Getting a diagnosis of prostate cancer is no doubt difficult to deal with. Many of the standard treatments available are harsh and may greatly impact your quality of life. Because of these factors, many people are turning to alternative or complementary treatments for prostate cancer to enjoy a more natural approach to healing.
Prostate Cancer Definition
Prostate cancer results in the development of a tumor in the prostate, or the gland that is responsible for producing seminal fluid, which is what sperm are suspended in. Many men are terrified of this diagnosis because it may result in erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Most forms of this cancer are slow-growing; however, some are aggressive and require immediate intervention.
Standard Treatments
Typical treatments for prostate cancer involve using radiation to kill the cancer cells within the gland. A beam of X-rays are targeted at the prostate from outside the body in an attempt to kill the cells, though this runs the risk of killing healthy tissue as well. Seed implants are also used to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the prostate. Surgery is sometimes used to remove the entire prostate and prevent spreading of the disease. However, this can cause damage to tissue and nerves nearby, resulting in impotence or incontinence. Another standard treatment is hormone therapy, which is used to stop the production of testosterone, a hormone that can encourage the growth of prostate cancer.
Supplements
Those seeking alternative prostate cancer treatments may find that using supplements and herbs is the most effective route. A popular choice is called PC-SPES, which is used in Chinese medicine and contains eight herbs to combat prostate disease. As with many supplements, it can cause side effects and has been taken off the market as a combination, though the individual herbs are still available, which include licorice, Panax pseudo-ginseng, skullcap, saw palmetto, isatis, chrysanthemum, Ganoderma lucidum and Rabdosia rubescens. Another option is shark cartilage, which is believed to prevent blood vessels to tumors from growing. Additionally, there's chaparral, which is taken from a shrub and is used in some alternative cancer treatments. However, it has been linked to liver failure.
Meditation & Yoga
A safer alternative treatment plan than supplements involves using the mind-body connection to promote healing. Some people find meditation and yoga extremely soothing and helpful in combating cancer. By focusing the mind on your breathing, you become more in tune with yourself and use that focus to concentrate on getting better. Other mind-body treatments include hypnosis and biofeedback, which focus on developing a subconscious healing system and an awareness of involuntary bodily functions so you can control them.
Vitamins & Minerals
Taking certain vitamins and minerals is thought to help your body better fight prostate cancer. While perhaps not effective on its own, supplementing with vitamins and minerals can keep your immune system strong and make more traditional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy more effective. Vitamin E has shown to limit prostate cancer cell growth, while lycopene slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells. You can supplement with two 15 mg tablets a day or just eat plenty of watermelon and tomatoes.
Acupuncture & Homeopathy
Acupuncture is another possible prostate cancer treatment, usually after the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. It works to reduce pain in targeted areas of the body and can make the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy more tolerable. Homeopathy often works well as a palliative treatment for prostate cancer. Conium or spotted hemlock is usually suggested by the homeopath after a prostatectomy has been performed to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
