Many of my patients are very nutrition-conscious in terms of overall wellness. I have previously written about the benefits of heart-friendly diets because they also support prostate health (see more here). The basics of healthy eating include less red meat (more chicken and fish if you’re a carnivore), more fruits and vegetables (preferably organic), nuts,…
You’re cruising along the interstate with your honey, headed for a much-anticipated resort vacation. Before you hit the open road, you had your mechanic check the usual things: fluids, brake pads, tires, etc. The small oil leak he discovered was easily fixed so you now have peace of mind. However, 325 miles from home, having…
A diagnosis of prostate cancer isn’t just about a small gland below your bladder. In fact, it’s a wakeup call to take a big-picture look at your general “health quotient.” There are many factors that motivate men to get up and get moving, but prostate cancer is not exactly the one that springs to mind….
A new study (Sep. 2016) analyzed the relative risk of developing bladder (BlCa) cancer after primary radiation treatment for prostate cancer. The news is not good. Based on 346,429 prostate cancer radiation cases (SEER database, 1973-2011) study authors calculated the BlCa risks across all types of radiation modalities in comparison to rates in the general…
More and more prostate cancer patients and their doctors are turning to Active Surveillance (AS). Data shows that for carefully chosen low risk patients, AS is a way to hold off on treatment like surgery or radiation without significantly increasing the chances of death from prostate cancer. Estimates suggest that at least 40% of low…
Imagine that you get a very small sliver in your thumb, and you can’t get it out because it broke off below the skin level. At first, it might be annoying, but if left in place, in a day or two you might experience swelling and redness at the site. If ignored, that swelling may…
Do you see yourself as taking responsibility for your health? Do you believe you can reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer—or any cancer, for that matter? Are you aware that being overweight not only puts you at risk of cardiovascular disease, but also of prostate cancer? The connection between above-normal body mass index (BMI)…
Two problems face men who have a high PSA or abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE). First, they are often referred for a conventional TRUS needle biopsy of the prostate because there is suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa). Second, multiparametric MRI is considered too time-consuming and expensive for routine determination of the need for a biopsy….
I have written several blogs on external beam radiation for prostate cancer along with its side effects. Radiation is a good choice for the right patient. As with all prostate cancer treatments, it is essential to match a treatment with an individual’s cancer because many factors go into the choice: clinical findings (PSA, Gleason grade…
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment for prostate cancer that has spread outside the gland. It is also called hormone therapy or chemical castration. The purpose of ADT is to reduce the production of male hormones, especially testosterone, which has the effect of temporarily halting the ability of prostate cancer cells to multiply and…
People are talking about the latest news: there may be a connection between having a vasectomy and being at risk for prostate cancer. A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health has raised a red flag in the minds of men who already had vasectomies, and those who are considering them. Before getting…
It’s possible that having high cholesterol could turn into a health benefit, according to the results of a 14-year study of nearly one million patients. The authors of the Aston University in Birmingham, UK, study reported that a diagnosis of high cholesterol was associated with a lower risk of dying of prostate cancer, as well…
Did you ever hear the folktale about Chicken Little, who was hit on the head by a falling acorn? He wanted to warn the king – and everyone else – that “the sky is falling!” The story and its many age-old variants satirizes people who are unduly alarmed and spread exaggerated rumors. However, three recent…
Multiparametric MRI – What is it? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanning method that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and special computer software to show detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. Unlike X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI has no radiation. It is safe and noninvasive. MRI scans…
I have written about several health choices that can affect prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes: diet and nutrition, supplements, exercise, and caffeine. In this blog, I want to share the results of a recent Italian study on how smoking affects long term PCa survival. It’s pretty much like a skull-and-crossbones on a bottle of poison. The…
Many of my patients are very nutrition-conscious in terms of overall wellness. I have previously written about the benefits of heart-friendly diets because they also support prostate health (see here). The basics of healthy eating include less red meat (more chicken and fish if you’re a carnivore), more fruits and vegetables (preferably organic), nuts, whole…
Terrific news and a great way to start off 2017! On January 17, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet issued online publication of a British study, “Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study” (Ahmed et al., 2017). This large trial validated the importance of multiparametric…
As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, a common over-the-counter product, the humble aspirin, may help keep the urologist away by helping prevent prostate cancer (PCa). A presentation at the January, 2016 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (GuCS) in San Francisco reveals some good news, but with a few cautions. Data…
This may not be the “news you’ve been waiting for” but if you want to prevent prostate cancer, it is certainly noteworthy. A November, 2016 study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research should have men rushing to the produce department! A study of 777 men diagnosed with prostate cancer showed that those who consumed…