Recurrence of Prostate Cancer

How to Determine Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Patients who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis may be concerned that even if the cancer is removed once, it could come back again. Fortunately, the statistics for men who are diagnosed with this disease are mostly positive, with nearly 100 percent of patients living at least 5 years after the initial diagnosis and three-fourths living 15 years or longer. Although no one can tell for certain whether prostate cancer will return, there are many good tests and biological markers to help determine the likelihood of a recurrence of prostate cancer.

Know the risk factors for prostate cancer recurrence. 

One factor is whether there was cancer in the lymph nodes at the time of the initial diagnosis. Cancers that spread to the lymph nodes around the pelvic region increase the risk for a recurrence of prostate cancer later on.

Ask about the size of your initial tumor. 

As a general rule, the larger the initial tumor, the greater the risk of a recurrence. Although tumor size isn't the only way to learn how to determine prostate cancer recurrence, larger tumors may mean the patient should have more frequent diagnostic tests to catch a recurrence of prostate cancer early on.

Learn about cancer staging. 

When it comes to predicting the recurrence of prostate cancer, the staging of the initial cancer may be one of the best indicators. More advanced cancers often have a higher rate of recurrence. The staging also impacts the treatment protocol and the future outlook for the patient.

Study the levels on the Gleason score. 

This method for grading prostate cancer offers insight into the advancement of the disease as well as the risk factors for prostate cancer recurrence. At grade 1, cancer cells look very much like normal prostate cells. In grades 2 through 4, the patterns of the prostate cells begin to vary. By grade 5, cells no longer resemble normal prostate cells and are scattered haphazardly throughout the area. Higher Gleason scores usually mean more aggressive cancer and a higher risk for recurrence.

Ask your doctor about use of the Han tables for knowing how to determine prostate cancer recurrence. These tables, developed urologists Misop Han, M.D., Alan W. Partin, M.D., Ph.D., and Patrick C. Walsh, M.D., are based on data collected from numerous cancer patients to help predict the risk factors for prostate cancer recurrence, both before and after surgical treatment.

Take steps to lower your risk of prostate cancer recurrence by having your prostate checked regularly after cancer treatment. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test continues to be one of the most administered tests to determine a recurrence of prostate cancer. The simple blood test measures PSA levels in the blood, which can detect the presence of disease in the body. A similar, but newer, test, known as the AccuPSA is specifically used for early detection of a recurrence of prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy.

Educate yourself about the various risk factors and available tests so you can take charge of your health after a prostate cancer diagnosis. By knowing your risk factors, possible signs of prostate cancer and the various diagnostic tests available to you, you can effectively lower your risk factors for a prostate cancer recurrence in the future.

How to Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Unfortunately, there's no surefire method to staving off prostate cancer. But there are a bunch of ways you can help your body and help yourself to stay as healthy as possible -- and limit your chances of getting prostate cancer, even if it runs in your family. Here's how.

• Understand how the prostate gland works.
• Refer to Dorlands Medical Dictionary 27th edition page 1367,the prostoglandin pathway, illustrates the pictorial diagram and all the enzymes are needed for its function.
• Change your diet. Zinc is essential for prostate function, consume that in a supplement or eat pumpkin seeds 2 cups a week.
• Most men have low back compression in their L5 vertebra and that specific vertebra controls your prostate function, colon function and your hamstring strength.
• Lay forward on a yoga ball an open your low back by laying on your belly and chest on the ball.
• This will increase circulation to your prostate, thighs, legs and feet.
• Consult a Doctor of Chiropractic for low back adjustments

Tips to reduce the risk of prostate cancer

Stretch your low back on a yoga ball.
Consume high zinc foods, but beware of zinc overdose.
Consume more fiber as the colon and prostate are close to another.
Consult a Doctor of Chiropractic for low back adjustments.
Saw Palmetto extract has had some effect in prostate health.

Warning!! If you are experiencing thigh pain on both sides, you need to see a doctor ASAP.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Prostate-Cancer-Recurrence
http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-the-Risk-of-Prostate-Cancer