Follow us on Twitter:
Astrology
Conscious Shopping:
Food
Green
Health
Inspiration
There have been several news articles this week about prostate cancer, with which more than 186,000 American men will be diagnosed this year alone.
First, Reuters reported today on a University of Southern California study that showed that taking folic acid supplements increased a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Then there was this AP article, the latest in the ongoing debate over whether prostate cancer is over-diagnosed (and over-treated) in this country. The article reported on a study that found that 2 out of every 5 men whose cancer was caught through a routine PSA blood test had a tumor that was too slow-growing to ever be a threat to that man’s life.
My father was diagnosed last summer with prostate cancer, so I’m very familiar with the “to test or not to test?/to treat or not to treat?” debate. After extensive research and further testing, he opted to have surgery using a robotic technique that gave him amazing results. Still, surgery is surgery, and he didn’t choose that option lightly.
Truthfully, the decision in the end came down to a kind of visceral response: we do not offer cancer sanctuary in our bodies, period. If we can get rid of it, we will.
But for many men, “watchful waiting,” where the tumor is monitored but left alone until and unless it becomes large or appears to be spreading, is the best choice–especially for those with other health conditions for whom surgery or radiation would bring up complications.
Thank God, my dad is now cancer-free, but the debate goes on. Which side do you come down on?
Meanwhile, here’s some other health news from around the web:
- A new study shows that the heat fluctuation and pressure of weather changes substantially affects those who suffer from migraine headaches. This will come as no surprise to any headache sufferer I know…..
- Tara Parker Pope’s New York Times column this week is about a fascinating ongoing study in Europe about whether stress, genetics, or age alone makes our hair turn gray. Timely indeed, given the recent speculation about President Obama’s graying hair less than 100 days into his administration.
- Does the circumference of your neck predict your heart attack risk? Yes, says a new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, though researchers were quick to add that the findings are preliminary.
posted March 13, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Fresh Living is a natural health and holistic blog for people like you, who care about what you eat, how you feel, and how to be more alive, connected, and in-the-moment. We wade through the latest in mind-body-spirit wellness and plumb ancient wisdom to bring you tools, tips, ideas, and inspiration. Plus, you get to hang out with us as we journey on our paths, one breath at a time.
p.s
Need alot more of it…
posted March 16, 2009 at 8:14 am
Please let me know who performed the Robotic Surgery on your father’s
prostrate problem. Will appreciate contact points. Thanks.
posted March 16, 2009 at 12:54 pm
My husbsnd was receently diagnosed with prostate cancer based on a very abnormal PSA. He opted for biopsy and 12 out 12 tissue samples were negative. He opted to watch and wait.
posted March 16, 2009 at 1:59 pm
The PSA test for prostate cancer is extremely unreliable. Often it will yield false positive or not indicate when cancer is present. Most urologists know this but still rely on the PSA level to indicate further tests, such as a biopsy. A biopsy is inaccurate too, as it’s simply a tissue sample which may miss the cancer.
What’s the answer? Scientists are looking for better diagnostics and treatments. Just beware of the ‘PSA syndrome’.
posted March 16, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I was diagnosed with postate cancer almost four years ago. I had 37 daily radiaton treatments. My PSA is 0.2. I get hormone injectons regularly. The result of the radiation treatments caused me to develop anemia, which I receive injections also. But I am 77 and still here.
posted March 16, 2009 at 8:28 pm
My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer alomost 3 years ago his psa levals chang frequently we have changed his diet. He know eats healther and organic most of the time we have eliminated red meat and he is still doing good his Doctor wanted him to get sergary right away he opted to wait and still 3 yars latter his psa levals are under control in DEcember they were a 7.2 know thay are at 5.7 the levals do get higher in the winter the Doc. said it was due to the cold. still there are wories and wonders my husband is looking at getting the Bracky therapy ? (Radiation seed implants) He would like the Robotic operation but Kaiser does not have that option.
posted March 17, 2009 at 11:57 am
My husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer based on a very abnormal PSA. He opted for the Bracky therapy (Radiation seeds implant)
how long can he go without any further problems?
posted March 19, 2009 at 11:16 am
I had the robotic surgery last week and appear to be recovering nicely. My PAS number had been rising and the Urologist suggested I get a biopsy to see what was going on. It came back with 4 of the 12 positive for cancer. I also had other symptoms such as enlarged prostate and problems with urination. The cancer was supposed to be slow growing and early. I did not want any surprises later, so I elected to have the robotic surgery now.