God only knows staying on top of prostate health is about as much fun as having pelvic exams and root canals. All this, however, would fall into the category of “pay me now…or later!” My father, always the picture of health, did not confront his doctor (family practitioner) about the absence of a PSA test for two or three annual checkups, and due to this, we lost him many years too early. I hope (beyond hope) that I am 200% wrong in this supposition, but have heard it from several people that we now with some doctors (offices), that we now have to request that a PSA screening be included in a regular checkup blood panel. My dad was of the generation that had “blind faith” in the doctors and hospitals. You could in the times when I grew up as the medical care wasn’t dictated by the corporations; they run the show now, with profit as the driving force, or population control being a “close second!” Dad was very non-confrontational and even though mom told him to be sure to get the PSA test, he didn’t want to come off as telling the doctors their business. So sad!
About 85% of prostate cancers are detected during early screening prior to the patient developing symptoms. If you catch it early, it is quite easily treated. If you develop symptoms such as having to routinely urinate multiple times, nightly, AND if the urine flow becomes stop and go (not a stream), you need to immediately visit your doctor to
1) Ascertain that the prostate is enlarged and by what percentage
2) Do a PSA test to determine how elevated the prostate specific antigen is increased.
3) Depending on the PSA number, they may do a biopsy and possibly surgery, if indicated.
4) Laser treatment is an option rather than surgery.
5)Transurethral resection of the Prostate (TURP) is used to treat urinary problems that result from an enlarged prostrate.
6) Rezum Therapy (originated in Japan) is a minimally invasive treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) that supports great long-term results. It involves a special instrument that uses vapor steam to shrink the enlarged prostate.
There are many scary emotions connected with prostate surgery, and it is no wonder that men remain in denial about their symptoms, but there are new options available now that are viable.
Also, please let your significant other weigh in and make any treatment decision with you. You may just experience a serendipity discovery made during this process and learn that she loves you more than you thought and prefers to have you around her longer and that the great sex life you have enjoyed for years is no more than an “extra” gift and not the “mainstay” of your relationship! And, of course, this would only be the result of neglecting testing or symptoms for a good while.
Here are some suggestions for staying on top of prostate health and preventing a health crisis and needing surgery:
1) Adapt an anti-inflammatory diet low in red meat, processed sugar and dairy products.
2) Be active and get lots of exercise.
3) Watch your calcium intake as cancer thrives on it. Get your calcium from plant derivatives.
4) Swap red meat for plant based protein and fish. Saturated fat in red meat causes inflammation and inflammation is the base of the cancer pyramid.
5) Incorporate cooked tomatoes (cooked in olive oil) along with broccoli and cauliflower into many weekly meals.
6) Don’t smoke and minimize alcohol.
7) Insist on the PSA test twice a year if you are over 65.
This can be avoided by changing some lifestyle habits and always being on time with your PSA testing!
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