Prostate Protection

Men should guard against prostate cancer

 

Published September 18, 2004 in the North Island Weekender

 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men other than skin cancer and is the second most common cause of a cancer death in men after lung cancer.  The life time risk is such that 1 in 6 men will eventually develop prostate cancer. Current screening tests are basically limited to blood PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and a yearly digital rectal examination. The treatment options for prostate cancer are often left up to the man as there is a lack of clear consensus on which treatment is best for him and this leaves them very frustrated.  A different approach is for men to know their risk factors and biologically plausible strategies that appear to promote prostate health although there is no proven method of prevention according to a recent New England Journal of Medicine article. The key is to be more proactive and to screen and diagnose prostate cancer early.

Risk factors includes: strong family history of a brother with prostate cancer increases risk 3.4 while two or more first degree relatives increase the risk to 5.1; family history of breast cancer; recent biopsy of prostate is normal but they have some areas of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PIN) or proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) both of which may be precursors to prostate cancer; the wrong type of fat in the diet (high consumption of red meat may increase risk 2.64 times) while omega 3 fats found in fish oils inhibit tumor growth; obesity; increased PSA and decreased free PSA; decreased blood levels of 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D; age( the older you are the greater the risk); too high calcium intake ie greater than 2000mg per day; weight gain starting at age 25 and increasing to age 40; unhealthy colon; decreased selenium; decreased zinc; abnormal estrogen metabolism (obese men often have higher levels of estrogen than women after menopause); decreased omega 3 fatty acids; insulin resistance (elevated triglycerides, low HDL’s and increasing blood sugars); specific toxin exposure including pesticides (cadmium has been implicated in some studies); job risks (teachers, wood cutters and farmer’s have the highest risk); increased height (there was increase in mortality rates in men greater than 73 inches tall); history of coronary heart disease( the common risk factors here are obesity, insulin resistance and omega 3 fat deficiency); steroid exposure (increases the stimulation of the prostate); increased blood levels of IGF1 (Insulin Growth Factor 1) ; race (African-American men have the highest risk while Asian have the lowest).

From these risk factors you can understand some of the lifestyle changes required:

  1. Diet high in omega 3 fat from purified fish and low in saturated animal fat, high in cruciferous vegetables, low in starch and sugar intake to lower IFG1, high fiber foods to promote bowel health and lycopene foods including tomatoes. (It is an antioxidant especially effective against tumor cells of the prostate).
  2. Selenium 200mcg reduces risk of prostate cancer by 60%.
  3. Drinking 4 cups of green tea per day promotes prostate health.
  4. Vitamin D helps protect against prostate cancer and is especially deficient during the winter months and heavy sunscreen usage during the summer months.
  5. Asian countries where soy is dominant in the diet there is a reduction in mortality  rate of prostate cancer. (Make sure it is organic and NON GM). Japan has a mortality rate 5 times lower than the United States.
  6. The prostate has a high concentration of zinc and plays an important role in prostate health.
  7. Mixed tocopherols Vitamin E reduces prostate cancer risk by 11% and 41% lower risk of prostate cancer death.
  8. Saw palmetto will not prevent prostate cancer but will treat enlarged prostates and promote the health of the prostate.
  9. A healthy colon reduces toxins acting on genes reducing risk of disease.
  10. Optimal weight controls blood sugars and prevents insulin resistance, a risk factor in most cancers.
  11. Exercise of 3 hours per week prevents spread of prostate cancer
  12. Stress reduction lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and boosts the immune system enhancing optimal health.
  13. Yearly prostate exam. Men of any age should have a baseline PSA then yearly checks of PSA at the age of 40 along with a digital rectal exam.
  14. Higher risk men should also monitor Free PSA levels along with PSA.

 

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com