Beyond Chemotherapy: Exploring Alternative Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Discover various alternative and complementary treatments for prostate cancer that can support conventional therapy and improve outcomes.

Prostate cancer is a cancerous tumor that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men that produces semen and helps transport sperm out of the body. The prostate is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine to the penis. 

Prostate tumors can be benign or cancerous. In benign tumors, the prostate enlarges and presses on the urethra, preventing normal urine flow. This condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common but usually not life-threatening. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and can spread beyond the prostate and become life-threatening. 

Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men of all ages and is the most common cause in men over 75 years of age. Men under the age of 40 usually do not get prostate cancer. Some people are at higher risk, including African American men over 60, farmers, tire factory workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. 

Most cancerous tumors of the prostate grow slowly and do not spread or cause harm for decades. If prostate cancer is detected early, it can be successfully treated in more than 90 cases. Men over 50 should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer testing.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men after non-melanoma skin cancer. Also, the earlier your doctor detects it, the more likely it is that it can be treated. However, for many men, the standard treatments for prostate cancer – drugs, radiation therapy, and surgery – often come with side effects. 

Because of these side effects, some men wonder if there are effective alternative treatments for prostate cancer.

For example, can nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs help treat or slow the worsening of prostate cancer? Can they actually delay the onset of prostate cancer? We continue to investigate these questions. 

To reduce the side effects of treatment and the stress of a cancer diagnosis, some men are interested in mind-body treatments such as yoga, meditation, and massage. There isn’t much research on these approaches, but some studies have found mental and physical benefits. 

As you learn about alternative treatments, you may also hear them referred to as “complementary” treatments. Many people use either term to describe unconventional treatments that are used alongside standard treatments. (That’s complementary therapy. Strictly speaking, alternative treatments are treatments that are used in place of standard treatment.)

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, listen to your conventional doctor. please. please. . We will guide you through a treatment plan using the latest proven cancer treatment methods. 

Some complementary or alternative treatments for prostate cancer can be harmful when used with standard cancer treatments. Always consult your doctor before using any natural supplements. By doing so, you can ensure that it does not adversely affect your usual cancer treatment. 

Regarding supplements and mind-body practices studied for prostate cancer, research says: 

Lycopene: 

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It is found in high amounts in some fruits and vegetables, especially cooked tomatoes. Some studies have shown that people who eat diets high in tomatoes and other fruits that are high in lycopene have a lower incidence of cancer. Some researchers believe that lycopene may slow the growth of prostate tumors. However, the results of some studies are contradictory.

Lycopene can be obtained in large quantities from familiar foods. The researchers did not mention any side effects from consuming this “excess nutrient” as part of a balanced diet, nor did they suggest any preventive measures.

Pomegranate juice: 

In rodent studies, scientists showed the positive effects of pomegranates in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in mice. Studies on human cells have shown similar possibilities. For this reason, some researchers recommend further research into pomegranate extract for therapeutic use in people. You can drink pomegranate juice and eat whole fruits as part of a balanced and healthy diet. Both are harmless if taken in moderate amounts. 

Green tea: 

Contains plant-based compounds called polyphenols that may affect tumors, but there isn’t much data on how effective they are. 

A Chinese study suggests that drinking lots of green tea may reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer. Other studies have not found an association between green tea and prostate cancer risk in Japanese men or Japanese Americans living in Hawaii. No antitumor effects were observed in clinical trials in prostate cancer patients. 

Shiitake mushroom extract: 

In a small study of men with advanced prostate cancer, researchers had participants take shiitake mushroom extract by mouth daily for six months. They ultimately concluded that the extract alone was not an effective treatment. 

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP): 

Pectin is a carbohydrate found in many plants and in the peels of apples, citrus fruits, and plums. This modified form is broken down into smaller molecules to aid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In animals, MCP prevents prostate cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. However, to date, no human studies have shown that MCP inhibits tumor growth or improves survival. 

Exercise for the mind and body: 

There is some scientific evidence that yoga can help reduce fatigue caused by cancer treatment. One study found that men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer who took yoga classes twice a week had fewer sexual side effects and urinary problems than men who did not take yoga classes. 

The calming effects of meditation and other relaxation techniques have also been shown to be beneficial for cancer patients. A small study showed that mindfulness meditation may reduce anxiety, fear, and depression in men with prostate cancer. 

Acupuncture, in which a trained doctor inserts very thin needles into specific points on the body, may help reduce pain caused by prostate cancer. Some people undergoing cancer treatment find that their nausea improves with the cancer treatment.

Massage can also help relieve pain, anxiety, and fatigue. However, always use a trained oncology massage therapist to lower your chances of developing further health problems. 

Remember that alternative treatments cannot replace cancer treatment. Always let your doctor know when trying complementary treatments.

Reference 

Author: MedBlog18 Blog Team

Views: 81