Cancer of Prostate

If you’ve ever had the faintest concern about your prostate and the possibility of cancer, you’ve probably turned to the internet to do some research. What you’ve immediately run into has been a confusing assortment of contradictory claims.  Some articles maintain that Vitamin E will protect you. Others recommend multivitamins. Yet others, zinc or beta-carotene.  

And let’s not forget the big scare of 2007, which had headlines screaming that prostate vitamins might actually increase the risk of cancer.

Where to turn for the simple truth?
Well, a little further research into the the National Cancer Institutes 2006-2007 actual study should reassure you that the media may have been doing what they do best all too often – scaremongering for the sake of a good story. A closer look at the actual study indicates there was only an increase in aggressive cancer noted when the subjects regularly took prostate vitamins in excess of the recommended dosage. Of the 1,476 men who developed cancer of prostate requiring aggressive treatment during the study, the 12% fatality rate proved to be one third higher than among the group who stuck religiously to the recommended vitamin dosage.

The Actual Study Results Tell You What Really Counts
Karla Lawson, who submitted the paper showing the results, warns that the association between advanced cancer and extreme vitamin use is imprecise.  Other experts not connected with the 2006-2007 study have put forth the theory that massive doses of vitamins and minerals actually nourish existing tumors, causing them to grow.

Its tempting to start treating yourself prophylactically, if your family has a history of cancer of prostate, especially if you are no longer young. Lawsons study seems to firmly caution against this.

The truth is, its not a good idea to overdo any health regime. Moderation should be the key ” and dosing oneself without guidance can actually cause serious harm in that it can trick you into thinking you don’t need that doctors checkup.

Yes, there are things you can and should do to stay healthy as you grow older. Not all of them will prevent cancer, but physically they may make you feel more lively. You’ve heard them all before, Im sure ” but one tip you wont want to miss:

# Eat healthily

# Exercise

# Get lots of rest

# Focus on the positives in life ” what you want in your life, not what you don’t want.

# Take whatever prostate vitamins your doctor recommends (but never exceeding the recommended maximum dose – not even by a single pill.)

* Finally, the only proven cancer-preventive habit  ” don’t miss those regular checkups with your family doctor!