Vital Tests & Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

When it comes to prostate cancer, recent advances may help you avoid unnecessary surgery or radiation.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind lung cancer.

Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland, an organ that forms a ring around the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Usually, in order to test for prostate cancer, you would have to go undergo a PSA exam or, Prostate-Specific Antigen. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and this test is used to measure the level of PSA in your blood.

In the past, doctors have treated prostate cancer aggressively, since there were few accurate tests to determine the location and size of the cancer. Today, however, there are better tests that can change the direction of your treatment. Color Doppler ultrasound and the prostate-specific MRI can help identify the size of the cancer and if it has spread beyond the prostate.

What is a vital test to determine prostate cancer?

A newer test, PCA3 (prostate cancer gene three), is a gene-based test carried out via a urine sample. When prostate cancer cells are producing more than your normal cells, your PCA3 protein level is high and will leak into your urine.

What are some nutrients to take while going through treatment?

Two key nutrients that you can take throughout all stages of prostate cancer are Boron, a mineral, and lycopene, a bright red carotene and carotenoid that is found in tomatoes and other red fruits and veggies. Both are able to reduce the growth of prostate cancer.

Dr. Mike discusses prostate cancer, past screenings on prostate cancer and natural treatments for the disease.