Prostate cancer affects the prostate, a walnut sized gland found at the base of the bladder which is responsible for producing the liquid component of semen. According to the U.K. health care provider, Bupa, the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but it is most likely to affect men over 50 and may run in families. Symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent or difficult urination and possibly, blood in the semen or urine. Surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy are treatments for prostate cancer. Some supplements may help alleviate prostate cancer symptoms and aid recovery, but there is no evidence that these can cure the cancer itself. Always consult a health care professional before taking any supplement.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a flowering herb with a long history of use as a medicinal treatment. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), milk thistle is used to slow the growth of cancer cells. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center website notes that there is no scientific evidence to show that milk thistle can slow the progression of prostate cancer. Milk thistle may cause gastrointestinal problems and an allergic reaction in some people. Do not take milk thistle if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia as it may lower blood sugar levels.
Saw Palmetto
The herb saw palmetto is sometimes used to treat prostate cancer, notes MedlinePlus. According to an article published in 2006 in the medical journal "Nutrition and Cancer," saw palmetto inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro; however, lead author R.M. Bonnar-Pizzorno notes that there is no evidence that saw palmetto can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated, although it may cause nausea, constipation and headache. Do not take saw palmetto if you are scheduled to undergo surgery within two weeks as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Lycopene
Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and guava, may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. According to data from a preclinical trial published in October 2010 in "Prostate," a lycopene-enriched diet produced significant chemo-preventive activity in a mouse prostate cancer model. However, an article published in the October 2008 issue of "Cancer Letters" notes that while lycopene supplementation appears safe, further clinical studies of lycopene are needed to confirm its anticancer properties.
