The prostate is part of a man's reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and under the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows. A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the body. These can be either benign or cancerous. In its early stages prostate cancer may have no symptoms to speak of and men are generally loathe to discuss such matters, even with their own GP.

Some forms of this cancer are aggressive and fast growing, others very slow growing and may pose very little threat to health. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include problems urinating, hard to start to pass urine, also a more frequent need to urinate. On rare occasions blood may show in the urine.

Similar Symptoms

These symptoms are also similar to those produced by non-cancerous disease when the prostate becomes enlarged. It is therefore important that further tests are carried out to confirm a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis is made by your GP or hospital specialist, a sample of blood is taken and examined to determine the amount of prostate-specific antigen(PSA test). This a chemical produced by both the normal and cancerous cells, if is high it could indicate possible cancer.

The next step to confirm the presence of prostate cancer is to perform a biopsy. A small sample of tissue is removed and examined in the laboratory. Cancerous tumors may spread to other parts of the body, in the case of prostate cancer this is usually the bones, lower back and hips. The spread occurs through the blood stream and lymph system.

The causes of prostate cancer are not yet fully understood, but it is thought it occurs in men over 50 years of age, there may be a higher risk if other members of the family have had this cancer.

The following herbs are thought to help prevent and assist in controlling prostate cancer although nothing is proven and research is ongoing.

SAW PALMETTO - The benefit claims for Saw Palmetto are that it shrinks the prostate. Some research supports its use for prostate problems but you GP should be informed if you take it.

It was originally used by Native Americans for urinary problems and is popular today. Research has shown some evidence that this herb may help in the treatment of enlarged prostate.

SELENIUM - Contained in Brazil Nuts this has been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk. Supplements are also available which contain selenium.

LYCOPENE - This is commonly found in tomatoes and eating lots of cooked tomatoes can lower the risk of prostate cancer.

In conclusion eating a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables and reducing the intake of red meat has shown to reduce the risk of all types of cancers.

Article by P.D. Jones an independent writer for Healthy Help Files on Cancer treatments.

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