Scientists from the Wayne State University have identified a form of the gene gaectin-3 to be a good indicator of the progression of prostate cancer in patients. Lack of the specified gene has been found to be a very good way of determining whether the cancer has progressed to advanced stages. All men above 50 are prone to get the said disease of the reproductive organs that if left untreated can cause death. The use of the specified gene can be used as a diagnostic marker which can state the level of progression making diagnosis of advanced cases possible and faster.

[Read more...]

Metastatic Prostate Cancer is known to be the main cause of death due to prostate cancer which is simply the spread of the disease to other parts of the human body. Using molecular technology to determine the mechanisms which are responsible for the spread of such diseases is seen to be one of the most promising approaches to properly determine the diagnosis and treatments for such spreading. Scientists are trying to understand the mechanism to allow proper gene or molecule blocking to make treatment better for those who already have the disease. mRNA’s have been found to synthesize a protein known as KLF6 that in turn signals the cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body, spreading it and increasing the chances of death.

[Read more...]

Studies are under way to use the cancer cell’s own genes to emphasize the ones that tells it to self-destruct known as Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN). The enzyme is a key to understanding the growth cycle of the cancer cell thus making the mechanism that controls it. This is the result of studies on laboratory mouse that have shown the increased levels of the said fatty acid in ones that have late stage cancer and it can also be responsible for certain cases when remission is attained through other mechanisms that have so far eluded cancer researchers.

[Read more...]

A recent study has shown that “male lumpectomy”, a medical procedure used to treat prostate cancer, is as effective as surgery. And because of its minimally invasive nature, this is recommended as a first line treatment before any major surgery should be done.

Here’s an excerpt from the original news report:

The so-called “male lumpectomy” — a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment for prostate cancer — is as effective as surgery in destroying diseased tumors and can be considered a first-line treatment for patients of all risk levels and particularly those who have failed radiation, according to studies released at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 34th Annual Scientific Meeting.

The study is a positive development for the many who suffer from the disease, as they have an alternative treatment to turn to besides major surgery.

This is a controversial statement, but researchers have found that increased intake of vitamins C or E have no beneficial effects for the prevention of prostate and other forms of cancer. It has long been promoted that high levels of vitamins to augment your dily intake requirements have the ability to help reduce cancer. True to this, such advertising on the benefits of vitamins have long been debated and even fought over by people who have claimed to benefit from such high vitamin intake. The study focused on the ability of the compounds in question to prevent the occurrence of the disease which was found to be zero. Take excessive amounts and you still get cancer wasting money thus defying common belief.

[Read more...]

Researchers are focusing on ever so smaller units of cells in hopes of finding a cure to one of the most deadly diseases the world over. Cancer in its many forms and shapes is blamed as the most prevalent human disease that needs attention for proper management. Focusing on stem cells or the human body’s super cells gives them an understanding on how they become cancerous leading to cancer. They are also trying to understand the mechanisms which makes one cell influence another to become cancerous spreading the disease either making it grow or spread to other parts of the human body.
They have succeeded in isolating a specific protein chain called Stat3 which is the signaling protein responsible for healthy cells to become cancerous. They hope that research into Stat3 protein blockers would allow proper management and ultimately lead to a cure for prostate cancer and its many other forms.

Image Source:thedermblog.com

There are certain vitamins, minerals and natural products provide protection against cancer. Whether in the form of fruit, tea or food supplements, these nutrients are a major asset to everyone wanting to protection from cancer. One of the most well known vitamins that most men neglect is vitamin E. It has been shown in several studies that vitamin E, particularly in conjunction with Selenium, could have a protective role against prostate cancer. It helps combat free radicals that play a role in the appearance of cancer. The results of a cancer prevention is that incidence of prostate cancer in those taking the daily dose of vitamin E showed an overall reduction of 32% over those who are not taking.

Image Source: abc.net.au

Prostate cancer is one of the leading health problems and causes of death among men.
It is life threatening health condition and provides fear among men of losing one’s manliness. There is no scientific explanation or cause of these conditions, only symptoms that develop as the man ages. There is no certain prevention, only thing man can do is to undergo yearly examinations for early detection of prostate cancer.

Genetically speaking, the prostate cancer runs in the family. Families with this illness are likely to acquire it as early as they reach the age forty and it gets worse as bloodline get closer. To downgrade the risk factor is to exercise and have a balanced diet. Cutting back on red meat and add more fruits and vegetable helps strengthen your immune system. It helps in countering the growth of dangerous cancer cells.

The only way to save our lives is to have a healthy lifestyle together with proper nutrition.

Image Source:centralmediaserver.com

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. There are number of risk factors. One of the strongest thought of risk is age; more than 70 percent of men diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 65. Research also suggests high dietary fat may be a contributing factor prostate cancer. The disease is much more common in countries where meat and dairy products are dietary staples, compared to countries where the basic diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables. Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. When symptoms do occur, they may include urinary problems like not being able to urinate, having a hard time starting or stopping the urine flow, needing to urinate often, especially at night, weak flow of urine, urine flow that starts and stops, pain or burning during urination, difficulty having an erection, blood in the urine or semen, frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
These can be symptoms of cancer, but more often they are symptoms of noncancerous conditions. It is important to check with a doctor because there are prostate cancers without symptoms and go unnoticed. There are two tests can be used to detect prostate cancer in the absence of any symptoms. One is the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas. The other is a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Choosing a treatment option involves the patient, his family, and one or more doctors. They will need to consider the grade and stage of the cancer, the man’s age and health, and his values and feelings about the potential benefits and harm of each treatment option. Since both surgery and radiation therapy are options for localized disease, consultation with both an urologist and a radiation oncologist is recommended.
While you’re still fit to do so, one of the best ways to reduce your risk for prostate cancer is by getting regular exercise and maintaining your optimal weight.

image source: www.ibspro.net

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When detected early, before it has spread to other organs, prostate cancer may be curable. A man’s risk for prostate cancer increases with age, and most cases develop in men over age 65 but many older men with prostate cancer die of another cause like heart disease before the cancer has grown enough to cause problems. There is controversy about the value of using digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigens (PSA) blood test to screen men for prostate cancer. Detecting early prostate cancer may not improve quality of life or prolong life, especially in men who are older or have other serious problems. Therefore many experts are uncertain whether routine screening is appropriate for all men. Since it’s really that much helpful to men, go and talk to your doctor to learn about your risk in getting prostate cancer and whether if screening test are still appropriate for you.