Prevention, early detection key to conquering prostate cancer
Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men. This year, more than 28,000 men will die from the disease. The good news is that prostate cancer is highly curable if detected early, and recent research studies show a healthy diet and certain vitamins can help prevent the disease.
The best methods of early detection are a digital rectal exam performed by your physician to feel for abnormalities in the prostate gland and a blood test to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA — a substance produced by the prostate. A high PSA level or a significant rise in PSA levels over the course of a year might be an indication of prostate cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men 50 and older should get a digital rectal exam and PSA blood test every year to screen for prostate cancer. Blacks and those with a family history of the disease should talk to their doctors about getting screened at an earlier age.
A man’s risk of developing prostate cancer is double if one first-degree relative, such as a father or brother, had prostate cancer and triple if three first-degree relatives had the disease.
In August, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended that men 75 and older not be screened for prostate cancer, citing limited benefits of PSA testing. The decision on when to stop getting screened for prostate cancer should be made in consultation with your doctor.
Still, it might be appropriate that men in good health who have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years continue to get annual screenings.
Watch your diet
In addition to getting regular screenings, watch what you eat to help prevent prostate cancer. Avoid saturated fats and incorporate soy proteins and lycopene-rich foods — such as tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit — into your diet.
Studies show soy and lycopene, a phytochemical, can have a protective effect against prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about taking vitamins D and E and selenium supplements, which some studies indicate can help prevent the disease. In addition, a drug called finasteride has been shown to reduce a man’s risk for developing prostate cancer by 30 percent.
Local help
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have access to comprehensive treatment services at The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, including radiation seed implant therapy, external beam radiation therapy and surgery.
Treatment standards are shaped by the Prostate Cancer Institute, a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, oncologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, nutritionists and pastoral care staff, to ensure patients have access to the highest quality care.
