More Sex, More Risk

Previously, we had a topic that masturbation may help prevent you from having prostate cancer. Well here's the bad news. Too much sex may actually heighten the risk of you getting prostate cancer. How about that for irony? Just shows that too much of a good thing can be bad too.

Those who were most active while younger had more chance of developing cancer later in life. It affects the prostate gland, which is found close to the bladder and makes a component of semen.

Roughly the same proportion of both groups, 59%, said they had engaged in sexual activity 12 times a month or more in their 20s, falling to 48% in their 30s, 28% in their 40s and 13% in their 50s.

Almost two-fifths of the prostate cancer group had had six female partners or more, compared with less than a third of the non-cancer group.

Frequency risk
There was also a difference among the men who masturbated or had sex the most often, with 40% of men in the cancer group being sexually active 20 times a month or more in their 20s, compared with 32% in the non-cancer group.

The gap between the two groups narrowed as the men aged, suggesting that the difference was strongest at a younger age.

PC-SPES

The "PC" stands for prostate cancer, and "spes" is Latin for "hope." For a time, it looked as though the product might actually live up to its name. Several scientific studies found the combination of herbs -- including saw palmetto, panax pseudo-ginseng, and six assorted Chinese herbs -- to be an effective treatment for prostate cancer. But even before the product was recalled, there was cause for concern.

Like some already established prostate cancer treatments, PC-SPES cuts off supplies of the male hormone testosterone, a major source of fuel for prostate cancer. According to a report in the August 2001 issue of Urology, the concoction can reduce testosterone dramatically. For patients with prostate cancer, this drastic measure has real benefits. As the level of testosterone plummets, the tumor stops growing (at least temporarily) and may even begin to shrink.

Of course, anything that reduces testosterone to that level is bound to cause side effects. Nipple tenderness and swelling in the breasts are very common. About one-third of patients have diarrhea, and another one-third have cramps in the legs or muscles. Blood clots in the legs or lungs are the most serious potential side effect, and they are also, thankfully, very rare. Anyone still using PC-SPES should stop immediately. You may develop severe pain in the legs or calves or sudden shortness of breath after taking it.

In summary, the supposed herbal supplement PC-SPES carried all of the punch of a prescription drug -- because it actually contained drugs. The supplement ran afoul of authorities only after tests by the California Department of Health Services turned up traces of warfarin, a prescription blood thinner that can raise the risk of serious bleeding. BotanicLab Inc., the company that distributed PC-SPES, voluntarily recalled the product nationwide.

Natural Cure For Prostate Cancer

Right now, there are a lot of ways to cure prostate cancer naturally. No need for operations or chemo. Some of the cures can even be found right at your own home. Here are a few quotes from researchers and such about these cures.

Pomegranate from the tree Punica granatum possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We recently showed that pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) possesses remarkable antitumor-promoting effects in mouse skin," recalled A. Malik and colleagues, University of Wisconsin.

An olive-oil based herbal extract preparation called Zyflamend suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces prostate cancer cells to self-destruct, according to a new study. Zyflamend has the ability, in culture at least, to reduce prostate cancer cell growth by as much as 78 percent and induce cancer cell death or "apoptosis," scientists report in the journal Nutrition and Cancer.

"Together, these results suggest that Zyflamend might have some chemopreventive utility against prostate cancer in men," lead investigator Dr. Debra L. Bemis of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York told Reuters Health. Zyflamend has both COX-1 and COX-2 anti-inflammatory effects, although its anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer are independent of COX-2 inhibition.

Lycopene is one of a group of compounds called carotenoids. It is found in high amounts in tomatoes, apricots, guava, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. The findings of this study corroborate the findings of other similar studies examining the effectiveness of lycopene in the treatment of prostate cancer. It may also help stimulate the immune system and has been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their own.

Although more research is needed to clarify what amount of lycopene is most effective, men with prostate cancer may benefit from taking daily lycopene supplements. Eating one moderately sized tomato a day also provides approximately 4 mg of lycopene. Other tomato products, such as an 8-ounce portion of tomato juice or tomato paste may provide up to 25 mg of lycopene. Whenever possible, opt for the real food, since the nutrient seems to work best in conjunction with other phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables.

Promoting A Healthy Prostate

There are several steps you can take to encourage a healthy prostate.

* Eat a low fat diet.
* Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
* Eat whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

What supplements are beneficial?

Vitamin C - High amounts are found in the prostate gland and are believed to be important for prostate function.
Vitamin E - Acts as an antioxidant, which slows aging and hardening of tissue through oxidation. Essential fatty acids such as olive oil and evening primrose oil - Required by the prostate gland to perform properly and help reduce the amount of urine left in the bladder.
What herbal therapies are beneficial?
* Saw palmetto - Clinical studies show remarkable results when 320 mg. of
Saw palmetto are taken daily for 30 days. Studies indicate a success rate of 80-90% in the BPH patients tested. Unlike some conventional drugs, Saw palmetto does not cause impotence and shows no significant side effects.
* Garlic - Provides the body with vitamins and minerals and may provide a normalizing effect on the prostate.
* Pumpkin seed oil - Contains high levels of zinc, proven to be helpful for most prostate problems.
* Pygeum - The bark of the Pygeum africanus tree has been used for centuries in Europe to treat urinary problems. In France, 81% of doctors prescriptions for BPH are for Pygeum. Clinical studies have shown Pygeum causes no side effects.

Ask your doctor. This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment of prostate problems. If you suspect prostate problems, check with your health care provider.