By Dr. Robert Travis D.C.
Prostate gland cancer (PC) is common in men older than 60 and becomes more prevalent as age increases. Approximately 250,000 American men will be diagnosed with PC this year, but the great majority will not die from PC. Most PC tumors are slow growing and not aggressive. The number of men who die from PC this year will be approximately 25,000. Most men with PC die of other problems, many not even knowing they have PC!
Like any cancer, or any disease, there are factors that enhance its likelihood and growth, and other factors that have a preventive effect. Men who are overweight, do not exercise, eat high amounts of animal fats, meat and dairy, and large caloric intake are much more likely to have PC. Therefore, men who eat more plant foods of vegetables and fruits, low fat, low meat, low dairy, maintain a low to normal body weight, and exercise more have a far better chance of avoiding PC. It should not be lost on any reader that these habits also have a preventive effect on heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and other cancers. (Women should know that prevention of breast cancer is achieved by the same habits, and many of the same nutrients to follow in this article.)
If improvement of diet away from animal fat and toward plant foods, and consistent exercise and low normal weight maintenance were likely in the American population, 2/3 of us would not be overweight or obese. It is unlikely that many people are going to change their lifestyle. This is in part due to ignorance: when have you heard from a medical authority that breast cancer or prostate cancer is preventable? It is partly due to human nature: most of us need a real jolt to change a comfortable course.
NUTRIENTS THAT REDUCE RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER
No matter what a man might do, no matter how appropriate his lifestyle, and no matter how many of the right nutrients (or medications) he takes, there is no absolute protection against PC, or any other disease. All that can be done is reduce the odds to a small fraction of the average man. This applies to women in regards to breast cancer also. By appropriate lifestyle and nutrient actions, the risks can be reduced by 90-95% or more.
The nutrients that have shown protection against PC are several, working through various metabolic pathways. Most of these prevent other cancers and degenerative diseases also. I invite you to investigate research that impacts health and disease, but beware of non-referenced product sales ads.
In approximately the order of importance for PC protection, these are the nutrients and the foods they are in. Lycopene, from tomatoes, vitamin D3 from sunlight on skin, selenium and vitamin E from nuts, seeds and vegetables, Omega3 fatty acids from fatty fish and flaxseeds. Other nutrient factors that I will not provide original research sources for include astaxanthin from salmon and krill oil, chrysin, indole-3-carbinol (I3C)and di-indolyl-methane (DIM) both from cruciferous vegetables, curcumin from curry spice, zinc and boron. It is also known that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium reduce incidence of PC. Any nutrient or drug that has anti- inflammatory action may reduce PC, but the side effects from NSAIDS include GI ulcers and kidney damage that may lead to death.
THE RESEARCH
For lycopene, the research is numerous and certain. Protective effects range upward from 40 to 80% reduction of PC incidence.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1999;91 pages 317-331. (Also) 1995; 87: pages 1767-1776.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2001; 10: 749-756
Experimental Biologic Medicine 2002;227:852-859
Vitamin D3 is perhaps the most important nutrient you can supplement, and it is highly unlikely you will get enough from sunlight unless you are a lifeguard, surfer, or nudist using very little sun blocker. 5,000 to 10,000 IU is recommended and safe for normal adults. D3 reduces aggressive PC.
Cancer Research 2005; June 15, 5470-5479
European Journal of Cancer 2007, July
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2007 Feb
Selenium, vitamin E to include a mix of alpha and gamma tocopherols in high levels in blood and supplements have shown reductions of risk up to 80% vs. lowest levels.
Journal of National Cancer Institute 2000; vol 92 issue 24 (also) 1998 vol 90 issue 6,pages 440-446
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 July
Cancer Prevention Research 2002 May 1
Omega 3 fatty acids also known as fish oil or EPA and DHA are best from wild caught salmon or other wild fish, or high quality supplements (approximately 2000 mg or more; has a benefit for brain, nervous system, joints and heart). Recent research reporting a negative effect for PC is very poor research and probably drug company scare tactics.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010, Nov; 92(5); 1223-1233
Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 1997 Nov
PSA (PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN)
The PSA test is the first value a doctor will look at to determine the health of a man’s prostate gland, along with the digital rectal exam. PSA values without other blood tests are not as meaningful as once thought, and still thought by some urologists who are mired in the past (much of conventional medicine is stuck in the past).There are 3 other related factors that can help determine the risk of PC. One is “free PSA %” with the higher the per cent the better. Another is the “PSA density” which is the ratio of the PSA value and measured prostate gland size (PSA divided by prostate volume in cubic centimeters) and here the lower is the better. The third is the PSA velocity, or the rate of change with a rapid increase in PSA value being indicative of possible PC.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH PSA AND TESTING
I am 69 years old and about 4 years ago had my first PSA test (as a chiropractor, natural health practicing, lifelong exerciser/athlete, mostly vegetarian and former Christian Scientist, I avoid most medical care). I wanted to go on testosterone supplements and my chosen MD wanted me to undergo PSA and digital exam. My PSA rose over the next year or two and this was a warning sign (see PSA velocity in previous paragraph). What no MD told me of the three I was dealing with—GP, urologist, and testosterone prescribing doc—was that 2 things I do a lot were capable of elevating PSA values for 2-3 days afterward!!! Sex and exercise can both significantly raise your PSA values, up to triple the normal value. Do you not think that is vitally important? My PSA in 2011 was 2,6 and free PSA% was high, 24.2, which is good. In 2012, my PSA was 4.0, borderline for concern and beyond that, a rapid increase. Only after that did I learn that exercise and sex can elevate PSA.
Consequently, when I recently knew I was about to have a PSA test, I abstained from exercise and sex (did not even think about it!) for 3 days. My most recent PSA value was 2.56, and free PSA % was 23.05, again, very good.
Knowledge is power. Learn more about PC, PSA values, testosterone supplementation (not a risk for causing PC) and other hormone factors at http://www.lef.org/ (Life Extension Foundation website, which includes a 61 page article on prostate health by Dr. Stephen Strum where some of my information originated) and http://www.mercola.com/ for information that always includes references.