.  By avoiding foods that increase AA production like animal fats, hydrogenated oils and dairy products, men can reduce their prostate cancer risk (Rakel, 2007, p. 852-853).

Diets high in fruits, vegetables especially cruciferous vegetables, may decrease risk of prostate cancer.  A plant-based diet appears to slow the PSA doubling rate (Rakel, 2007, p. 853).

Some studies of Japanese and American men suggest that isoflavones found in soy protein inhibit prostate cancer cell growth.  Some practitioners suggest men should drink soy milk and consume 4 oz. of soy protein daily for prevention.  The cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene helps protect against prostate cancer. 4 servings of cooked tomato products a week, 10 servings per week if already diagnosed, are recommended (Rakel, 2007, p. 853).

Ground flaxseed appears to be highly effective in preventing prostate cancer, and assisting in the treatment of diagnosed patients.  Lignans in flaxseed bind to male hormone receptors and promote the elimination of testosterone (Murray, 2005, p. 427).

Consider Nutritional Supplementation:  Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Lycopene (Rakel, 2007, p. 853-854; Murray 2005, p. 427).

Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.  The heavy metal cadmium found in tobacco may increase the risk of prostate cancer.  Though moderate consumption of red wine may be good in prevention of prostate cancer, indiscriminate consumption of alcohol should be avoided.  Hormone-altering medications and supplements like DHEA and the popular supplement chondroitin sulfate should be avoided.  Studies suggest these may spread prostate cancer.  Produce should be organic if possible, or properly washed to eliminate the presence of xenobiotics.  Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week, is highly suggested. (Rakel, 2007, p. 851-852)

Discussion

There is conflicting information about the use of soy products and their health benefits.  Though studies show health benefits in populations that eat substantial amounts of soy protein, these soy foods have been typically fermented soy products, like tempeh and miso.  Products like soy milk and highly refined soy foods like soy dogs were not part of these culture’s diets.  It may be better recommended that fermented soy products, especially miso (which appears to have proven benefits in preventing prostate cancer), should be included in the diet rather than soy milk.  Most soy is also known to be genetically modified and its safety has yet to be proven (“Soy Alert!”, 2010).  A life-long commitment to a whole-food, organic, mostly plant based diet appears to ward off this potentially life-threatening form of cancer.  A move by the American culture to this sort of lifestyle can only encourage a decrease in the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer.  Educating the male public to healthy eating habits is of primary concern and should be starting at an early age.

Proper nutrition and lifestyle is key to the prevention of any form of cancer. Identifying nutritional deficiencies with the help of a nutritionist trained to analyze blood tests is the best way to set up a program for prevention. Sign up for a FREE Blood Nutrition Consultation.

Resources

About Prostate Cancer, (2010), Retrieved from http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/site/c.itIWK2OSG/b.4983495/k.5C76/About_Prostate_Cancer.htm

Bland, J. et al, 2004, Clinical Nutrition: A Functional Approach, Gig Harbor, Washington: The Institute for Functional Medicine

Murray, M. 2005.  The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.  New York: Atria Books.

Rakel, D. 2007.  Integrative Medicine.  Philadelphia, PA: Saunders

Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer, (2006), Retrieved from http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/cancerProstate.shtml