Sunlight & diet
I live in a subtropical area and get lots of sun. Do you suppose that vitamin D somehow influences prostate cancer? How? For several years I have been taking a dietary supplement that contains Saw palmetto and zinc, which supposedly gives some protection. Do such supplements work in your opinion?
As a specialist
Ulla Timonen, Senior Medical Advisor, Orion
Answer Vitamin D is synthesised by the body upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. It plays a critical role in calcium absorption and bone health, and deficiency in the vitamin can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Recent research has also suggested that vitamin D can help prevent autoimmune disorders and a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Some scientists have stated that if everyone increased the amount of time they spent in the sun, far more lives would be saved from cancers prevented than would be lost from increased skin cancer cases.
In the near future, OrionNOW will run a special feature on vitamin D. Please read more on the subject in those articles.
Saw palmetto is an alternative supplement sold in health food stores for treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and "urinary difficulty" in men. The mechanism of action mimics the pharmacologic action of finasteride (decreasing also PSA values) used for the treatment of prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, saw palmetto potentially interferes with PSA levels in men and decreases prostate cancer detection.
The supplement of zinc, especially taken in higher doses than recommended, can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
It’s very important that doctors and patients communicate with each other, which means that patients should inform their doctors about their use of any over-the-counter vitamins, minerals, or herbs.
We can't change our genes, but changes in our lifestyle, especially regarding diet and exercise, can make a difference when it comes to prostate cancer prevention. These are factors we can take control of to be proactive in preventing the disease. Remember, it is important to speak to your doctor before embarking on a diet plan that includes dramatically increasing your consumption of any one food.
Implant for
prostate cancer
Are hormone capsules as effective a treatment for prostate cancer as injections?
As a specialist
Ulla Timonen, Senior Medical Advisor, Orion
Answer Prostate cancer can be treated with hormones by means of a capsule which is implanted under the skin. The capsule is small and flexible, narrow and sticklike. It is inserted under the skin once a year. The capsule releases the active ingredient continuously for 12 months. Treatment with hormone capsules has been proven to be at least as effective as comparable treatments with injections.
The patient may experience some pain locally after the capsule has been inserted or removed. Bruising and redness may also occur. These symptoms do not usually require any treatment, and will clear away in a fortnight.
There are local adverse effects with injections, too. These are similar to the effects of other products that are injected to the tissue under skin. A stinging sensation is very common after injections. The point of injection is often tingling, sore and bruised. Redness is also common around the point of injection.
The common adverse effects of capsules are mainly caused by the changes in hormone production. The same applies to injections. Hot flashes (reddening of the face and/or neck) are the most common adverse effect.
Is there always a tumour?
Can the enlargement of the prostate be caused by something else than a tumour? How often is the enlargement caused by a tumour and what other causes are there? Is the medication always the same?
As a specialist
Ulla Timonen, Senior Medical Advisor, Orion
Answer Enlargement of the prostate, which is also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a normal part of ageing. While it rarely occurs among men under 50, some 45 per cent of those over 50 have enlarged prostates. Of those over 60, some 80 per cent have enlarged prostates, and 40 per cent of them suffer from the common symptoms. An enlarged prostate may cause pooling of urine in the bladder and an inability to empty the bladder.
An enlarged prostate can be treated in many ways. The doctor chooses the most suitable treatment after discussing the case with the patient.
Prostate cancer screening should be initiated if the urination-related symptoms develop quickly (within a few months) or if the patient is young (under 50). Prostate cancer is caused when cells in the prostate start to become malignant. It affects mostly older men, i.e., those over 70. The average age of becoming ill is 71. Only 9 per cent of patients diagnosed are under 60.
The prostate cancer patient does not necessarily experience any symptoms during the early stages of the illness. There is no typical symptom to help identify the illness either. A prostate cancer patient may have symptoms similar to those of BPH.
Suitable treatment depends on many factors, the most important of which include the degree of spreading and growth classification of the prostate cancer, the patient’s age, general condition and other illnesses.
Will erections become weaker?
Can the enlargement of the prostate or Tamsulosin Hydrochloride medication weaken the male libido and the ability to get an erection?
As a specialist
Ulla Timonen, Senior Medical Advisor, Orion
Answer Men who have urination-related symptoms often experience problems in sexual functions, too. This is because urination-related symptoms notably decrease their sexual activity and satisfaction in sexual life.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride is one of the ingredients which cause smooth muscle relaxation in the prostate and the urethra, making urinating easier because the urea passes more easily through the urethra.
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride does not hamper the male sexual functions. On the contrary, once the urination-related symptoms ease, the male sexual functions improve, too.