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HOST Treatments for prostate cancer keep getting
better. So if you're diagnosed with it, talk to your doctor. Together you can create
a treatment plan just for you.
PHYSICIAN Based on the severity of your cancer, your
doctor may refer you to a Urologist or a cancer specialist called an Oncologist; together
they will form a treatment plan for you. We'll talk about the main categories of treatment,
and you can pause at any time to take notes.
The first type of treatment is what's called watchful waiting. This means you and your
doctor will watch the progress of the cancer, testing often, to make sure it isn't growing
and spreading. This option is usually used for early stage cancers, or for patients who
are elderly or too sick to undergo other forms of treatments.
Next, there are two types of radiation therapy.
PHYSICIAN The first, called external beam radiation,
uses radioactive beams to kill the cancer cells.
For this type of treatment, the doctor will use a machine to direct x-rays into the prostate.
Another method of radiation therapy is seed implants. The doctor will place several radioactive
seeds, about the size of a grain of rice, in your prostate. These seeds generate higher
doses of radiation than the external beam method and over a longer period of time. The
radiation usually "runs out" in about a year and there is no need to remove them.
This type of radiation therapy is used for low grade prostate cancer.
PHYSICIAN Cancer cells in the prostate respond to testosterone
by growing.
Hormone therapy works by regulating the amount of testosterone in the body. This therapy
is generally used for people with advanced prostate cancer; or, it can be used to shrink
a cancer cluster before radiation or surgery.
PHYSICIAN This therapy will not eliminate cancer, but
it can keep it from growing in your body.
Finally, surgery can be performed to remove the prostate gland entirely. Your surgeon
will make every attempt to spare the nerves and muscles involved in urination and ***
functioning, while clearing all the cancer from the body.
PHYSICIAN All of these treatment options can cause side
effects including bladder and *** problems, *** problems including erectile dysfunction,
and changes in your body such as reduced muscle and bone mass.
PHYSICIAN But, many of these side effects can be treated
successfully.
While there is no foolproof way to prevent prostate cancer, research suggests that healthy
living can lower your chances of developing it.
Exercise helps boost the immune system, improves circulation and helps digestion.
PHYSICIAN It also helps prevent obesity, which is a
risk factor for prostate cancer.
A diet low in fat may also help. High fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer.
Foods high in the antioxidant lycopene, like tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon, may help
lower your risk as well.
Soy products that contain isoflavones can also help by keeping testosterone in check.
PHYSICIAN Finally, if you are diagnosed with prostate
cancer, remember that every year, many men go on to beat the disease and live fulfilling
and healthy lives.
HOST Prostate cancer is very common, so no one
should be embarrassed about getting checked routinely or undergoing the available treatments.
Seeking support from family, loved ones, or cancer support groups can be very helpful
too. Thanks for being a part of Healthination. Be sure to watch other segments and take control
of your health.