Prostate Cancer Therapies

Prostate cancer therapies run the gamut with traditional treatments, homeopathic remedies, and diet plans. Patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer oftentimes want to hear about all of their options in terms of treatments that will help them fight the cancer. Many men fear surgery because this can lead to impotence, which is not something a man wants to face, regardless of his age.

Today, radiation therapies are highly recommended and they can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to kill the tumor and any cancer cells that may have spread. There are various forms of radiation therapies, though the most common are 3D Conformal Radiation, External Beam Radiation, High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and TomoTherapy HI-ART. Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor may recommend one approach over another.

Chemotherapy given in smaller dosages over an extended period of time seems to help patients fight cancer with fewer side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and mouth sores. Hormone therapy can also help men fight prostate cancer by lowering the levels of testosterone in the body. The problem with hormone therapy is that men can develop feminine features, such as enlarged breasts, and they may experience hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Effective Prostate Cancer Therapies

Exercise and diet are also important in fighting prostate cancer. It is advised that patients avoid red meats, eggs, and dairy products in order to effectively manage this disease. Regular exercise can keep the pounds off as well as fight stress, both of which are important when dealing with cancer of any kind. Counseling may be advisable for men undergoing prostate cancer treatment, as this disease can be just as challenging emotionally as it is physically.