On this issue:
- Every man needs to know about prostate cancer
- Prostate cancer: What to avoid eating
- Early symptoms of prostate cancer
- Know the early symptoms of prostate cancer
- How to prevent prostate problems
- Prostate cancer is curable if detected early
- To beat prostate cancer, have more sex
_____________________________________________
Written by Oladapo Ashiru
~PUNCH NIGERIA. Wednesday, October 11, 2017
 |
| Written by Oladapo Ashiru |
It is estimated that by 2030, prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in the world. One in eight men will be afflicted with prostate cancer
In Nigeria, every now and then you hear of someone who just died of prostate cancer. This disease occurs most frequently in elderly men of 72 years and above.
Although we are not keeping statistics for the number of new cases and deaths in Nigeria for this preventable disease, the American example is relevant for us because there are significant racial differences that are negative for the African male.
For example, for the African American male aged between 50 and 54 years, the incidence of prostate cancer is two times as high as the Caucasian American and it is one third higher for the African American of all ages.
For all Asian men, the incidence of this type of cancer is relatively low. It is not known what causes this racial difference, but genetics must surely play a part.
Diet is a major another factor that cannot be ruled out as African American food closely mimics many Nigerian diets of pork, beans and greens cooked with plenty of oil and fat. This is, therefore, a Black man's disease that Nigerian men should be concerned about.
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located under the bladder, surrounding the urinary tract of men. It secretes a fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, which is part of the semen produced at ejaculation after intercourse.
Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of the aged. So as men age, they should take note of the following symptoms and if they have them, they should definitely pay a visit to a doctor.
Slow urination: Men should take this symptom seriously, especially when the last few drops do not expel easily. You should also let the doctor check you out if you notice any change in urination as described below:
Frequent urination is another symptom of prostate cancer. Other symptoms include:
Nocturia, which is passing urine in the night.
Difficulty in passing urine, termed Hesitancy.
Reduced force of urination.
Reduced projectile pressure of urine (ejaculatory pressure).
Blood in the urine.
What causes the prostate to enlarge
Aging, stress, chemical toxins that may be from the use of chemical products like dye, polluted water, and contaminated food, especially with heavy metals; genetics and infection have been identified as some of the factors that can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland. With aging, there are hormonal changes associated with getting older, such as decreased production of the male testosterone, prolactin ad stress- related hormone will increase with age.
High prolactin level in the blood will lead to an increase in the uptake of testosterone in the prostate gland, which will result in the production of another male hormone called Di-Hydro-testoterone.
High levels of DHT in the prostate gland will enlarge the prostate. A stressful lifestyle also does not help the prostate. This will usually cause an increase in the level of circulating prolactin hormone.
The net result is elevated DHT and subsequent prostate enlargement. Prostate cancer is highly related to genetic factors, if one of the families has had prostate cancer, it is highly likely that other male members of the family will get it.
Frequent exposure to pesticides used on food crops and those used in our homes can expose men to cancer.
We also eat crops which contain pesticide that contain the chemical polychlorinated hydrocarbon, which accumulates in organs like the adrenals, the liver and the prostate and then, become diseased.
Cancerous toxins also exist in some food products, such as fruits and vegetables, large fish and stock fish from polluted fish farms.
Apart from narrowing the urethral passage and reducing sperm count, frequent sexually transmitted diseases from sexually active men may lead to prostate enlargement or cancer.
Eating a diet full of saturated fats and red meat is said to be bad for the prostate as is smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
Tobacco contains cadmium, which is a heavy metal that increases the activities of 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The enzyme converts testosterone to the active form called DHT, which is responsible for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.
Alcohol increases the level of the prolactin hormone. This will increase the level of testosterone intake by the prostate gland, which eventually leads to its enlargement.
How to prevent prostate problems
Early diagnosis by rectal examination at the doctor's clinic can be very helpful in detecting prostate enlargement. More recently, a very sensitive test has been put in place for early detection of prostate enlargement by checking the level of a substance called Prostate Specific Antigen, which can give an indication of an overactive prostate.
High PSA levels might give a clue to likely prostate problems. It is recommended that one should have a medical examination annually to rule out prostate enlargement.
Men are advised to take multivitamins that contain extra zinc along with Vitamins C, D and E, which are rich in antioxidants. Zinc is good for the prostrate because it is required in the normal functioning of the gland. Prostate secretion contains a high quantity of zinc.
Zinc removes the toxin cadmium and also inhibits the secretion of 5-alpha reductase, which is a toxin. A clinical trial dose of 150mg of zinc daily for two months and subsequent 50-150mg per day has recorded a 74 per cent success in treating abnormal enlargement of the prostate.
Prostate cancer patients have low levels of Lycopene. Lycopene is one of the major carotenoids present in light yellow or deep red fruits and aid the absorption of Vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is found in fresh tomatoes, tomato sauces and pastes as well as in watermelon.
There is a growing amount of data supporting the claim that a diet rich in lycopene may help to prevent various chronic diseases, including cancers of the lungs and prostrate. Other non-prescription alternatives for benign prostrate enlargements are the mineral saw palmetto, a handful of pumpkin seeds chewed once a week, drinking plenty of water and eating a diet high in fibre.
As men grow older, they can actively take care of their health and safeguard against prostate cancer by eating a diet high in fibre. Fibre binds to testosterone and eliminates it from the system.
They can also reduce the cholesterol in their diets by reducing saturated fatty acid found in palm oil and groundnut. Instead, men should increase their consumption of Omega 3 essential fatty acids from such sources as cod liver oil, geisha, mackerel and when available, salmon.
--------------------------------------------
Prostate cancer: What to avoid eating
Written by Bunmi Sofola
~Vanguard Nigeria. Friday, February 10, 2017.
Lots of men are living with prostate cancer today- which is a whole lot better than dying from it. If the cancer is caught while still localised within the prostate, experts believe the chances of it killing you within the following five years are practically nil. However, if the cancer spreads, your chances of surviving five years may be as low as one in three. For this reason, scientists have been desperate to identify factors that help cause prostate cancer to spread. These include:
Eggs and poultry: Harvard University researchers recruited more than 1,000 men with early-stage prostate cancer and followed them for several years. The results were astonishing. Compared with men who rarely eat eggs, men who ate even a small part of an egg a day appeared to have twice the risk of their prostate cancer spreading- for instance, into the bones. The only thing potentially worse than eggs was poultry. Another trial found that men with more aggressive cancer who regularly ate chicken and turkey had up to four times the risk of prostate cancer progression.
Scientists suggest that the link between consuming poultry and cancer spread may be due to carcinogens in cooked meat. For unknown reasons, these carcinogens build up more in the muscles of chickens and turkeys than in those of other animals. But what about eggs-how could eating less than one a day double the risk of cancer spreading? The reason may be choline, a compound found in eggs. Indeed, higher levels of choline in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in the first place. Another study discovered that men who consumed two-and-a-half or move eggs per week -basically an egg every three days-may have an 81 per cent increased risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Milk: It contains growth hormones designed by Mother Nature to put a few hundred pounds on a baby calf within a few months. But are they good for us? Leading Harvard University nutrition experts have warned that the hormones in doing products could stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive tumours-such as prostate cancer. Not only that, but experimental evidence suggests that doing may also promote the conversion of pre-cancerous lesions or mutated cells into invasive cancers. To date, there have been 14 studies in which organic cow's milk was dripped into human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory Petri dish. In each experiment, the milk stimulated the growth of human prostate cancer cells, producing an average increase in growth rate of more than 30 per cent.
In contrast, almond milk suppressed the growth of the cancer cells by more than 30 per cent. What happens in a test-tube or Petri dish, though, doesn't necessarily happen in people. Nevertheless, a compilation of studies has concluded that cow's milk consumption is a risk factor for prostate cancer. But, you may be wondering, if you can't drink milk, what will happen to your bones? Doesn't milk help prevent Osteoporosis? It turns out that the promised benefit may be just another marketing ploy. An analysis of many studies shows no significant protection. Even if you were to start drinking milk during adolescence in an attempt to bolster peak one mass, it probably wouldn't reduce your chances of fracture later in life.
Can you reverse prostate cancer?
Experts believe eating a varied plant-based diet, and avoiding all meat, fish, chicken and dairy products-may have much to recommend it, but it's certainly not for everyone. With this in mind, a group of researchers at the University of Massachusetts did a study on prostate cancer patients who agreed to get only half their protein from plant sources. Happily, this half-vegan diet did, indeed appear to slow down the growth of cancer. Instead of doubling in size within 21 months, their tumours took 58 months to grow to the same dimensions. So, even tweaking your daily diet is well worth the effort.
Half a serving a day of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower or kale, for instance, can cut the risk of cancer progression by more than half. For another study, a research team recruited 93 men with prostate cancer who had chosen not to undergo conventional treatment. One group wasn't given any diet or lifestyle advice. The other prescribed a strict diet centred of fruit, vegetables,
whole grains and bears, and told to walk 30 minutes a day. Cancer progression was then tracked using PSA levels (a protein in the blood.) So what happened? In the people who did nothing, PSA levels increased by 6 per cent in a year. That's what cancer tends to do-grow over times. But healthy-living group, PSA levels decreased by 4 per cent, suggesting their tumours were shrinking.
A year after the study ended, the cancers in the control group patients had grown so much that 10 per cent of them needed surgery. By contrast, none in the plant-based diet and life-style group ended up on the operating table. Does that mean men suffering from prostate cancer merely need to change their diets? No-it is not recommended that they ignore medical advice. They have nothing to lose and much to gain however, by also changing what they eat. Other research has shown that the blood of people on plant-based diets are able to fight cancer eight times better than the blood of people of a typical Western diet.
But what if the benefits are down to exercise? To find out, a research team compared three groups of men: a plant-based diet and exercise group, an exercise- only group and a group of sedentary people eating standard fare. Would people who exercise hard enough and for long enough develop cancer-fighting abilities that rival that of strolling plant-eaters? To find out, blood from each of the groups was dripped onto human prostate cancer cells growing in Petri dish. Well, the blood of the sedentary lot wasn't completely danceless. Even if you're a chip-eating couch potato, your blood may still be able to kill off 1 -2 per cent of cancer cells.
But the blood of those who had exercised strenuously for 15 years killed 2,000 per cent more cancer cells than the blood of the couch potatoes-a fantastic result. Even better was the blood of those in the plant-based diet and moderate exercise group, which wiped out an astounding 4,000 per cent more cancer cells than that of the blood of the couch potatoes. In other words, thousand of hours in the gym appeared to be no match for a plant-based diet.
Giving your confidence a boost
In her book: How to shine in a crowd, Susan Roane gives the following strategies to help you work the room when you find yourself alone in a huge crowd, where no face looks familiar.
The entrance: There is no such thing as being 'fashionably late' for a meeting. Arrival is based on the start of the event, not making a conspicuous entrance. Take a deep breath, stand tall and walk in. If you stand in the door-way, people think you're scared.
Give the room a quick once-ever. Check out the bar, the food, where most people are congregating. "One man I know who has difficulty talking to people always positioned himself between the door and the … buffet," says Susan. "Everyone has to walk by him to get to the food and he is always surrounded by people".
First contact: Look around for people you know. If you see someone who looks even vaguely familiar, go and introduce yourself. Only two things can happen-either you'll be right and renew an acquaintance, or you'll meet someone new to chat to.
Use your friends: One of the main advantages of going to an event with a friend is that you can introduce one another around the room. You will know people he or she doesn't and vice-versa. Give people enough information about your friend and be positive. If neither of you know anyone, split up and start chatting until you do.
Get moving: If you are on your own and don't recognize anyone, do not be tempted to melt into the wall. Look out for what Susan calls the "hard knuckle drinker." They are clutching their cup or glass so tightly that their knuckles are really hard. They're scared to death and they're always alone. They will usually welcome your conversation because it saves them from anonymity.
Opening lines: Don't hang around waiting to make the perfect opening gambit. Even if what you say isn't going to bring the house down, do not lose the chance to start a conversation. The best opener may just be a smile and the word, 'Hello', other areas for easy comment are the event, the food, the organization, the traffic, even the weather. Avoid negative comments such as: "The food looks pathetic," because people will think you are a whiner.
-------------------------------------------------
Early symptoms of prostate cancer
Written by Oladapo Ashiru.
~Punch Nigeria. Wednesday, November 23, 2016.
 |
| Prof. Oladapo Ashiru |
Did you know that every hour one man dies from prostate cancer - that is more than 10,000 every year. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. It means that more than 100 men are diagnosed every day.
It is estimated that by 2030, prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in the world. One in eight men will be afflicted with prostate cancer.
It was reported in 2014 that in the United Kingdom about one in eight men will develop it at some point in their lives, with older men and those with a family history of prostate cancer most at risk.
In Nigeria, every now and then you hear of someone who just died of prostate cancer. This disease occurs most frequently in elderly men of 72 years and above.
Although we are not keeping statistics for the number of new cases and deaths in Nigeria for this preventable disease, the American example is relevant for us because there are significant racial differences that are negative for the African male.
For example, for the African American male aged between 50 and 54 years, the incidence of prostate cancer is two times as high as the Caucasian American and it is one third higher for the African American of all ages.
For all Asian men, the incidence of this type of cancer is relatively low. It is not known what causes this racial difference, but genetics must surely play a part.
Diet is another factor that cannot be ruled out as African American food closely mimics many Nigerian diets of pork, beans and greens cooked with plenty of oil and fat. This is, therefore, a Black man's disease that Nigerian men should be concerned about.
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located under the bladder, surrounding the urinary tract of men. It secretes a fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, which is part of the semen produced at ejaculation after intercourse.
Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of the aged. So as men age, they should take note of the following symptoms and if they have them, they should definitely pay a visit to a doctor.
Slow urination: Men should take this symptom seriously, especially when the last few drops do not expel easily. You should also let the doctor check you out if you notice any change in urination as described below:
Frequent urination is another symptom of prostate cancer. Other symptoms include:
- Nocturia, which is passing urine in the night.
- Difficulty in passing urine, termed Hesitancy.
- Reduced force of urination.
- Reduced projectile pressure of urine (ejaculatory pressure).
- Blood in the urine.
What causes the prostate to enlarge
Aging, stress, chemical toxins that may be from the use of chemical products like dye, polluted water, and contaminated food, especially with heavy metals;
genetics and infection have been identified as some of the factors that can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland. With aging, there are hormonal changes associated with getting older, such as decreased production of the male testosterone, prolactin ad stress- related hormone will increase with age.
High prolactin level in the blood will lead to an increase in the uptake of testosterone in the prostate gland, which will result in the production of another male hormone called Di-Hydro-testoterone.
High levels of DHT in the prostate gland will enlarge the prostate. A stressful lifestyle also does not help the prostate. This will usually cause an increase in the level of circulating prolactin hormone.
The net result is elevated DHT and subsequent prostate enlargement. Prostate cancer is highly related to genetic factors, if one of the families has had prostate cancer, it is highly likely that other male members of the family will get it.
Frequent exposure to pesticides used on food crops and those used in our homes can expose men to cancer.
We also eat crops which contain pesticide that contain the chemical polychlorinated hydrocarbon, which accumulates in organs like the adrenals, the liver and the prostate and then, become diseased.
Cancerous toxins also exist in some food products, such as fruits and vegetables, large fish and stock fish from polluted fish farms.
Apart from narrowing the urethral passage and reducing sperm count, frequent sexually transmitted diseases from sexually active men may lead to prostate enlargement or cancer.
Eating a diet full of saturated fats and red meat is said to be bad for the prostate as is smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
Tobacco contains cadmium, which is a heavy metal that increases the activities of 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The enzyme converts testosterone to the active form called DHT, which is responsible for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.
Alcohol increases the level of the prolactin hormone. This will increase the level of testosterone intake by the prostate gland, which eventually leads to its enlargement.
How to prevent prostate problems
Early diagnosis by rectal examination at the doctor's clinic can be very helpful in detecting prostate enlargement. More recently, a very sensitive test has been put in place for early detection of prostate enlargement by checking the level of a substance called Prostate Specific Antigen, which can give an indication of an overactive prostate.
High PSA levels might give a clue to likely prostate problems. It is recommended that one should have a medical examination annually to rule out prostate enlargement.
Men are advised to take multivitamins that contain extra zinc along with Vitamins C, D and E, which are rich in antioxidants. Zinc is good for the prostrate because it is required in the normal functioning of the gland. Prostate secretion contains a high quantity of zinc.
-------------------------------------------------
Know the early symptoms of prostate cancer
Written by Oladapo Ashiru - Nigeria.
Early last year, it was reported that in 1999 approximately 334,888 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States of America led to the deaths of 41,000 people.
In December 2013 the United Kingdom Prostate update gave the following alarming facts about prostate cancer:
Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer – that is more than 10,000 every year. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. It means that more than 100 men are diagnosed every day.
It is estimated that by 2030, prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in the world. One in eight men will be afflicted with prostate cancer.
Last month, it was reported that in the United Kingdom about one in eight men will develop it at some point in their lives, with older men and those with a family history of prostate cancer most at risk.
In Nigeria, every now and then you hear of someone who just died of prostate cancer. This disease occurs most frequently in elderly men of 72 years and above.
Although we are not keeping statistics for the number of new cases and deaths in Nigeria for this preventable disease, the American example is relevant for us because there are significant racial differences that are negative for the African male.
For example, for the African American male aged between 50 and 54 years, the incidence of prostate cancer is two times as high as the Caucasian American and it is one third higher for the African American of all ages.
For all Asian men, the incidence of this type of cancer is relatively low. It is not known what causes this racial difference, but genetics must surely play a part.
Diet is another factor that cannot be ruled out as African American food closely mimics many Nigerian diets of pork, beans and greens cooked with plenty of oil and fat. This is, therefore, a Black man’s disease that Nigerian men should be concerned about.
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located under the bladder, surrounding the urinary tract of men. It secretes a fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, which is part of the semen produced at ejaculation after intercourse.
Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of the aged. So as men age, they should take note of the following symptoms and if they have them, they should definitely pay a visit to a doctor.
Slow urination: Men should take this symptom seriously, especially when the last few drops do not expel easily. You should also let the doctor check you out if you notice any change in urination as described below:
Frequent urination is another symptom of prostate cancer. Other symptoms include:
Nocturia, which is passing urine in the night.
Difficulty in passing urine, termed Hesitancy.
Reduced force of urination.
Reduced projectile pressure of urine (ejaculatory pressure).
Blood in the urine.
What causes the prostate to enlarge
Aging, stress, chemical toxins that may be from the use of chemical products like dye, polluted water, and contaminated food, especially with heavy metals; genetics and infection have been identified as some of the factors that can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland. With aging, there are hormonal changes associated with getting older, such as decreased production of the male testosterone, prolactin ad stress- related hormone will increase with age.
High prolactin level in the blood will lead to an increase in the uptake of testosterone in the prostate gland, which will result in the production of another male hormone called Di-Hydro-testoterone.
High levels of DHT in the prostate gland will enlarge the prostate. A stressful lifestyle also does not help the prostate. This will usually cause an increase in the level of circulating prolactin hormone.
The net result is elevated DHT and subsequent prostate enlargement. Prostate cancer is highly related to genetic factors, if one of the families has had prostate cancer, it is highly likely that other male members of the family will get it.
Frequent exposure to pesticides used on food crops and those used in our homes can expose men to cancer.
We also eat crops which contain pesticide that contain the chemical polychlorinated hydrocarbon, which accumulates in organs like the adrenals, the liver and the prostate and then, become diseased.
Cancerous toxins also exist in some food products, such as fruits and vegetables, large fish and stock fish from polluted fish farms.
Apart from narrowing the urethral passage and reducing sperm count, frequent sexually transmitted diseases from sexually active men may lead to prostate enlargement or cancer.
Eating a diet full of saturated fats and red meat is said to be bad for the prostate as is smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
Tobacco contains cadmium, which is a heavy metal that increases the activities of 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The enzyme converts testosterone to the active form called DHT, which is responsible for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.
Alcohol increases the level of the prolactin hormone. This will increase the level of testosterone intake by the prostate gland, which eventually leads to its enlargement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to prevent prostate problems
Written by Oladapo Ashiru
 |
| Written by Oladapo Ashiru |
Early diagnosis by rectal examination at the doctor’s clinic can be very helpful in detecting prostate enlargement. More recently, a very sensitive test has been put in place for early detection of prostate enlargement by checking the level of a substance called Prostate Specific Antigen, which can give an indication of an overactive prostate.
High PSA levels might give a clue to likely prostate problems. It is recommended that one should have a medical examination annually to rule out prostate enlargement.
Men are advised to take multivitamins that contain extra zinc along with Vitamins C, D and E, which are rich in antioxidants. Zinc is good for the prostrate because it is required in the normal functioning of the gland. Prostate secretion contains a high quantity of zinc.
Zinc removes the toxin cadmium and also inhibits the secretion of 5-alpha reductase, which is a toxin. A clinical trial dose of 150mg of zinc daily for two months and subsequent 50-150mg per day has recorded a 74 per cent success in treating abnormal enlargement of the prostate.
Prostate cancer patients have low levels of Lycopene. Lycopene is one of the major carotenoids present in light yellow or deep red fruits and aid the absorption of Vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is found in fresh tomatoes, tomato sauces and pastes as well as in watermelon.
There is a growing amount of data supporting the claim that a diet rich in lycopene may help to prevent various chronic diseases, including cancers of the lungs and prostrate. Other non-prescription alternatives for benign prostrate enlargements are the mineral saw palmetto, a handful of pumpkin seeds chewed once a week, drinking plenty of water and eating a diet high in fibre.
As men grow older, they can actively take care of their health and safeguard against prostate cancer by eating a diet high in fibre. Fibre binds to testosterone and eliminates it from the system.
They can also reduce the cholesterol in their diets by reducing saturated fatty acid found in palm oil and groundnut. Instead, men should increase their consumption of Omega 3 essential fatty acids from such sources as cod liver oil, geisha, mackerel and when available, salmon.
Garlic, onions and cabbage have also been known to be beneficial. Elderly people should also go to bed early the same time each night as irregular sleep disturbs the melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which controls our sleeping hours or circadian rhythm and this affects the androgen receptors of the prostate gland.
If the prostate is enlarged, doctors can prescribe drugs to reduce its size. They are referred to as Anti-androgens. Such anti-androgens like flutamide, nilutamide and bicalumide have also been prescribed to reduce the circulating level of testosterone.
The most recent addition is the use of hormone therapy called LHRH analogue, like Lupron depot, to reduce the size of the enlargement and treat some advance cases of prostate cancer.
A new report published in October 26, 2015 gave an insight to some genetic role in prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men.
It is not yet possible to accurately distinguish between ‘indolent’ prostate cancers, which need little, if any treatment, and ‘aggressive’ cancers that require intensive intervention.
A new research published in Oncotarget by a multi-disciplinary team at Nottingham, Weill Cornell Medical School, Lund University in Sweden and Copenhagen University in Denmark, has identified a significant gene called miR137 that is switched off in prostate cancer cells.
Lead researcher at Nottingham, Dr. Nigel Mongan said, “With many men continuing to die from metastatic prostate cancer, there is an urgent need to develop new ways to enable the early identification of aggressive cancers when such tumours remain localised within the prostate gland when surgery is most effective. We also need to make sure that men with indolent diseases do not receive unnecessary treatment which can lead to urinary continence and sexual dysfunction.”
The researchers studied the role of androgens in prostate cancer. Androgens are important signalling molecules, which play an essential role in men’s health by driving the development, repair and regeneration of the prostate and other tissues. However defective and amplified androgen signaling can trigger prostate cancer and its spread.
For this reason, many available prostate cancer treatments are aimed at blocking androgen signalling. However, resistance to such therapies is a major clinical challenge. The gene identified by the team, called miR137, is switched off in prostate cancer cells. It functions like a ‘dimmer switch’ in normal cells to reduce androgen signaling.
In prostate cancer, where miR137 is switched off, the effect of androgen signaling is increased. Therefore, the loss of miR137 leads to enhanced androgen signalling which contributes to prostate cancer initiation and progression.
The study has also identified many new potential targets for the next generation of drugs to treat prostate cancer. New research is now underway in the Mongan’s laboratory at Nottingham to test the effect of various pharmacological treatments in pre-clinical prostate cancer studies.
----------------------------------------------------------
Prostate cancer is curable if detected early
Written by Rotimi Adesanya - Nigeria
 |
| Dr. Rotimi Adesanya |
"In November, 2013, I discovered that I had prostate cancer and I have been treating it. I finished treatment on October 28, 2014 and that's why I've come out to tell the world.
"Many people start looking at you as if you are a ghost. No! It's not a death sentence and it is curable. I have undergone the treatment and I even have a certificate and medal to show for it, but I don't normally wear decorations.
"I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever tests are available in our limited circumstances here and more importantly, to encourage those who are in charge of our health to take the cancer menace seriously." -Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The Nobel Laureate added that he had to make his experience with prostate cancer public in order to demystify the disease, which he says is curable if detected early.
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men.
This cancer affects only men and it is the commonest type of cancer that kills men, as the cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.
Risk factors
Genetics:
If a father had prostate cancer, there is five- to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.
Smoking is also a risk factor. If you are a smoker, your risk is almost 1.5 per cent increased.
Alcohol:
Taking of excessive alcohol and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Men with high blood pressure are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs more commonly among blacks as they mature in age, particularly above 45 years old. One reason is that higher levels of testosterone in black men expose them to higher risks of prostate cancer.
Family history, as well as growing older, also increases risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, although younger men can also have it.
Prevention
Men should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which include a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity. Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol.
Men should eat enough fresh or cooked tomatoes in order to reduce the chance of having prostate cancer because of the lycopene contained in tomato.
Lycopene-rich foods such as fresh tomatoes and tomato products are potential effectors in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer.
Symptoms
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Sometimes, however, prostate cancer does cause symptoms, often similar to those of diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Weak flow of urine or frequent urination, especially at night, is a culprit.
Other conditions could also cause these symptoms, and they may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain while urinating; blood in the urine or semen, dizziness and fatigue, persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, pain during ejaculation.
Diagnosis
A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and confirm the diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include: a digital rectal examination, a blood test to measure levels of prostate specific antigen, imaging of the prostate, which may include transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the prostate for examination under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment and care of people with cancer is usually provided by a team of health professionals, called a multidisciplinary team. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms and the person's general health.
Treatment options for prostate cancer can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) to destroy cancer cells.
Psychotherapy
People often feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious and upset after a diagnosis of cancer and will need counselling, support and reassurance. These are all normal feelings.
Detection
Screening is important to detecting prostate cancer early. This is highly recommended for anyone at high risk, such as those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65; and those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.
Anyone over 40 will need screening tests for prostate on a yearly basis.
Cancer prevention seminar
The strategic health insight (The Hospital) is organising a seminar entitled "Cancer prevention, a must." A dietician and a medical rehabilitation specialist have been contacted to talk on the role of diet and exercise in cancer prevention. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit www.the-hospitals.com for details.
This will also be accompanied by screening for prostate, breast and cervical cancers. Kindly keep a date with me next week for an insightful piece by a gynaecologist on breast and cervical cancers.
____________________________________________
To beat prostate cancer, have more sex
Written by Tunde Ajaja - Nigeria
Sex is mostly seen as a pleasurable act, even though medical experts have said repeatedly that it is medicinal and a form of exercise.
Regardless, sexual intercourse is deemed to be one of the most enjoyable acts for both men and women. However, reaching orgasm, which is a climax of sexual excitement, characterised by feelings of pleasure centered in the genitals, has been found to reduce the likelihood of men having prostate cancer.
In fact, apart from the health benefits of sex, it has been proven that reaching orgasm could improve one's health. Despite boosting testosterone levels, it helps men and women to sleep better and reduce insomnia, while relieving them of stress, because the oxytocin hormone released in the process relieves tension and stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation.
Also, previous studies have shown that apart from enhancing people's sense of smell, the oxytocin hormone released during orgasm helps people's social feel, enhance their trust and bonding with others.
Notably, men's orgasm is complemented by ejaculation. But, interestingly, a study has shown that apart from reaching the peak of sexual enjoyment, an orgasm a day can lower a man's risk of prostate cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in men and it is common in men who are about 40 years and above and its diagnosis increases with age.
A 2012 study by the World Cancer Research Fund International had shown that more than 1.1 million cases of prostate cancer are recorded in a year, which reflects the prevalence of the disease.
But according to the study, men who have more sex and ejaculate more frequently lower their risk of the disease. In fact, the study pointed out that those who ejaculate 21 times in a month significantly cut their risk of prostate cancer by 22 per cent.
Prostate on its own is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The researchers from Harvard Medical School in the United States explained that orgasm flushes out cancer-causing chemicals from the system, giving room for a replacement by new ones. Thus, the more the orgasm a man has the more his body would have been ridden of such chemicals.
In the study, the researchers followed about 32,000 healthy men aged between 40 and 49 for 18 years. They were asked to calculate their average monthly frequency of ejaculation during the period and the previous year when they were aged between 20 to 29, 40 to 49 and in the year 1991.
The researchers also took into account factors such as diet, lifestyle and whether the participants have a history of the cancer.
The study found that when compared to those who had orgasm for four to seven times, out of whom 3,839 of the participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer, participants who had orgasms for about 21 times a month reduced their risk of having the cancer.
The researchers added that orgasm, apart from flushing out old cells, also stops the build-up of old cells that may turn cancerous.
"Another theory is that if sperm is regularly cleaned out to allow new cells to develop, it helps to flush out old cells and stop the build-up of old ones that could turn cancerous," the researchers told Mail Online.
One of the participants, Dr. Jennifer Rider, said the results were particularly encouraging but should be interpreted with caution.
Rider said, "While these data are the most compelling to date on the potential benefit of ejaculation on prostate cancer development, they are observational data and should be interpreted somewhat cautiously.
"At the same time, given the lack of modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer, the results of this study are particularly encouraging."
He noted further that orgasm itself has protective benefits as the hormones oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone are released during orgasm, adding that oxytocin has the power to lower blood pressure in women, reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease at the same time. It could also lower risk for breast and cervical cancer.
Some Greek researchers had also found that men who had fewer than six orgasms per month are more likely to develop breast cancer, and that the increased levels of DHEA could improve memory, boost brain function and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
This implies that orgasms has a lot of role to play in people's overall health.
Meanwhile, a study by University of Montreal in Canada, found that men who have multiple sexual partners are less likely to develop the disease, even though some critics described the study as immoral, as they said it would encourage extra marital affairs.
The study had argued that men who have slept with more than 20 female partners in their lifetime were 28 per cent less likely to develop the disease, and 29 per cent less likely to develop an aggressive type of cancer compared to those who have only one female sexual partner.
Interestingly, the same study found that the benefit does not apply to men who are gay. In fact, it was found that gays who have more than 20 male partners double their risk of the cancer and five times more likely to have an aggressive cancer.
Lead researcher, Prof. Marie-Elise Parent, said the reason why men with male partners would not feel same way was that anal intercourse produces a physical trauma to the prostrate.
Lending a voice to the previous study, Parent noted that, "It is possible that having many female sexual partners results in a higher frequency of ejaculations, whose protective effect against prostate cancer has been previously observed in cohort studies.
"Large numbers of ejaculations may reduce the concentration of cancer-causing substances in prostatic fluid, a constituent of semen, and they may also lead to fewer crystal-like structures in the prostate that have been associated with prostate cancer."
A medical expert, Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, said it is true that orgasm helps to rid the system of old cells that have the tendency of being cancerous, and that the more the orgasm the more the old cells and the fluid in the prostate gland are replaced, making it less likely for prostate cancer to happen.
He said, "When there is orgasm, the man will ejaculate, thereby releasing the sperm that is being stored, and the more the sperm is being stored, the more the possibility of it being cancerous. But when the person is not ejaculating, those fluid will remain there and it is a possibility for something like that to happen, because even the prostate gland will not be able to release its fluid.
"But if it's being released periodically and being replaced by old cells and new fluids, it is less likely that prostate cancer will happen."
He cautioned that men do not need to have multiple sex partners to ejaculate as much as they want, noting that the risks, including HIV, STIs and STDs outweigh any such benefit.
"The risk and disadvantages of having multiple sexual partners are more than the benefits. Not even condom can guarantee safety because it is not 100 per cent protective. We also have prostatis, which is the inflammation of the prostate gland and a man sleeping with about 20 women tend to have some guilt feeling.
"In addition, when people have sex, it is not only the genitals that are involved, people kiss and do other things, which could be a source for other risks. So, there is no need to have extramarital affairs because of that. Frequent ejaculation between partners is good enough," he added.
____________________________________________
To beat prostate cancer, have more sex
Written by Tunde Ajaja - Nigeria
Sex is mostly seen as a pleasurable act, even though medical experts have said repeatedly that it is medicinal and a form of exercise.Regardless, sexual intercourse is deemed to be one of the most enjoyable acts for both men and women. However, reaching orgasm, which is a climax of sexual excitement, characterised by feelings of pleasure centered in the genitals, has been found to reduce the likelihood of men having prostate cancer.
In fact, apart from the health benefits of sex, it has been proven that reaching orgasm could improve one's health. Despite boosting testosterone levels, it helps men and women to sleep better and reduce insomnia, while relieving them of stress, because the oxytocin hormone released in the process relieves tension and stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation.
Also, previous studies have shown that apart from enhancing people's sense of smell, the oxytocin hormone released during orgasm helps people's social feel, enhance their trust and bonding with others.
Notably, men's orgasm is complemented by ejaculation. But, interestingly, a study has shown that apart from reaching the peak of sexual enjoyment, an orgasm a day can lower a man's risk of prostate cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in men and it is common in men who are about 40 years and above and its diagnosis increases with age.
A 2012 study by the World Cancer Research Fund International had shown that more than 1.1 million cases of prostate cancer are recorded in a year, which reflects the prevalence of the disease.
But according to the study, men who have more sex and ejaculate more frequently lower their risk of the disease. In fact, the study pointed out that those who ejaculate 21 times in a month significantly cut their risk of prostate cancer by 22 per cent.
Prostate on its own is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The researchers from Harvard Medical School in the United States explained that orgasm flushes out cancer-causing chemicals from the system, giving room for a replacement by new ones. Thus, the more the orgasm a man has the more his body would have been ridden of such chemicals.
In the study, the researchers followed about 32,000 healthy men aged between 40 and 49 for 18 years. They were asked to calculate their average monthly frequency of ejaculation during the period and the previous year when they were aged between 20 to 29, 40 to 49 and in the year 1991.
The researchers also took into account factors such as diet, lifestyle and whether the participants have a history of the cancer.
The study found that when compared to those who had orgasm for four to seven times, out of whom 3,839 of the participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer, participants who had orgasms for about 21 times a month reduced their risk of having the cancer.
The researchers added that orgasm, apart from flushing out old cells, also stops the build-up of old cells that may turn cancerous.
"Another theory is that if sperm is regularly cleaned out to allow new cells to develop, it helps to flush out old cells and stop the build-up of old ones that could turn cancerous," the researchers told Mail Online.
One of the participants, Dr. Jennifer Rider, said the results were particularly encouraging but should be interpreted with caution.
Rider said, "While these data are the most compelling to date on the potential benefit of ejaculation on prostate cancer development, they are observational data and should be interpreted somewhat cautiously.
"At the same time, given the lack of modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer, the results of this study are particularly encouraging."
He noted further that orgasm itself has protective benefits as the hormones oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone are released during orgasm, adding that oxytocin has the power to lower blood pressure in women, reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease at the same time. It could also lower risk for breast and cervical cancer.
Some Greek researchers had also found that men who had fewer than six orgasms per month are more likely to develop breast cancer, and that the increased levels of DHEA could improve memory, boost brain function and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
This implies that orgasms has a lot of role to play in people's overall health.
Meanwhile, a study by University of Montreal in Canada, found that men who have multiple sexual partners are less likely to develop the disease, even though some critics described the study as immoral, as they said it would encourage extra marital affairs.
The study had argued that men who have slept with more than 20 female partners in their lifetime were 28 per cent less likely to develop the disease, and 29 per cent less likely to develop an aggressive type of cancer compared to those who have only one female sexual partner.
Interestingly, the same study found that the benefit does not apply to men who are gay. In fact, it was found that gays who have more than 20 male partners double their risk of the cancer and five times more likely to have an aggressive cancer.
Lead researcher, Prof. Marie-Elise Parent, said the reason why men with male partners would not feel same way was that anal intercourse produces a physical trauma to the prostrate.
Lending a voice to the previous study, Parent noted that, "It is possible that having many female sexual partners results in a higher frequency of ejaculations, whose protective effect against prostate cancer has been previously observed in cohort studies.
"Large numbers of ejaculations may reduce the concentration of cancer-causing substances in prostatic fluid, a constituent of semen, and they may also lead to fewer crystal-like structures in the prostate that have been associated with prostate cancer."
A medical expert, Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, said it is true that orgasm helps to rid the system of old cells that have the tendency of being cancerous, and that the more the orgasm the more the old cells and the fluid in the prostate gland are replaced, making it less likely for prostate cancer to happen.
He said, "When there is orgasm, the man will ejaculate, thereby releasing the sperm that is being stored, and the more the sperm is being stored, the more the possibility of it being cancerous. But when the person is not ejaculating, those fluid will remain there and it is a possibility for something like that to happen, because even the prostate gland will not be able to release its fluid.
"But if it's being released periodically and being replaced by old cells and new fluids, it is less likely that prostate cancer will happen."
He cautioned that men do not need to have multiple sex partners to ejaculate as much as they want, noting that the risks, including HIV, STIs and STDs outweigh any such benefit.
"The risk and disadvantages of having multiple sexual partners are more than the benefits. Not even condom can guarantee safety because it is not 100 per cent protective. We also have prostatis, which is the inflammation of the prostate gland and a man sleeping with about 20 women tend to have some guilt feeling.
"In addition, when people have sex, it is not only the genitals that are involved, people kiss and do other things, which could be a source for other risks. So, there is no need to have extramarital affairs because of that. Frequent ejaculation between partners is good enough," he added.
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