Prostate Health

THE PROSTATE PROBLEM

Prevention and Cure

Prostate problems are the fastest-growing health concern among men in Western countries, and the rate of prostate cancer is increasing steadily.

The initiation of normal cells turning into cancer cells is the same for both the breast or uterus and the prostate gland. In these organs, cancer initiation is due primarily to estrogen dominance (hormonal imbalance resulting from excess estrogen) combined with lifestyle factors and/or toxic insults that predispose estrogen to become oxidized.

The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. The majority of men in the US will acquire prostate cancer if they live beyond 65. It is a slow-growing cancer (more rapidly growing in younger men, however). For men over 65, the doubling time of a prostate cancer nodule is usually about 5 years. Compare this with the doubling time of a breast cancer nodule, which is about 3 to 4 months. If left untreated, prostate cancer tends to eventually metastasize to bones.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or an enlarged prostate occurs when, in response to hormones such as testosterone, the cells in the inner core of the prostate gland grow and form fibrous nodules. These nodules put pressure on the urethra causing pain and problems urinating. If left untreated BPH can lead to prostatitis, and in severe cases the bladder's inability to empty completely can cause infection to spread in the bladder and even to the kidneys, possibly causing kidney damage.

BPH will affect an astonishing 50% of men during their lifetimes. This means that if you have any symptoms of BPH you are definitely not alone; you just think you are because most men never speak of their discomfort.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include the following:

• A need to pass urine frequently
• Pain, burning, difficulty in stopping and starting urination
• Blood in the urine
• A weak urine flow
• Nighttime wakening to empty the bladder
• A constant feeling that the bladder isn't completely empty

An enlarged prostate is diagnosed through a rectal examination, ultrasound, and a blood test.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a group of cancerous cells (a malignant tumor) that begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It is the most common type of cancer (excluding skin cancer) diagnosed in American men. In 2003, an estimated 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.

Early prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, it may spread from the prostate to surrounding areas. Change in urination, including increased frequency, hesitancy or dribbling of urine may be experienced.

Prostate cancer can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. For example, as a result of metastasis to the spine, some men experience back pain.

Prevention & Cure

A natural compound, diindolylmethane (DIM), found in vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, turnips and mustard greens can not only prevent cancer, but may be able to cure it as well.

Researchers began the study by considering compounds that protect a person from developing cancer. The research team looked at how the compounds block cancer cell growth and found that the compounds target PPAR gamma, a protein that is highly active in fat cells. Researchers concluded that a chemically modified version of natural DIM could target the PPAR gamma and stop the growth of cancer.

Researchers have found that not only could DIM prevent cancers but it could also treat them, leading to a patent for new use of derivatives of DIM to treat cancer. Researchers knew that DIM was shown to prevent cancer and developed several more analogs. Researchers found that the treatment stopped the tumor growth in mice. However, future studies need to be conducted in humans in order to see if it is beneficial.

DIM is commercially available as a natural supplement for cancer prevention and for treating estrogen-related health issues, however researchers say their chemically altered DIM is even more potent against tumors.