DESCRIPTION

BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland at the base of the bladder that encircles the urethra, the tube through which urine is voided and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces prostatic (seminal) fluid, which makes up the bulk of the male ejaculate and nourishes and transports the sperm out of the man's body as part of semen.



Male hormones (androgens) make the prostate grow. The testicles are the main source of male hormones, including testosterone. The adrenal gland also makes testosterone, but in small amounts. If the prostate grows too large, it squeezes the urethra. This may slow or stop the flow of urine from the bladder to the penis.

Cancer of the prostate gland is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in this country. Only skin cancer is more common. Out of every 3 men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, one is diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is primarily a disease of aging. Men in their 30s and 40s rarely develop prostate cancer, but the incidence increases steadily after the age of 50. Approximately 80 percent of all cases occur in men over the age of 65, and by the age of 80 years of age, 80 percent of all men have prostate cancer to some degree. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually, and over 29,000 men die from the disease. A male baby born today has a 13 percent chance of developing prostate cancer at some time in his life, and a 3 percent chance of dying from the disease. Many experts feel that every man will eventually develop prostate cancer if he lives long enough.

According to the National Cancer Institute: Estimated new cases and deaths from prostate cancer in the United States in 2008: New cases: 186,320 Deaths: 28,660

It is good news that prostate cancer deaths have been declining for the last 10 years, which many experts believe to be the result of better screening and earlier diagnosis. If diagnosed early enough, 99.3 percent of the men diagnosed survive.

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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Although it is relatively common, in most cases prostate cancer is, fortunately, a slow-growing cancer. Most prostate cancers originate near the urethra. Lymphatic vessels leading from the prostate gland to the pelvic lymph nodes provide a route for prostate cancer to spread to other areas of the body. Prostate cancers double in mass every 6 years, on average (by comparison, breast cancer commonly double every 3-1/2 years).

Possible symptoms of prostate cancer can include one or more of the following urinary problems:

• Pain or a burning sensation during urination.
• Frequent urination.
• A decrease in the size and force of urine flow.
• An inability to urinate.
• Blood in the urine.

Other common symptoms besides urinary problems may include:

• Difficulty having an erection.
• Blood in the semen.
• Continuing discomfort in the regions of the lower back, suprapubic (above the pubis), pelvis or hips, or upper thighs.

However, the disease often causes no symptoms at all until it reaches the advanced stage and/or spreads outside the gland. In addition, these symptoms most often are caused not by the cancer, but by an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an infection, or other health problem.

Any man with these symptoms should consult with his health care provider so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. He may need to see his regular practitioner or a urologist. A urologist is a practitioner whose specialty is diseases of the urinary system.

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CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

The exact cause or causes of prostate cancer are not known. Health care providers often can not explain why one man develops prostate cancer and another does not. However, it is known that prostate cancer is not contagious and you can not catch it from another person. Research has shown that men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for prostate cancer and that these have been linked to its development:

• Men aged 65 and older. Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. This disease is rare in men younger than 45. The chance of getting it goes up sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.



• African-American men. Prostate cancer is more common in African-American men than in white men, including Hispanic white men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men.



• Men who have a first degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer are at increased risk.



• Certain prostate changes may increase the risk. Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.



• The incidence is higher among married men then it is among unmarried men.



• Men who have recurring prostate infection (prostatitis) are at an increased risk.


MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Prostatitis (Prostate Infection)


• A history of sexually transmitted disease (STD).


MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)


• Taking testosterone supplements to raise testosterone levels. Male sex hormones such as testosterone make prostate tumors grow.



• Exposure to cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals increases risk as well.


MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Teratogens


• Researchers have found a link between a diet high animal fat and/or meat and low in fruits & Vegetables may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer. This type of diet raises testosterone levels, which could then stimulate growth of the prostate, including any cancer cells it may be harboring.



• In the past, some studies have suggested that vasectomy may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, although other studies contradict this hypothesis. Today, most studies have not found an increased risk of prostate cancer for men who have had a vasectomy. A vasectomy is surgery to cut or tie off the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles. It is a form of permanent contraception (birth control).

Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. You can help protect yourself by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible.

Scientists have also studied whether BPH, obesity, smoking, a virus passed through sex, or lack of exercise might increase the risk for prostate cancer. At this time, these are not clear risk factors.

Most men who have known risk factors do not get prostate cancer. On the other hand, men who do get the disease often have no known risk factors, except for growing older.

If you think you may be at risk, you should talk with your health care provider. Your health care provider may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a schedule for checkups.

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PREVENTION

There is no known way to prevent the disease, but early detection can make it possible to catch the cancer before it spreads to other sites in the body. A careful digital rectal exam of the prostate is the simplest and most cost-effective approach for detecting prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that every man have an annual exam beginning at the age of 40. The American Urological Association suggests beginning at age 50.



TREATMENT

TYPES OF TUMORS & PROSTATE CANCER

Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems. The 3 most common prostate problems are:

• Infection (prostatitis).
• Enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia).
• Prostate cancer (malignant tumor).

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Prostatitis (Prostate Infection)

BENIGN TUMORS

Benign tumors are not cancer.

Benign tumors are rarely life-threatening.

Generally, benign tumors can be removed. They usually do not grow back.

Cells from benign tumors do not invade the tissues around them.

Cells from benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells. The prostate grows larger as a man ages and may squeeze the urethra. This prevents the normal flow of urine. BPH is a very common problem. A tumor can make the prostate bigger. In the United States, most men over the age of 50 have symptoms of BPH. For some men, symptoms may be severe enough to need treatment.

These changes, or an infection, can cause problems passing urine. Sometimes men in their 30s and 40s may begin to have these urinary symptoms and need medical attention. For others, symptoms are not noticed until much later in life. Be sure to tell your health care provider if you have any urinary symptoms:

• If you are passing urine more during the day.
• If you have an urgent need to pass urine.
• If you have less urine flow.
• If you feel burning with you pass urine.
• If you need to get up many times during the night to pass urine.

MALIGNANT TUMORS

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Malignant tumors are cancer.

Malignant tumors are generally more serious than benign tumors. They may be life-threatening.

Malignant tumors often can be removed. But sometimes they grow back.

Cells from malignant tumors can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.

Cells from malignant tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancer cells spread by breaking away from the original (primary) tumor and entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The cells invade other organs and form new tumors that damage these organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

When prostate cancer spreads, cancer is often found in nearby lymph nodes. If cancer has reached these nodes, it also may have spread to other lymph nodes, the bones, or other organs. When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. For example, if prostate cancer spreads to bones, the cancer cells in the bones are actually prostate cancer cells. The disease is metastatic prostate cancer, not bone cancer. For that reason, it is treated as prostate cancer, not bone cancer. Health care providers call the new tumor "distant" or metastatic disease.

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DIAGNOSING PROSTATE CANCER

Your health care provider can check you for prostate cancer before you have any symptoms. Screening can help practitioners find and treat cancer early. But studies so far have not shown that screening tests reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer. You may want to talk with your health care provider about the possible benefits and harms of being screened. The decision to be screened, like many other medical decisions, is a personal one. You should decide after learning the pros and cons of screening.

The digital rectal exam and PSA test can detect a problem in the prostate. They cannot show whether the problem is cancer or a less serious condition. Your health care provider will use the results of these tests to help decide whether to check further for signs of cancer.



DIGITAL RECTAL EXAM

The health care provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall. The prostate is checked for hard or lumpy areas.

PSA BLOOD TESTS

A blood test to detect elevated levels of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an excellent screening test for prostate cancer. PSA is currently the most valuable "tumor marker" available to diagnose and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy for prostate cancer. A PSA test result between 0 and 4 is considered to be within the normal range. A level between 4 and 10 may raise a health care provider's suspicion, and scores above 50 may indicate a tumor that has spread to elsewhere in the body. High PSA levels can be caused by factors other than cancer, including benign enlargement (BPH) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), an activity as innocuous as bicycle riding, or even the rectal exam itself.



If a man's PSA level is found to be high, the test should always be repeated, because it does yield false-positive or false-negative results an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the time. Having the test repeated every year may help a health care provider to better interpret the results. In healthy men, PSA levels tend to remain relatively stable, rising only gradually from year to year, while cancer causes the levels to rise more dramatically.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound scanning of the prostate is often done to follow up on an abnormal rectal exam or PSA test.

MoonDragon's ObGyn Procedures: Ultrasound

OTHER TESTS & EXAMINATIONS

Other diagnostic tests, including computerized tomography (CT) scans, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary, but are costly.

TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND

The health care practitioner inserts a probe into the man's rectum to check for abnormal areas. The probe sends out sound waves that people cannot hear (ultrasound). The waves bounce off the prostate. A computer uses the echoes to create a picture called a sonogram.

CYSTOSCOPY

The health care practitioner uses a thin, lighted tube to look into the urethra and bladder to check for abnormalities.



TRANSRECTAL BIOPSY

Ultimately, if a test result points consistently to the presence of cancer, a tissue diagnosis must be done to confirm it. This can be done only by microscopic examination of a needle biopsy, preferably directed under ultrasound control.

A biopsy is the removal of tissue to look for cancer cells. It is the only sure way to diagnose prostate cancer. The health practitioner takes small tissue samples from many area of the prostate. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle. A pathologist checks for cancer cells in the tissue.

You may want to ask the health care practitioner these questions before having a biopsy: Where will the biopsy take place? Will I have to go to the hospital? How long will the biopsy take? Will I be awake for the procedure? Will the biopsy procedure hurt? What are the risks associated with the biopsy procedure? What are the chances of infection or bleeding after the biopsy? How long will it take me to recover? How soon will I know the results? If I do have cancer, who will talk to me about the next steps? When?

If Cancer Is Not Found: If the physical exam and test results do not suggest cancer, your health care provider may suggest medicine to reduce symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. Surgery also can relieve these symptoms. The surgery most often used in such cases is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP or TUR). In TURP, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine. You should talk to your health care provider about the best treatment option.

If Cancer Is Found: If cancer is present, the pathologist studies tissue samples from the prostate under a microscope to report the grade of the tumor. The grade tells how much the tumor tissue differs from normal prostate tissue. It suggests how fast the tumor is likely to grow. Tumors with higher grades tend to grow faster than those with lower grades. They are also more likely to spread. One system of grading prostate cancer uses G1 through G4. Another way of grading is with the Gleason score. The pathologist gives each area of cancer a grade of 1 through 5. The pathologist adds the two most common grades together to make a Gleason score. Or the pathologist may add the most common grade and the highest (most abnormal) grade to get the score. Gleason scores can range from 2 to 10.

Repeated biopsies may be needed in some cases. This invasive procedure may itself cause complications. Bleeding, urinary retention, impotence, and sepsis ("blood poisoning") have been reported.

THE GLEASON SCORE

Another important measure, the Gleason Score, gauges the probable aggressiveness of a tumor based on the cellular characteristics of the cancer. Tumor cells that look more similar to normal cells tend to be less aggressive, while those that are distributed randomly with uneven edges are likely to spread rapidly.

The Gleason score was invented in 1966 by Dr. Donald Gleason, a pathologist. He based the score on information derived from studies of the biopsies of nearly 3,000 patients who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pathologists worldwide rely on the Gleason score. The score provides an effective measurement that helps your health care provider determine how severe your prostate cancer is, based on the appearance of the cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. All cancer looks abnormal to a pathologist, but low-grade cancers have cells that often look similar to healthy cells from the gland or organ that has been affected by the cancer. As a result, the pathologist can recognize that he/she is looking at prostate cells under the microscope. But when the cancer is aggressive, the cancer cells look less and less like normal prostate cells (or any other kind of cells).

Pathologists find the Gleason grading system to be very reliable. For example, if the Gleason score indicates that the cancer is an intermediate risk prostate cancer (a Gleason score of 7) it nearly always is an intermediate risk. As a result, health care providers can make predictions from Gleason grades. The more distorted and aggressive the cancer looks, the higher the Gleason grade, and the more aggressive the cancer behaves in the body.



Understanding How It Works

The lowest number on the Gleason grade scale is 1, and the highest is 5. Two Gleason grade numbers are actually determined and then added up to get the final Gleason score. The pathologist looks at the biopsied tissue samples through a microscope to determine where the cancer is the most prominent (the primary grade) and then where it is next most prominent (the secondary grade). Next, he assigns a score from 1 to 5 to each area: one score for the primary grade and one score for the secondary grade. The Gleason score is the sum of the primary and secondary grades. As a result, the total score can be anything from a 2 (1 + 1) to a 10 (5 + 5).



Interpreting The Results

The lower the score, the better. A combined Gleason score of 10 is very bad (although there are still many treatments that health care providers can offer men with high Gleason scores). Here's how the scores break down:

• Scores from 2 to 4 are very low on the cancer aggression scale.
• Scores from 5 to 6 are mildly aggressive.
• A score of 7 indicates that the cancer is moderately aggressive.
• Scores from 8 to 10 indicate that the cancer is highly aggressive.

Here is a tricky little feature of the Gleason score for you to keep in mind: The Gleason score usually is reported with the primary cancer number given first, and the secondary cancer number reported second. For example, if Harry Smith's Gleason score is reported as a 4 + 3 = 7, the primary cancer number is a 4, and the secondary cancer number is a 3. Add them up, and they equal a total Gleason score of 7. But remember, not all Gleason scores are equal.

It may sound strange, but if the pathologist classifies John Jones with Gleason scale numbers of 3 and 4, which gives him a Gleason total score of 7, John is actually in a little better shape, cancer-wise, than Harry. Here's why: When the primary grade (the first number) is 3, it means that the cancer has not advanced as far with cellular deterioration as cancer with a primary grade of 4 (such as is the case with Smith's score). Even though their total scores still equal 7, John's and Harry's Gleason scores are not exactly the same.

So if you want to know the real deal on your Gleason score, get a breakdown of the two numbers that comprise the score. Ask your health care provider for your Gleason score, starting with the primary grade first, followed by the secondary grade and then the total.

The Gleason score from the prostate biopsy (which is just a few slivers of tissue from the cancer) may not be exactly the same as the score the pathologist calculates after surgery, when he/she is able to look at all the cancer in the entire prostate. Sometimes the score goes up a little, and sometimes it goes down a little. Discuss the results of your post treatment biopsy with your urologist if there is a difference in scores. Do not be afraid to get a second or even third opinion about the results.

For more information about the Gleason Score or Gleason Grading system, see these links:

Prostate-Cancer.org: Gleason Score - Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness On Biopsy

Gleason Grading, Understanding It

Prostate Cancer Survivors - Gleason Score At Diagnosis

Making the Grade with the Gleason Score - For Dummies

PSA-Rising: Biopsy, Gleason & Your Prostate

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CANCER STAGING

To plan your treatment, your health care practitioner needs to know the extent (stage) of the disease. The stage is based on the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate and, if so, where it has spread. You may have blood tests to see if the cancer has spread. Some men also may need imaging tests:

• Bone Scan: The practitioner injects a small amount of a radioactive substance into a blood vessel. It travels through the bloodstream and collects in the bones. A machine called a scanner detects and measures the radiation. The scanner makes pictures of the bones on a computer screen or on film. The pictures may show cancer that has spread to the bones.



• CT Scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside your body. Practitioners often use CT scans to see the pelvis or abdomen.



• MRI: A strong magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside your body.

These are the stages of prostate cancer:

Stage I: The cancer cannot be felt during a digital rectal exam. It is found by chance when surgery is done for another reason, usually for BPH. The cancer is only in the prostate.

Stage II: The cancer is more advanced, but it has not spread outside the prostate.

Stage III: The cancer has spread outside the prostate. It may be in the seminal vesicles. It has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage IV: The cancer may be in nearby muscles and organs (beyond the seminal vesicles). It may have spread to the lymph nodes. It may have spread to other parts of the body.

Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back (recurred) after a time when it could not be detected. It may recur in or near the prostate. Or it may recur in any other part of the body, such as the bones.

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CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT

Getting a Second Opinion
Treatment Methods
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Watchful Waiting

Many men with prostate cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their care. It is natural to want to learn all you can about prostate cancer and your treatment choices. However, shock and stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want to ask your health care provider. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.

To help remember what your health care provider says, you may take notes or ask whether you may use a tape recorder. You may also want to have your partner, other family member or friend with you when you talk to your health care provider. They may be able to help you to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen and offer emotional support.

You do not need to ask all your questions at once. You will have other chances to ask your health care provider to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more details. Your practitioner may refer you to a specialist, or you may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat prostate cancer include urologists, urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, or radiation oncologists.

GETTING A SECOND OPINION

Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if you or your health care provider requests it. It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another practitioner. Usually it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, the delay in starting treatment will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with your health care provider. Some men with prostate cancer need treatment right away.

There are a number of ways to find a practitioner for a second opinion:

• Your health care provider may refer you to one or more specialists. At cancer centers, several specialists often work together as a team. However, if you are concerned about going to an associated practitioner or feel that the outcome may be biased because they work together as a team, you can make arrangements to see someone outside of your practitioner's "circle" for a unbiased second opinion.



• National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell you about nearby treatment centers. Information Specialists also can provide online assistance through NCI's LiveHelp Online Chat.



• A local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can usually provide the names of specialists in your region.



• The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has a list of practitioners who have had training and passed exams in their specialty. You can find this list in the Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists. This Directory is in most public libraries. Also, ABMS offers this information at www.abms.org. (Click on "Who's Certified.")



• NCI provides a helpful fact sheet called How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer.

TREATMENT METHODS

Men with prostate cancer have many treatment options. The treatment that is best for one man may not be best for another. Treatment is individualized for each man. Be sure to become familiar with each method available and make an informed decision about what is best for you. Do your research on your own and make a list of questions to present to your health care provider before deciding your treatment plan.

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy. You may have a combination of treatments. If your health care provider recommends watchful waiting, your health will be monitored closely. You will have treatment only if symptoms occur or get worse.

Cancer treatment is either local therapy or systemic therapy:

• Local Therapy: Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. They remove or destroy cancer in the prostate. When prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, local therapy may be used to control the disease in those specific areas.



• Systemic Therapy: Hormone therapy is systemic therapy. Hormones are given to control cancer that has spread.

The treatment that is right for you depends on the stage of the cancer, the grade of the tumor, your symptoms, and your general health. Your health care provider will describe your treatment choices and the expected results.

Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each man, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. You should consider both the expected benefits and possible side effects of each treatment option. You may want to discuss with your practitioner the possible effects on sexual activity. You can work with your health care provider to create a treatment plan that reflects your medical needs and personal values.

At any stage of disease, supportive care is available to control pain and other symptoms, to relieve the side effects of treatment, and to ease emotional concerns. You may want to talk to your health care provider about taking part in a clinical trial, a research study of new treatment methods.

You may want to ask health care provider these questions before your treatment begins: What is the stage of the disease? Do any lymph nodes show signs of cancer? Has the cancer spread? What is the grade of the tumor? What is the goal of treatment? What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why? What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment? What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can side effects be managed? What can I do to prepare for treatment? Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, for how long? How will treatment affect my normal activities? Will the treatment affect my sex life? Will I have urinary problems? Will I have bowel problems? What will the treatment cost? Will my insurance cover it? Would a clinical trial (research study) be appropriate for me?

SURGERY

Surgery is a common treatment for early stage prostate cancer and if you are in good health. Your surgeon may remove the whole prostate or only part of it. Surgery to remove the prostate is called prostatectomy. In some cases, your surgeon can use a method known as nerve-sparing surgery. This type of surgery may save the nerves that control your bladder and erections. But if you have a large tumor or a tumor that is very close to the nerves, you may not be able to have this surgery. Each type of surgery has benefits and risks. Your health care provider can further describe these types:

• Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: The surgeon removes the entire prostate and nearby lymph nodes through an incision (cut) in the abdomen. He or she can also check nearby lymph nodes for cancer. This approach gives the surgeon a better chance to spare the nerves important for your bladder and erections.



• Radical Perineal Prostatectomy: The surgeon removes the entire prostate through a cut between the scrotum and the anus. Nearby lymph nodes may be removed through a separate cut in the abdomen. This type of surgery is not used as often and your surgeon is not able to check the lymph nodes for cancer. It is also more difficult to spare the nerves that control erections. This approach is used when the cancer is confined to the prostate.



• Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: The surgeon removes the entire prostate and nearby lymph nodes through small incisions, rather than a single long cut in the abdomen. A thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope) is used to help remove the prostate. Laparoscopic surgery is the newest type of surgery to remove the prostate. It is done with smaller incisions using a slender laparoscope with a camera on the end, which may be robotically controlled. The scope is inserted through the navel, and the surgeon can see a highly enlarged image of the prostate on a computer screen. Compared with other types of prostatectomy, this technique may lead to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less blood loss and pain. However, it is fairly new and not widely used. Some surgeons have limited experience with this type of surgery. Since it is newer, researchers have not had the chance to follow its effectiveness for as long as they have for standard surgery.



• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): The surgeon removes part of the prostate with a long, thin device that is inserted through the urethra. The cancer is cut from the prostate. TURP may not remove all of the cancer. But it can remove tissue that blocks the flow of urine.



• Cryosurgery: This type of surgery for prostate cancer is under study at some medical centers. Cryosurgery freezes and thaws tissue to kill prostate cancer with the surgeon being guided by ultrasound. Also called cryotherapy, it is often used when the prostate has more advanced, yet still confined disease, and when surgery is not an option. The prostate is not removed with this approach. Cryosurgery can result in injury to the rectum, incontinence, swelling of the scrotum, pain or numbness in the penis, or blocked urine flow. In 1 in 200 cases, a hole (called a fistula) appears between the rectum and prostate. Results depend highly on the surgeon's skill and experience. Success rates may not be as high as with prostatectomy or with any form of external beam radiation therapy. Long-term results for this type of treatment are not yet known.



• Pelvic Lymphadenectomy: This is routinely done during prostatectomy. The surgeon removes lymph nodes in the pelvis to see if cancer has spread to them. If there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes, the disease may have spread to other parts of the body. In this case, the practitioner may suggest other types of treatment.

AFTER SURGERY

The time it takes to heal after surgery is different for each man and depends on the type of surgery he has had. You may be uncomfortable for the first few days. However, medicine can help control the pain. Before surgery, you should discuss the plan for pain relief with your health care provider. After surgery, your practitioner can adjust the plan if you need more pain relief.

After surgery, the urethra needs time to heal. You will have a catheter. A catheter is a tube put through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. You will have the catheter for 5 days to 3 weeks. Your health care provider will show you how to care for it.

Surgery may cause short-term problems, such as incontinence. After surgery, some men may lose control of the flow of urine (incontinence). Most men regain bladder control after a few weeks.

Some men may become impotent (unable to obtain or maintain an erection). Nerve-sparing surgery is an attempt to avoid the problem of impotence. If a man can have nerve-sparing surgery and the operation is a success, impotence may not last. In some cases, men become permanently impotent. You can talk with your health care provider about medicine and other ways to help manage the sexual effects of cancer treatment.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Impotence

If your prostate is removed, you will no longer produce semen. You will have dry orgasms (no semen will be ejaculated during sexual climax). If you wish to father children, you may consider sperm banking or a sperm retrieval procedure. This stored sperm can be used later to inseminate your partner to have a child.

MoonDragon's ObGyn Pregnancy: Artificial Insemination

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions before choosing surgery: What kinds of surgery can I consider? Is nerve-sparing surgery an option for me? Which operation do you recommend for me? Why? How will I feel after the operation? If I have pain, how can we control it? Will I have any lasting side effects? Is there someone I can talk with who has had the same surgery I will be having?

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high doses of high-energy rays (radiation energy) to kill cancer cells. It affects cells only in the treated area. For early stage prostate cancer that has not spread to other organs, radiation treatment may be used instead of surgery. It also may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain in the area. In later stages of prostate cancer, radiation treatment may be used to help relieve pain. It is also used when you can not have surgery because of your age, health, or personal choice. Health care providers use two types of radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. Some men receive both types:

• External Radiation: Also known as External Beam Radiation, the radiation comes from a large machine outside the body. Men go to a hospital or clinic for treatment. A machine aims radiation at your cancer cells. It rotates around your body, sending radiation from many directions. After the practitioner maps out the exact part of your body that needs radiation, treatment usually happens once a day, 5 days a week, for 6 to 8 weeks. Each treatment session usually lasts about 15 minutes. The latest types of radiation are called 3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). These types of radiation are more precise in destroying cancer while leaving nearby healthy cells and tissues unharmed. They are designed to lower the exposure of the rectum and bladder to radiation to help lessen side effects.



• Internal Radiation: Also known as Implant Radiation Therapy or Brachytherapy. This is a type of internal radiation therapy also called seed implants. Radiation is delivered inside your body by implanting radioactive material (usually contained in small seeds) into the tissue of your prostate. Usually 40 to 130 seeds are inserted into the prostate, depending on the size of your prostate. Each seed has a small amount of radioactive material that emits radiation within an inch of its surroundings. Low-dose seeds are left in the prostate permanently (they do not need to be removed), although their radiation lasts for only 3 to 6 months. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, without a hospital stay.

AFTER RADIATION THERAPY

Both types of radiation can be used together (placing radioactive seeds internally and using external beam radiation to kill any cancer that may be close to the prostate) or with hormone therapy. Side effects depend mainly on the dose and type of radiation. You are likely to be very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Resting is important, but health care providers usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can.

If you have external radiation, you may have diarrhea or frequent and uncomfortable urination. Some men have lasting bowel or urinary problems. Your skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender. You may lose hair in the treated area. The hair may not grow back.

Internal radiation treatment may cause incontinence. This side effect usually goes away. Lasting side effects from internal radiation are not common.

Both internal and external radiation can cause impotence. Internal radiation is less likely to have this effect.

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions before choosing radiation therapy: How will radiation be given? When will treatment start? When will it end? How often will I have treatments? What can I do to take care of myself before, during, and after treatment? How will I feel during treatment? Will I be able to drive myself to and from treatment? How will we know the treatment is working? How will I feel after the radiation? Are there any lasting effects? What is the chance that the cancer will come back in my prostate? How often will I need checkups?

HORMONE THERAPY

Hormone therapy keeps prostate cancer cells from getting the male hormones (androgens) they need to grow. The testicles are the body's main source of the male hormone testosterone. The adrenal gland makes a small amount of testosterone.

Hormone therapy may be used in combination with other treatment, such as radiation therapy, when the tumor is large. Since the male sex hormones such as testosterone make prostate tumors grow, hormone therapy slows a tumor's growth by stopping or blocking testosterone from entering the cancer cells. Hormone therapy can be given for several years. Side effects usually occur during treatment, but they go away after treatment is over. Side effects may include loss of sex drive, impotence, and hot flashes. Hormone treatment uses drugs or testicular removal surgery:

Drugs: Your health care may suggest a drug that can block natural hormones.

• Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) Agonists: These drugs can prevent the testicles from making testosterone. Examples are leuprolide and goserelin.



• Anti-Androgens: These drugs can block the action of male hormones. Examples are flutamide, bicalutamide, and nilutamide.



• Other Drugs: Some drugs can prevent the adrenal gland from making testosterone. Examples are ketoconazole and aminoglutethimide.

Testicle Removal Surgery: Surgery to remove the testicles is called orchiectomy.

AFTER ORCHIECTOMY OR HORMONE THERAPY

After orchiectomy or treatment with an LH-RH agonist, your body no longer gets testosterone from the testicles. However, the adrenal gland still produces a small amount of male hormones. You may receive an anti-androgen to block the action of the male hormones that remain. This combination of treatments is known as total androgen blockade. Studies have not shown whether total androgen blockade is more effective than surgery or an LH-RH agonist alone.

Health care providers can usually control prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body with hormone therapy. The cancer often does not grow for several years. But in time, most prostate cancers can grow with very little or no male hormones. Hormone therapy is no longer helpful. At that time, your health care provider may suggest other forms of treatment that are under study.

Hormone therapy is likely to affect your quality of life. It often causes side effects such as impotence, hot flashes, loss of sexual desire, and weaker bones (osteoporosis). An LH-RH agonist may make your symptoms worse for a short time when you first take it. This temporary problem is called "flare." The treatment gradually causes your testosterone level to fall. Without testosterone, tumor growth slows. Your condition may improve. (To prevent flare, your practitioner may give you an anti-androgen for a while along with the LH-RH agonist.)

Anti-androgens (such as nilutamide) can cause nausea, diarrhea, or breast growth or tenderness. Rarely, they may cause liver problems (pain in the abdomen, yellow eyes, or dark urine). Some men who use nilutamide may have difficulty breathing. Some may have trouble adjusting to sudden changes in light.

If used for a long time, ketoconazole may cause liver problems, and aminoglutethimide can cause skin rashes. If you receive total androgen blockade, you may have more side effects than if you have just one type of hormone treatment.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: The Liver

Any treatment that lowers hormone levels can weaken your bones causing osteoporosis. Your health care provider can suggest medicines or dietary supplements that can reduce your risk of bone fractures.

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Osteoporosis

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Osteoporosis & Calcium

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions before choosing hormone therapy: What kind of hormone therapy will I have? Would you recommend drugs or surgery? Why? When will treatment start? How often will I have treatments? When will the treatments end? Where will I go for treatment? Will I be able to drive home afterward? If I have surgery, how long will I need to stay in the hospital? How will I feel during treatment? What can I do to take care of myself during treatment? How will we know the treatment is working? Which side effects should I tell you about? Will there be lasting side effects?

WATCHFUL WAITING

You may choose watchful waiting if the risks and possible side effects of treatment outweigh the possible benefits. Your health care provider may offer this choice if you are older or have other serious health problems. Your health care provider may also suggest watchful waiting if you are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer that seems to be slowly growing. Your health care provider will offer you treatment if symptoms occur or get worse.

Watchful waiting avoids or delays the side effects of surgery and radiation, but this choice has risks. It may reduce the chance to control cancer before it spreads. Also, it may be harder to cope with surgery and radiation therapy as you age.

You may decide against watchful waiting if you do not want to live with an untreated cancer. If you choose watchful waiting but grow concerned later, you should discuss your feelings with your health care provider. A different approach is nearly always available.

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions before choosing watchful waiting: If I choose watchful waiting, can I change my mind later on? Will the cancer be harder to treat later? How often will I have checkups? Between checkups, what problems should I report?

FOLLOW-UP CARE

Follow-up care after treatment for prostate cancer is important. Even when the cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in the body after treatment. Your health care provider will monitor your recovery and check for recurrence of the cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted and treated if needed. Checkups may include lab tests, x-rays, biopsies, or other tests. Between scheduled visits, you should contact your health care provider if you have any health problems.

SOURCES OF SUPPORT

Learning you have prostate cancer can change your life and the lives of those close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It is normal for you, your family, and your friends to have many different and sometimes confusing feelings. You may worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Your health care provider(s) and other members of your health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.

Friends and relatives can be supportive. Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or online. You may want to talk with a member of your health care team about finding a support group.

You and your partner may be concerned about the effects of prostate cancer on your sexual relationship. You may want to talk with your health care provider about possible treatment side effects and whether these are likely to last. Whatever the outlook, you and your partner may find it helps to discuss your concerns. You can find ways to be intimate during and after treatment. For some couples, it helps to talk with a sex counselor.

RELATED INFORMATION RESOURCES

National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer Home Page

National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Toll-free: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615
NCI Online: www.cancer.gov
Chat Online: www.cancer.gov/cis
Clinical Trials: www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search

OTHER FEDERAL RESOURCES

Medicare - For more information about Medicare benefits, contact:
Toll-free: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Online: www.medicare.gov

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Toll-free: 1-800-891-5390
Online: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

American Cancer Society Man-to-Man Program: This support group of the American Cancer Society offers advice on coping with illness and the side effects of treatment, along with newsletter archives and a directory of prostate cancer publications. Call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visit online at www.cancer.org.

American Urological Association Foundation: The AUA Foundation supports research; provides education to patients, the general public, and health professionals; and offers patient support services for those who have or may be at risk for a urologic disease or disorder. The Foundation provides information on urologic diseases and dysfunctions, including prostate cancer treatment options, bladder health, and sexual function. It also offers prostate cancer support groups (Prostate Cancer Network). Some Spanish language publications are available. Call toll-free 1-800-828-7866 or visit online at www.afud.org.

CancerCare: CancerCare is a national non-profit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology (cancer) social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency's Web site. A section of the CancerCare Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mail in Spanish. Call toll-free 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673) or visit online at www.cancercare.org.

Fertile Hope: Fertile Hope is a national organization that provides reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. The organization offers fertility preservation financial assistance options for patients. Call toll-free 1-888-994-HOPE (1-888-994-4673) or visit online at www.fertilehope.org.

Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides funding for research projects to improve methods of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. It also offers printed resources for prostate cancer survivors and their families. The mission of the Prostate Cancer Foundation is to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Call toll-free 1-800-757-CURE (1-800-757-2873) or visit online at www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.

Us TOO International: Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network is a non-profit education and support group organization with more than 325 chapters throughout the world. It provides men and their families with fellowship, peer counseling, and timely, personalized, unbiased, and reliable information about prostate cancer, enabling informed choices about detection, treatment options, and quality of life after treatment. Call toll-free 1-800-80-USTOO (1-800-808-7866) or visit online at www.ustoo.org.

The Wellness Community: The Wellness Community gives free psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. It offers support groups facilitated by licensed therapists, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events. Call toll-free 1-888-793-WELL (1-888-793-9355) or visit online at www.thewellnesscommunity.org.

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TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Men who have higher levels of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase may be at greater risk for prostate cancer. This is an enzyme that transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of the hormone that promotes the growth of prostate cells.

Prolactin is another hormone that may alter the cells of the prostate gland. Studies have shown that it may promote the growth of prostate cancer. If you have prostate cancer, you may want to consider having your prolactin levels checked. If they are elevated, the drugs bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), and pergolide (Permax) are effective in suppressing the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.

Researchers are looking into the role of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from existing microvessels) in prostate cancer.

PC-Spex, an herbal supplement that had once been shown to reduce PSA in men with advanced prostate cancer, as been withdrawn from the market due to inconsistencies with its formulation, the adulteration of the product with prescription drugs, and other issues. Its maker (BotanicLab) has closed its doors. The Mayo Clinic recommends that any existing supplies of this product be discarded rather than used.

Research is ongoing on genes that may be related to inherited prostate cancer. Some researchers believe that mutated BRCA genes (the gene implicated in some cases of breast cancer) may slightly increase risk of prostate cancer.

With the numerous treatment methods available today, if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is imperative to be educated about your treatment options. You should include your partner in your decisions.

"Watchful waiting," an option that involves no specific treatment, but close monitoring plus nutritional support and lifestyle changes, is becoming the preferred approach if cancer is in the early stages. If symptoms develop or if tests indicate that symptoms are likely to develop, treatment is usually started. The primary benefit of watchful waiting is that the adverse effects of the existing treatment options are avoided. This may be an advantageous for older men who have other serious health problems and for men who have non-aggressive, early stage cancers. The health care provider will continue to observe you, and you will probably need a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination every 6 months and, possibly, a yearly biopsy of the prostate.

If the cancer has not spread outside the gland, surgical options include a radical prostatectomy (removal of the enlarged prostate gland and some tissue around it) or a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In the latter procedure, a device is inserted through the end of the penis and a wire loop is used to cut away the cancerous tissue. This is far less radical than prostatectomy. However, there is some risk of leaving some cancer cells in place. Radiation treatment is sometimes used if the cancer has not spread outside the gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue.

Hormone treatment is aimed at trying to block production of testosterone, which fuels the cancer. This can be done by means of orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testes) or through the use of hormone therapy to suppress the production and action of hormones. For the latter, either goserelin (Zoladex) or leuprolide (Lupron) is given by monthly injections (they are fundamentally the same drug). In addition, bicalutamide (Caso dex), flutamide (Eulexin), or nilutamide (Nilandron) can be taken orally. Together, these agents effectively shut down testosterone production and use by the body. A newer drug, abarelix (Plenaxis), lowers testosterone more quickly but some people are allergic to the drug, which is given by injection. Both orchiectomy and hormone-suppression result in impotence in nearly 100 percent of the cases. Side effects of hormone therapy can include loss of sex drive, hot flashes, and sexual dysfunction.

Men whose cancer does not respond to hormone therapy may benefit from a docetaxel (Taxotene) injection in combination with the steroid prednisone.

Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy or cryoablation) is a treatment method for localized prostate cancer. In this technique, the cancerous cells are frozen by means of a metal probe. This type of treatment is less invasive than radical surgery and there is less blood loss. Brachytherapy (a form of radiation treatment in which tiny pellets containing radioactive material are implanted directly into the prostate) and neoadjuvant therapy (a combination of radiation and hormonal treatment) are other approaches that may be recommended for fighting prostate cancer.

An expensive newer drug, finasteride (Proscar), is sometimes used to treat moderate prostate enlargement. It blocks an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which promotes the growth of prostate tissue. It also reduces the amount of prostate tissue, which can skew the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer.

Estrogens have been used for the treatment of prostate cancer for 60 years. However, they can cause breast growth and other feminizing effects, as well as cardiac complications. Because of these side effects, they are rarely used today.

Dr. Hans Nieper, A German cancer specialist, used Carnivora, a substance derived from a South American plant, to treat prostate cancer. The Institute for Tumor Biology in Freilburg found out how it works. Carnivora blocks the enzymes known as protein kinases in tumor cells, depriving it of necessary proteins. It prevents the angioneogenesis of metastases (the growth of blood vessels supplying tumors) and it decreases the mitosis (cell-division) rate of malignant tumor cells. Additionally, it works by stimulating the immune system.

Several immunotherapies have been approved by the FDA for cancer treatment. Others are still under study. Regarding prostate cancer, in one therapy researchers remove dendritic cells, which regulate the immune system, from the individual's bloodstream and treat them with prostate cancer antigens. There are then infused back into the person's body, where the cells are now better equipped to deal with and attack cancer cells. In other studies, researchers are using a protein that is part of PSA as the basis for a vaccine. Monoclonal antibody research and DNA vaccines are also being explored.

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COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Some men with prostate cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM):

• An approach is generally called complementary medicine when it is used along with standard treatment.
• An approach is called alternative medicine when it is used instead of standard treatment.
• Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets, visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing are types of CAM. Many of these approaches can help relieve side effects of conventional treatments and assist in strengthening the immune system.

Many men say that CAM helps them feel better. However, some types of CAM may change the way standard treatment works. These changes could be harmful. And some types of CAM could be harmful even if used alone. Some types of CAM are expensive. Health insurance may not cover the cost. Consult with your conventional health care provider as well as an complementary/alternative practitioner such as a Naturopath when planning a treatment program that uses both conventional and complementary/alternative medical approaches to recovery.

NUTRITION & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

It is important for men with prostate cancer to take care of themselves. Taking care of yourself includes eating well and staying as active as you can. You need the right amount of calories to maintain a good weight. You also need enough protein to keep up your strength. Eating well may help you feel better and have more energy. Your health care provider (conventional and complementary/alternative), dietitian, or other health care practitioner can suggest a healthy diet.

Many men find they feel better when they stay active. Walking, yoga, swimming, and other exercise can keep you strong and increase your energy. Exercise may reduce pain and make treatment easier to handle. It also can help relieve stress. Whatever physical activity you choose, be sure to talk to your health care provider before you start and physical activity program. Also, if your activity causes you pain or other problems, be sure to let your health care provider know about it.

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NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS - BEFORE TREATMENT

PREPARATION FOR CANCER TREATMENT

When your cancer was first diagnosed, your health care provider talked to you about a treatment plan. This may have involved surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biologic immunotherapy or some combination of those treatments. All of these methods of treating cancer kill cells. In the process of killing the cancer cells, some healthy cells are also damaged. That is what causes the side effects of cancer treatment. Side effects that can affect your ability to eat include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Changes in weight (either losing or gaining weight).
• Sore mouth or throat.
• Dry mouth.
• Dental and gum problems.
• Changes in sense of taste or smell.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Lactose intolerance.
• Constipation.
• Fatigue and/or depression.

You may or may not have any of these side effects. Many factors determine whether you will have any and how severe they will be. These factors include the type of cancer you have, the part of your body being treated, the type and length of treatment, and the dose of treatment. The good news is that if you do have side effects they can often be well-controlled. Most side effects also go away after treatment ends. Your practitioner can tell you more about your chances of having side effects and what they might be like.

NUTRITION RECOMMENDATION CAN BE DIFFERENT FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Recommendations about food and eating for cancer patients can be very different from the usual suggestions for healthful eating. This can be confusing for many patients because these new suggestions may seem to be the opposite of what they have always heard. Nutrition recommendations usually stress eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals; including a moderate amount of meat and dairy products; and cutting back on fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt.

Nutrition recommendations for cancer patients may focus on helping you eat more higher calorie foods that emphasize protein. Recommendations might include eating or drinking more milk, cream, cheese, and cooked eggs. Other suggestions might include increasing your use of sauces and gravies, or changing your cooking methods to include more butter, margarine, or oil. Sometimes, nutrition recommendations for cancer patients suggest that you eat less of certain high- fiber foods because these foods can aggravate problems such as diarrhea or a sore mouth.

Nutrition recommendations for cancer patients are different because they are designed to help build up your strength and help you withstand the effects of your cancer and its treatment. When you are healthy, eating enough food to get the nutrients you need is usually not a problem. During cancer treatment, however, this can become a challenge, especially if you have side effects or simply do not feel well.

CANCER TREATMENT PREPARATION

Until your treatment actually starts, you will not know exactly what, if any, side effects you may have or how you will feel. One way to prepare is to think of your treatment as a time for you to concentrate on yourself and on getting well. Here are some other ways to get ready:

• Think Positively: Many people have few or no eating-related side effects. Even if you do, they may be mild, and most go away after cancer treatment ends. Also, there are new drugs now that can work well to control side effects. Having a positive attitude, talking out your feelings, becoming well-informed about your cancer and treatment, and planning ways to cope can all help reduce worry and anxiety, make you feel more in control, and help you keep your appetite. Give food a chance. Even if you do have eating problems, you will have days when eating is a pleasure.



• Eat a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet is vital for a person's body to work its best. This is even more important for cancer patients. If you have been eating a healthy diet, you will go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defenses against infection. People who eat well are better able to cope with side effects. You may even be able to handle higher doses of certain treatments. For example, we know that some cancer treatments are actually much more effective if the patient is well-nourished and getting enough calories and protein in his or her diet. Do not be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good to you during treatment.



• Plan Ahead: Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods so that you will not need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you are sick. Keep foods handy that need little or no preparation, for example, pudding, peanut butter, tuna fish, cheese, and eggs. Do some cooking in advance and freeze in meal-sized portions. Talk to friends or family members about helping with shopping and cooking. Or, ask a friend or family member to manage that job for you. Talk to a registered dietitian about your concerns and what you might expect. She or he can give you ideas and help you plan meals. Ask for help in developing a grocery list with foods that might help with potential side effects, such as constipation or nausea. Ask about what has worked for other patients.

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NUTRITION DURING CANCER TREATMENT

All the methods of treating cancer - surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy (immunotherapy) - are very powerful. Although these treatments target the fast-growing cancer cells in your body, healthy cells can also be damaged. Healthy cells that normally grow and divide rapidly, such as those in the mouth, digestive tract, and hair, are often affected by cancer treatments. The damage to healthy cells is what produces the unpleasant side effects that cause eating problems.

CANCER TREATMENT	HOW IT CAN AFFECT EATING	POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Surgery	Increases the need for good nutrition. May slow digestion. May lessen the ability of the mouth, throat, and stomach to work properly. Adequate nutrition helps wound-healing and recovery.	Before surgery, a high-protein, high-calorie diet may be prescribed if a patient is underweight or weak. After surgery, some patients may not be able to eat normally at first. They may receive nutrients through a needle in their vein (such as in total parenteral nutrition), or through a tube in their nose or stomach.
Radiation Therapy	As it damages cancer cells, it also may affect healthy cells and healthy parts of the body.	Treatment of head, neck, chest, or breast may cause: Dry mouth. Sore mouth. Sore throat. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Change in taste of food. Dental problems. Increased phlegm. Treatment of stomach or pelvis may cause: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Cramps, bloating
Chemotherapy	As it destroys cancer cells, it also may affect the digestive system and the desire or ability to eat.	Nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite. Diarrhea. Constipation. Sore mouth or throat. Weight gain or loss. Change in taste of food.
Biological Therapy (Immunotherapy)	As it stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells, it can affect the desire or ability to eat.	Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Sore mouth. Severe weight loss. Dry mouth. Change in taste of food. Muscle aches, fatigue, fever.
Hormonal Therapy	Some types can increase appetite and change how the body handles fluids.	Changes in appetite. Fluid retention.

Side effects of cancer treatment vary from patient to patient. The part of the body being treated, the type and length of treatment, and the dose of treatment determine whether side effects will occur. The good news is that not everyone has side effects during treatment, and most side effects go away when treatment ends. Side effects can also be well-controlled with new drugs. Talk to your health care provider about possible side effects from your treatment and what can be done about them. Some eating problems are caused by the treatment itself. Other times, patients may have trouble eating because they are upset, worried, or afraid. Losing your appetite and nausea are two normal responses to feeling nervous or fearful. Once you get into your treatment period and have a better sense of what to expect and how you will react, these anxiety-related eating problems should get better.

While you are in the hospital or undergoing treatment, talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian. They can answer your questions and give you suggestions for specific meals, snacks, and foods, and for dealing with any eating problems you may have. They can also help with dietary preferences that reflect various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Feel free to talk to them if problems arise during your recovery as well. Ask them what has worked for other patients.

Remember, there are not any hard and fast nutrition rules during cancer treatment. Some patients may continue to enjoy eating and have a normal appetite throughout most of their cancer treatment. Others may have days when they do not feel like eating at all; even the thought of food may make them feel sick. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• When you can eat, try to eat meals and snacks with sufficient protein and calories; they will help you keep up your strength, prevent body tissues from breaking down, and rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm.



• Many people find their appetite is better in the morning. Take advantage of this and eat more then. Consider having your main meal of the day early, and have liquid meal replacements later on if you do not feel so interested in eating (see the information on liquid meal replacements).



• If you do not feel well and can eat only one or two things, stick with them until you are able to eat other foods. Try a liquid meal replacement for extra calories and protein.



• On those days when you can not eat at all, do not worry about it. Do what you can to make yourself feel better. Come back to eating as soon as you can, and let your health care provider know if this problem does not get better within a couple of days.



• Try to drink plenty of fluids, especially on those days when you do not feel like eating. Water is essential to your body's proper functioning, so getting enough fluids will ensure that your body has the water it needs. For most adults, 6-8 cups of fluid a day are a good target. Try carrying a water bottle with you during the day. That may help you get into the habit of drinking plenty of fluids. Tables 2 and 3 include many examples of fluids you can try.

COPING WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Practical hints are offered here for coping with treatment side effects that may affect your eating. These suggestions have helped other patients manage the same eating problems that you may have. Try all the ideas to find what works best for you. Share your needs and concerns with your family and friends, particularly those who prepare meals for you. Let them know that you appreciate their support. Keep a treatment journal or diary to keep track of your side effects and use it to monitor how you feel as you go through treatment. Use the second, "Notes," to jot down questions or concerns that you want to discuss with your health care team.

LOSS OF APPETITE

Loss of appetite or poor appetite is one of the most common problems that occurs with cancer and its treatment. No one knows exactly what causes loss of appetite. It may be caused by the treatments or by the cancer itself. Emotions such as fear or depression can also take away a person's appetite. Ask your health care provider, psychoanalyst or social worker about ways to lessen these emotional difficulties. Sometimes it is the side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in food's taste or smell that make a person feel like not eating. If this is the cause, work with your health care provider to get the side effects under better control.

For some people, loss of appetite happens for just a day or two; for others, it's an ongoing concern. Whatever the reason, here are some suggestions that might help:

Try liquid or powdered meal replacements, such as "instant breakfast," during times when it is hard for you to eat food.

Try frequent small meals throughout the day, rather than fewer big ones. It may be easier to eat more that way, and you will not get so full.

Keep snacks within easy reach so you can have something whenever you feel like it. Cheese and crackers, muffins, ice cream, peanut butter, fruit, and pudding are good possibilities. Take a portable snack with you when you go out, such as peanut butter crackers or small boxes of raisins.

QUICK & EASY SNACKS

Applesauce Bread, muffins, and crackers Buttered popcorn Cakes & cookies made with whole grains, fruits, nuts, wheat germ, or granola Cereal Cheese, hard or semisoft Cheesecake Chocolate milk Crackers Cream soups Dips made with cheese, beans, or sour cream Fruit (fresh, canned, dried) Gelatin salads and desserts

Granola Hard-boiled & deviled eggs Ice cream frozen yogurt, popsicles Juices Milkshakes, "instant breakfast" drinks Nuts Peanut butter Pita bread & hummus Pizza Puddings & custards Sandwiches Vegetables (raw or cooked) Whole or 2% milk Yogurt

Even if you do not feel like eating solid foods, try to drink beverages during the day. Juice, soup, and other fluids like them can give you important calories and nutrients. Milk-based drinks also provide protein. The lists below give lots of examples of fluids.

EXAMPLES OF CLEAR LIQUIDS

Bouillon Clear, fat-free broth Clear carbonated beverages Consomme Cranberry/grape juice Fruit-flavored drinks Fruit ices without fruit pieces Fruit ices without milk Fruit punch Honey

Jelly Plain gelatin dessert Popsicles Sports drinks Strained citrus juice Strained lemonade/limeade Strained vegetable broth Tea Water

EXAMPLES OF FULL-LIQUID FOODS

All fruit juices and nectars Bouillon, broth Butter/cream/oil/margarine Carbonated beverages Cheese soup Coffee/Tea Fresh or frozen plain yogurt Fruit drinks Fruit punch Honey/jelly/syrup Ice milk Liquid meal replacements Milk, all types Milkshakes Pasteurized eggnog

Plain cornstarch pudding Plain gelatin desserts Potatoes pureed in soup Refined/strained cooked cereal Small amounts of strained meat in broth or gelatin Smooth ice cream Soft or baked custard Strained lemonade/limeade Strained or blenderized soup Thin fruit purees Tomato juice Tomato puree for cream soup Vegetable juice Water

If possible, try having something at bedtime. It will not affect your appetite for the next meal.

Sometimes, changing the form of a food will make it more appetizing and help you eat better. For example, if eating whole, fresh fruit is a problem, try mixing fruit into a milkshake. (See Banana Milkshake Recipe under Recipes further down on this page.)

Try softer, cool, or frozen foods, such as yogurt, milkshakes, or popsicles.

Take advantage of times when you do feel well, and have a larger meal then. Many people have a better appetite first thing in the morning, when they are well rested.

During meals, sip only small amounts because drinking may make you feel full. If you want to have more than just a small amount to drink, have it 30-60 minutes before or after a meal.

Make mealtimes as relaxed and pleasant as possible. Presenting food or meals in an attractive way may also help.

If your health care provider allows, have a small glass of wine or beer during a meal. It may help to stimulate your appetite.

Regular exercise may help your appetite. Check with your health care provider to see what options are open to you.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS TO IMPROVE NUTRITION

If you cannot get enough calories and protein from your diet, commercial meal replacements such as drinks, "shakes," and "instant breakfast" powders may help. Other products also can be added to any food or beverage. These supplements are high in protein and calories and have extra vitamins and minerals. They come in liquid, pudding, and powder forms. Most commercial meal replacements contain little or no lactose. However, it is important to check the label if you are sensitive to lactose. Your health care provider or a registered dietitian can tell you which products are best for you and which ones are available in your area.

Most of these products need no refrigeration until you open them. That means you can carry them with you and have them whenever you feel hungry or thirsty. They are also good chilled as between-meal or bedtime snacks. You may want to take a can with you when you go for treatments or other times when you may have a long wait.

Many supermarkets and drugstores carry a variety of commercial liquid meal replacements. If you do not see these products on the shelf, ask the store manager if they can be ordered. You may have to try a few different brands to find one that you like. Some people do not care for the flavor or texture of some of the liquid brands and have to try different ones to find one that is palatable to your own tastes. Some people prefer using the powdered drinks, which can be added to "smoothies" and tend to taste better and go down easier, especially when fresh fruits (such as fresh bananas or strawberries) are added to the blend.

WEIGHT LOSS

Many cancer patients lose weight during their cancer treatment. This is partly due to the effects of the cancer itself on the body. Also, if you have lost your appetite and are eating less than usual because of your treatment or emotional worries, you may lose weight. See the recommendations below about increasing calories and increasing protein in your diet. These lists will give you some ideas for slowing weight loss or even gaining a few pounds. The tips under Loss of Appetite may help, too.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INCREASING DIETARY CALORIES

Butter and Margarine	Add to soups, mashed and baked potatoes, hot cereals, grits, rice, noodles, and cooked vegetables. Stir into cream soups, sauces, and gravies. Combine with herbs and seasonings, and spread on cooked meats, hamburgers, and fish and egg dishes. Use melted butter or margarine as a dip for seafoods and raw vegetables, such as shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster.
Whipped Cream	Use sweetened on hot chocolate, desserts, gelatin, puddings, fruits, pancakes, and waffles. Fold unsweetened into mashed potatoes or vegetable purees.
Milk & Cream	Use in cream soups, sauces, egg dishes, batters, puddings, and custards. Put on hot or cold cereal. Mix with noodles, pasta, rice, and mashed potatoes. Pour on chicken and fish while baking. Use as a binder in hamburgers, meatloaf, and croquettes. Use whole milk instead of low-fat. Use cream instead of milk in recipes. Make hot chocolate with cream and add marshmallows.
Cheese	Melt on top of casseroles, potatoes, and vegetables. Add to omelets. Add to sandwiches.
Cream Cheese	Spread on breads, muffins, fruit slices, & crackers. Add to vegetables. Roll into balls & coat with chopped nuts, wheat germ, or granola.
Sour Cream	Add to cream soups, baked potatoes, macaroni & cheese, vegetables, sauces, salad dressings, stews, baked meat, & fish. Use as a topping for cakes, fruit, gelatin desserts, breads, & muffins. Use as a dip for fresh fruits & vegetables. For a good dessert, scoop it on fresh fruit, add brown sugar, & refrigerate until cold before eating.
Salad Dressings & Mayonnaise	Use with sandwiches. Combine with meat, fish, & egg or vegetable salads. Use as a binder in croquettes. Use in sauces & gelatin dishes.
Honey, Jam, & Sugar	Add to bread, cereal, milk drinks, fruit & yogurt desserts. Use as a glaze for meats, such as chicken.
Granola	Use in cookie, muffin, & bread batters. Sprinkle on vegetables, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, custard, & fruit. Layer with fruits & bake. Mix with dry fruits and nuts for a snack. Substitute for bread or rice in pudding recipes.
Dried Fruits (Raisins, Prunes, Apricots, Dates, Figs)	Try cooking dried fruits; serve for breakfast or as a dessert or snack. Add to muffins, cookies, breads, cakes, rice & grain dishes, cereals, puddings, & stuffings. Bake in pies & turnovers. Combine with cooked vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, acorn & butternut squash. Combine with nuts or granola for snacks.
Eggs	Add chopped, hard-cooked eggs to salads & dressings, vegetables, casseroles, & creamed meats. Make a rich custard with eggs, milk, & sugar. Add extra hard-cooked yolks to deviled-egg filling & sandwich spread. Beat eggs into mashed potatoes, vegetable purees, & sauces. (Be sure to keep cooking these dishes after adding the eggs because raw eggs may contain harmful bacteria.) Add extra eggs or egg whites to custards, puddings, quiches, scrambled eggs, omelets, pancake & French toast batter before cooking.
Food Preparation	Bread meat & vegetables. If tolerated, saute & fry foods when possible, because these methods add more calories than do baking or broiling. Add sauces or gravies.

INCREASING DIETARY PROTEIN

Hard or Semisoft Cheese	Melt on sandwiches, bread, muffins, tortillas, hamburgers, hot dogs, other meats or fish, vegetables, eggs, desserts, stewed fruit, or pies. Grate & add to soups, sauces, casseroles, vegetable dishes, mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or meatloaf.
Cottage Cheese & Ricotta Cheese	Mix with or use to stuff fruits & vegetables. Add to casseroles, spaghetti, noodles, & egg dishes, such as omelets, scrambled eggs, & souffles. Use in gelatin, pudding-type desserts, cheesecake, & pancake batter. Use to stuff crepes & pasta shells or manicotti.
Milk	Use milk instead of water in beverages & in cooking when possible. Use in preparing hot cereal, soups, cocoa, & pudding. Add cream sauces to vegetables & other dishes.
Nonfat Instant Dry Milk	Add to regular milk and milk drinks, such as pasteurized eggnog & milkshakes. Use in casseroles, meatloaf, breads, muffins, sauces, cream soups, mashed potatoes, puddings & custards, & milk-based desserts.
Commercial Products	See the above section on "Commercial Products to Improve Nutrition" Use "instant breakfast" protein powder supplements in milk drinks & desserts. Mix with ice cream, milk, & fruit or flavorings for a high-protein milkshake.
Ice Cream, Yogurt, & Frozen Yogurt	Add to carbonated beverages, such as ginger ale or cola. Add to milk drinks, such as milkshakes. Add to cereal, fruit, gelatin desserts, & pies; blend or whip with soft or cooked fruits. Sandwich ice cream or frozen yogurt between cake slices, cookies, or graham crackers. Make breakfast drinks with fruit & bananas.
Eggs	Add chopped, hard-cooked eggs to salads & dressings, vegetables, casseroles, & creamed meats. Add extra eggs or egg whites to quiches, pancake & French toast batter. Add extra egg whites to scrambled eggs & omelets. Make a rich custard with eggs, high-protein milk, & sugar. Add extra hard-cooked yolks to deviled-egg filling & sandwich spreads. Avoid raw eggs, which may contain harmful bacteria, because your treatment may make you susceptible to infection. Make sure all eggs you eat are well cooked or baked; avoid eggs that are undercooked.
Nuts, Seeds, & Wheat Germ	Add to casseroles, breads, muffins, pancakes, cookies, & waffles. Sprinkle on fruit, cereal, ice cream, yogurt, vegetables, salads, & toast as a crunchy topping; use in place of bread crumbs. Blend with parsley or spinach, herbs, & cream for a noodle, pasta, or vegetable sauce. Roll banana in chopped nuts.
Peanut Butter	Spread on sandwiches, toast, muffins, crackers, waffles, pancakes, & fruit slices. Use as a dip for raw vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, & celery. Blend with milk drinks & beverages. Swirl through soft ice cream & yogurt.
Meat & Fish	Add chopped, cooked meat or fish to vegetables, salads, casseroles, soups, sauces, & biscuit dough. Use in omelets, souffles, quiches, sandwich fillings, chicken & turkey stuffings. Wrap in pie crust or biscuit dough as turnovers. Add to stuffed baked potatoes.
Beans & Legumes	Cook & use peas, legumes, beans, & tofu in soups or add to casseroles, pastas, grain dishes that also contain cheese or meat. Mash cooked beans with cheese & milk.

Here are some simple recipes that show you how to increase the calories and protein of familiar foods:

FORTIFIED MILK 1 quart whole milk 1 cup nonfat instant dry milk Pour liquid milk into a deep bowl. Add dry milk and beat slowly with beater until dry milk is dissolved (usually less than five minutes). Refrigerate and serve cold. Note: If it tastes too strong, start with 1/2 cup of dry milk powder and gradually work up to 1 cup. Yield: 1 quart Serving size: 1 cup Calories per serving: 211 calories Protein per serving: 14 grams Use fortified milk when making: Macaroni and cheese. Puddings and custards. Cream sauces for vegetables. Mashed potatoes. Cocoa. French toast or pancake batter. Soups. HIGH-PROTEIN MILKSHAKE 1 cup fortified milk 2 tablespoon butterscotch, chocolate, or your favorite fruit syrup or sauce 1/2 cup ice cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend at low speed for 10 seconds. Yield: 1 serving Serving size: Approximately 1-1/2 cups Calories per serving: 425 calories Protein per serving: 17 grams PEANUT BUTTER SNACK SPREAD 1 tablespoon non-fat instant dry milk 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon water 5 tablespoon smooth peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Combine dry milk, water, and vanilla, stirring to moisten. Add honey and peanut butter, stirring slowly until liquid blends with peanut butter. Spread on crackers. Mixture also can be formed into balls, chilled, and eaten as candy. Keeps well in refrigerator but is difficult to spread when cold. Yield: 6 tablespoons Serving size: 3 tablespoons Calories per serving: 279 calories Protein per serving: 11 grams BANANA MILKSHAKE 1 whole ripe banana, sliced Vanilla extract (few drops) 1 cup milk Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth. Yield: 1 serving Serving size: Approximately 2 cups If made with whole milk: Calories per serving: 255 calories Protein per serving: 9 grams If made with 2% milk: Calories per serving: 226 calories Protein per serving: 9 grams If made with skim milk: Calories per serving: 190 calories Protein per serving: 9 grams

INSTANT DRY MILK AS A PROTEIN POWDER

For extra protein in dishes, consider adding a little non-fat instant dry milk to scrambled eggs, soup, cereal, sauces, and gravies.

WEIGHT GAIN

Some patients find their weight does not change during treatment. They may even gain weight. This is particularly true for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer patients taking certain medications or who are on hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

It is important not to go on a diet right away if you notice weight gain. Instead, tell your health care provider so you can find out what may be causing this change. Sometimes, weight gain happens because certain anti-cancer drugs can cause your body to hold on to excess fluid. This condition is called edema. The weight comes from the extra water. If this is the case, your health care provider may ask you to talk with a registered dietitian for guidelines on limiting the amount of salt you eat. This is important because salt causes your body to hold extra water. Your health care provider may also want to prescribe a diuretic. This is a medication that causes your body to get rid of excess fluid.

Breast cancer patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer may be different. Over half of them may actually gain weight rather than lose during treatment. Because of this, many of the recommendations for breast cancer patients do emphasize a lower fat, reduced calorie diet similar to those provided to patients after cancer treatment has been completed.

Weight gain may also be the result of increased appetite and eating extra food and calories. If this is the case and you want to stop gaining weight, here are some tips that can help. Talk to a registered dietitian for more guidance:

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals.
• Choose lean meats (lean beef or pork trimmed of fat, chicken without skin) and low-fat dairy products (skim or 1% milk, light yogurt).
• Cut back on added butter, mayonnaise, sweets, and other extras.
• Choose low-fat and low-calorie cooking methods (broiling, steaming).
• Avoid eating high-calorie snacks between meals.
• If you feel up to it, increase the amount of exercise you get.

SORE MOUTH OR THROAT

Mouth sores, tender gums, and a sore throat or esophagus often result from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infection. If you have a sore mouth or gums, see your health care provider to be sure the soreness is a treatment side effect and not an unrelated dental problem. The practitioner may be able to give you medicine that will control mouth and throat pain. Your dentist also can give you tips for the care of your mouth. Certain foods will irritate an already tender mouth and make chewing and swallowing difficult. By carefully choosing the foods you eat and by taking good care of your mouth, teeth, and gums, you can usually make eating easier. Try soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as:

• Milkshakes.
• Bananas, applesauce, and other soft fruits.
• Peach, pear, and apricot nectars.
• Watermelon.
• Cottage cheese, yogurt.
• Mashed potatoes, noodles.
• Macaroni and cheese.
• Custards, puddings, and gelatin.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Oatmeal or other cooked cereals.
• Pureed or mashed vegetables, such as peas and carrots.
• Pureed meats.

Here's a simple blender recipe that's easy on a sore mouth: Fruit and Cream

FRUIT & CREAM 1 cup whole milk 1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt 1 cup canned fruit (heavy syrup), including juice (peaches, apricots, pears) Almond or vanilla extract to taste Blend ingredients and chill well before serving. Yield: 2 servings Serving size: 1-1/2 cups If made with ice cream: Calories per serving: 302 calories Protein per serving: 7 grams If made with frozen yogurt: Calories per serving: 268 calories Protein per serving: 9 grams

Avoid foods or liquids that can irritate your mouth. These include:

• Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, or other citrus fruit or juice.
• Tomato sauces or juice.
• Spicy or salty foods.
• Raw vegetables, granola, toast, crackers, or other rough, coarse, or dry foods.
• Commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

Other suggestions for sore mouth and throat problems include:

• Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
• Cut foods into small pieces.
• Use a blender or food processor to puree your food.
• Mix food with butter, margarine, thin gravy, or sauce to make it easier to swallow.
• Use a straw to drink liquids.
• Use a smaller-than-usual spoon, such as a baby spoon.
• Try foods cold or at room temperature. Hot foods can irritate a tender mouth and throat.
• Try drinking warm bouillon or salty broth; it can soothe throat pain.
• Try sucking on ice chips.
• If swallowing is hard, tilting your head back or moving it forward may help.
• If your teeth and gums are sore, your dentist may be able to recommend a special product for cleaning your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth often with water to remove food and bacteria and to promote healing.

Ask your health care provider about anesthetic lozenges and sprays that can numb your mouth and throat long enough for you to eat meals.

DRY MOUTH

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the head or neck area can reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth. When this happens, foods are harder to chew and swallow. Dry mouth also can change the way foods taste. Some of the ideas for sore mouth and throat may help. The suggestions below also may help you deal with dry mouth:

• Have a sip of water every few minutes to help you swallow and talk more easily. Consider carrying a water bottle with you so you always have some handy.



• Try very sweet or tart foods and beverages, such as lemonade; these foods may help your mouth make more saliva. (Do not try this if you also have a tender mouth or sore throat and the sweet or tart foods make it worse.)



• Suck on hard candy or popsicles or chew gum. These can help make more saliva.



• Eat soft and pureed foods, which may be easier to swallow.



• Keep your lips moist with lip balms or salves.



• Moisten food with sauces, gravies, and salad dressings to make it easier to swallow.

If your dry mouth problem is severe, ask your health care provider or dentist about products that coat, protect, and moisten your mouth and throat. These are sometimes called "artificial saliva."

DENTAL & GUM PROBLEMS

Cancer and cancer treatment can cause tooth decay and other problems for your teeth and gums. For example, radiation to the mouth can affect your salivary glands, making your mouth dry and increasing your risk of cavities. Changes in eating habits also may add to the problem. Your health care provider and dentist should work closely together to fix any problems with your teeth before you start treatment. If you eat often or eat a lot of sweets, you may need to brush your teeth more often. Brushing after each meal or snack is a good idea. Here are some other ideas for preventing dental problems:

• Be sure to let your health care provider know about any dental problems you are having.



• Be sure to see your dentist regularly. Patients who are receiving treatment that affects the mouth - for example, radiation to the head and neck - may need to see the dentist more often than usual.



• Use a soft toothbrush. Ask your health care provider or dentist to suggest a special kind of toothbrush and/or toothpaste if your gums are very sensitive.



• Rinse your mouth with warm water when your gums and mouth are sore.



• If you are eating foods high in sugar or foods that stick to your teeth, be sure to brush or rinse your mouth afterward so that the sugar will not damage your teeth, or use sugar-free varieties. (Sorbitol, a sugar substitute that is contained in many sugar-free foods, can cause diarrhea in many people. If diarrhea is a problem for you, check the labels of sugar-free foods before you buy them and limit your use of them.)

CHANGED SENSE OF TASTE OR SMELL

Your sense of taste or smell may change during your illness or treatment. Foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, can begin to have a bitter or metallic taste. Many foods will have less taste. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or the cancer itself may cause these problems. Dental problems also can change the way foods taste. For most people, changes in taste and smell go away when their treatment is finished.

There is no foolproof way to prevent changes to your sense of taste or smell because each person is affected differently by illness and treatments. However, the tips below should help if you have this problem. (If you also have a sore mouth, sore gums, or a sore throat, talk to your health care provider or registered dietitian. They can suggest ways to help you without hurting the sore areas.)

• Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good to you.



• If red meat, such as beef, tastes or smells strange, try chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, or mild-tasting fish instead.



• Help the flavor of meat, chicken, or fish by marinating it in sweet fruit juices, sweet wine, Italian dressing, or sweet-and-sour sauce.



• Try using small amounts of flavorful seasonings, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary.



• Try tart foods, such as oranges or lemonade, that may have more taste. A tart lemon custard might taste good and will also provide needed protein and calories. (If you have a sore mouth or throat, tart or citrus foods might cause pain or discomfort.)



• If smells bother you, try serving foods at room temperature, turning on a kitchen fan, covering foods when cooking, and cooking outdoors in good weather.



• Try using bacon, ham, or onion to add flavor to vegetables.



• Visit your dentist to rule out dental problems that may affect the taste or smell of food.



• Ask your dentist or health care provider about special mouthwashes and good mouth care.

NAUSEA

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common side effect of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy. The disease itself, or other conditions unrelated to your cancer or treatment, may also cause nausea. Some people have nausea or vomiting right after treatment; others do not have it until two or three days after a treatment. Many people never experience nausea. For those who do, nausea often goes away once the treatment is completed. Also, there are now drugs that can effectively control this side effect. These medications, called anti-emetics, are often given at the beginning of a chemo-therapy session to prevent nausea.

Whatever the cause, nausea can keep you from getting enough food and needed nutrients. Ask your health care provider about anti-emetics that might help you control nausea and vomiting. Try foods that are easy on your stomach, such as:

Toast, crackers, & pretzels Yogurt Sherbet Angel food cake Cream of wheat, rice, or oatmeal Boiled potatoes, rice, or noodles

Skinned chicken that is baked or broiled, not fried Canned peaches, soft, bland fruits & vegetables Clear liquids Ice chips Carbonated drinks

Avoid foods that:

• Are fatty, greasy, or fried.
• Are very sweet, such as candy, cookies, or cake.
• Are spicy or hot.
• Have strong odors.

Other eating suggestions to help with nausea:

• Eat small amounts, often and slowly.
• Eat before you get hungry, because hunger can make feelings of nausea stronger.
• If nausea makes certain foods unappealing, then eat more of the foods you find easier to handle.
• Avoid eating in a room that's stuffy, too warm, or has cooking odors that might disagree with you.
• Drink fewer liquids with meals. Drinking liquids can cause a full, bloated feeling.
• Slowly drink or sip liquids throughout the day. A straw may help.
• Have foods and drinks at room temperature or cooler; hot foods may add to nausea.
• Do not force yourself to eat favorite foods when you feel nauseated. This may cause a permanent dislike for those foods.
• Rest after meals, because activity may slow digestion. It is best to rest sitting up for about an hour after meals.
• If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry toast or crackers before getting up.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• If nausea occurs during radiation therapy or chemotherapy, avoid eating for 1 to 2 hours before treatment.

Try to keep track of when your nausea occurs and what causes it (specific foods, events, surroundings). If possible and if it helps, change your diet or schedule. Share the information with your health care provider.

VOMITING

Vomiting may follow nausea and may be brought on by treatment, food odors, gas in the stomach or bowel, or motion. In some people, certain associations or surroundings, such as the hospital, may cause vomiting. As with nausea, some people have vomiting right after treatment, while others do not have it until a day or more after treatment.

If vomiting is severe or lasts for more than a day or two, contact your health care provider. He or she may give you an anti-emetic medication to control nausea and vomiting.

Very often, if you can control nausea, you can prevent vomiting. At times, though, you may not be able to prevent either. Relaxation exercises or meditation may help you. These usually involve deep rhythmic breathing and quiet concentration, and can be done almost anywhere. If vomiting does occur, try these suggestions to help prevent further episodes:

• Do not eat or drink anything until you have the vomiting under control.



• Once the vomiting is under control, try small amounts of clear liquids, such as water or bouillon. Table 2 gives you more examples of clear liquids. Begin with 1 teaspoonful every 10 minutes, gradually increasing the amount to 1 tablespoon every 20 minutes. Finally, try 2 tablespoons every 30 minutes.



• When you are able to keep down clear liquids, try a full-liquid diet or a soft diet. See the list of of full-liquid food examples above. Continue taking small amounts as often as you can keep them down. If you feel okay, gradually work up to your regular diet. If you have a hard time digesting milk, you may want to try a soft diet instead of a full-liquid diet, because a full-liquid diet includes a lot of milk products. Ask a registered dietitian for information about a soft diet.

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea may have several causes, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the abdomen, infection, food sensitivities, and emotional upset. Work with your health care provider to identify the cause of your diarrhea so that it can be successfully treated. During diarrhea, food passes quickly through the bowel before your body has a chance to absorb enough vitamins, minerals, and water. This may cause dehydration, which means that your body does not have enough water to work well. Long-term or severe diarrhea may cause problems, so contact your health care provider if the diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a couple of days. Here are some ideas for coping with diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of fluids to replenish what you lose with the diarrhea. See the list of fluid examples given above to try.



• Eat small amounts of food throughout the day instead of three large meals.



• Eat plenty of foods and liquids that contain sodium and potassium, two important minerals that help your body work properly. These minerals are often lost during diarrhea. Good high-sodium liquids include bouillon or fat-free broth. Foods high in potassium that do not cause diarrhea include bananas, peach and apricot nectar, and boiled or mashed potatoes. Sports drinks contain both sodium and potassium and have easily absorbable forms of carbohydrates.

Try these foods:

• Yogurt, cottage cheese.
• Rice, noodles, or potatoes.
• Farina or cream of wheat.
• Eggs (cooked until the whites are solid; not fried).
• Smooth peanut butter.
• White bread.
• Canned, peeled fruits and well-cooked vegetables.
• Skinned chicken or turkey, lean beef, or fish (broiled or baked, not fried).

Avoid these foods:

• Greasy, fatty, or fried foods if they make your diarrhea worse.
• Raw vegetables and the skins, seeds, and stringy fibers of unpeeled fruits.
• High-fiber vegetables, such as broccoli, corn, dried beans, cabbage, peas, and cauliflower.

Other helpful recommendations for diarrhea:

• Avoid very hot or cold food or beverages. Drink liquids that are at room temperature.



• Limit foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, some sodas, and chocolate.



• If you have a sudden, short-term attack of diarrhea, try having nothing but clear liquids for the next 12 to 14 hours. This lets your bowel rest and replaces the important fluids lost during the diarrhea. Make sure your health care provider knows about this problem.



• Be careful when using milk and milk products. The lactose they contain can make diarrhea worse. Most people, though, can handle small amounts (about 1-1/2 cups) of milk or milk products.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Diarrhea

SPECIAL DIETS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

When you have special needs because of your cancer or treatment, your health care provider or registered dietitian may prescribe a special diet. For example, a soft diet may be best if your mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach is sore. Or, if your treatment makes it difficult for you to digest dairy products, you may need to follow a low-lactose diet. Other special diets include a clear-liquid diet, a full-liquid diet, and a fiber-restricted diet.

Some special diets are well balanced and can be followed for long periods of time. Others, however, should be followed for only a few days because they may not provide enough nutrients for the long term. If you think you need a special diet, talk with your health care provider and a registered dietitian. Together, you can work out a plan. You also should work with your health care provider and dietitian if you are already on a special diet for a disease such as diabetes, kidney, or heart disease.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Lactose intolerance means that your body can not digest or absorb the milk sugar called lactose. Milk, other milk-based dairy products (such as cheese and ice cream), and foods to which milk has been added (such as pudding) may contain lactose.

Lactose intolerance may occur after treatment with some antibiotics, with radiation to the stomach or with any treatment that affects the digestive tract. The part of your intestines that digests lactose may not work properly during treatment. For some people, the symptoms of lactose intolerance (gas, cramps, diarrhea) disappear a few weeks or months after the treatments end or when the intestine heals. For others, a permanent change in eating habits may be needed.

If you have this problem, your health care provider may advise you to follow a diet that is low in foods that contain lactose. Talk to a registered dietitian to get advice and specific tips about how to follow a low-lactose diet. Your supermarket should carry milk and other products that have been modified to reduce or eliminate the lactose. You can also make your own low-lactose or lactose free foods. Here's a simple recipe for a lactose-free pudding:

LACTOSE-FREE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PUDDING 2 squares baking chocolate (1 oz each) 1 cup non-dairy creamer, soy formula or lactose-free milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Melt chocolate in small pan or on foil. Measure cornstarch and sugar into saucepan. Add part of the liquid and stir until cornstarch dissolves. Add the remainder of the liquid. Cook over medium heat until warm. Stir in chocolate until mixture is thick and comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Blend in vanilla and cool. Yield: 2 servings Serving size: 3/4 cup Calories per serving: 382 calories Protein per serving: 1 gram

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Lactose Intolerance

CONSTIPATION

Some anti-cancer drugs and other drugs, such as pain medications, may cause constipation. This problem also can occur if your diet lacks enough fluid or fiber, or if you have been in bed for a long time. Here are some suggestions for preventing and treating constipation:

• Drink plenty of liquids - at least eight 8-ounce glasses every day. This will help to keep your stools soft. Another way to think about fluids is to try to drink at least 1/2 oz. per pound of your body weight.



• Have a hot drink about one-half hour before your usual time for a bowel movement.



• Check with your health care provider to see if you can increase the fiber in your diet (there are certain types of cancer for which a high-fiber diet is not recommended). If you can, try foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, dried fruits, wheat bran, wheat germ; fresh fruits and vegetables; dried beans and peas. Eat the skin on potatoes. Make sure you also drink plenty of fluids to help the fiber work. Here's is an easy recipe that might help relieve constipation:

APPLE & PRUNE SAUCE 1/3 cup unprocessed bran 1/3 cup applesauce 1/3 cup mashed stewed prunes Blend all ingredients and store in refrigerator. Take 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture before bedtime, then drink 8 ounces of water. Note: Make sure you drink the water, or else it will not work to relieve constipation. Yield: 16 servings Serving size: 1 tablespoon Calories per serving: 10 calories

• Get some exercise every day. Talk to your health care provide or a physical therapist about the amount and type of exercise that's right for you.

If these suggestions do not work, ask your health care provider about medicine to ease constipation. Be sure to check with your health care provider before taking any laxatives or stool softeners.

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Constipation

FATIGUE & DEPRESSION

All the methods of treating cancer treatment are powerful. Treatment may go on for weeks or months. It may even cause more illness or discomfort than the initial disease. Many patients say they feel exhausted and depressed, and unable to concentrate. Fatigue during cancer treatment can be related to a number of causes: not eating, inactivity, low blood counts, depression, poor sleep, and side effects of medicine. It is important for you to raise the issue with your health care team if you are having fatigue. Together, you can decide what is causing the problem, since many of the causes can be treated.

Fatigue and depression are not eating problems in and of themselves, but they can affect your interest in food and your ability to shop and prepare healthy meals. Here are some suggestions that may help:

• Talk about your feelings and your fears. Being open about your emotions can make them seem more manageable. Consider talking with your nurse or social worker, who can help you find ways to lessen your worries and fears.



• Become familiar with your treatment, possible side effects, and ways of coping. Being knowledgeable and acting on that knowledge will help you feel more in control. Do not be afraid to talk with your health care provider and ask questions.



• Make sure you get enough rest. Take several naps or rest breaks during the day, rather than one long rest and plan your day to include rest breaks. Make rest time special with a good book in a comfortable chair or a favorite video with a friend.



• Try easier or shorter versions of your usual activities; do not push yourself to do more than you can manage.



• Save your favorite foods for times that are not associated with treatment sessions. That way, they will not be linked to an uncomfortable or distressing event.



• Take short walks or get regular exercise, if possible. Some people find this helps to lessen their fatigue and raise their spirits.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Fatigue

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Depression

PREVENTING FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS

Cancer patients undergoing treatment can develop a weakened immune system because most anti-cancer drugs decrease the body's ability to make white blood cells, the cells that fight infection. That's why cancer patients should be especially careful to avoid infections and food-borne illnesses. Here are some tips to help you prevent food-borne illness:

• Wash all raw fruits and vegetables well. If it can not be well washed (as with raspberries), avoid it. Scrub rough surfaces, like the skin of melons, prior to cutting.



• Carefully wash your hands and food preparation surfaces (knives, cutting boards) before and after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat.



• Thaw meat in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter.



• Be sure to cook meat and eggs thoroughly.



• Avoid raw shellfish and use only pasteurized or processed ciders and juices and pasteurized milk and cheese.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Food Poisoning & Food-Borne Illnesses

SPECIAL NOTES FOR CAREGIVERS

There is much that you can do to help your friend or loved one through the period of cancer treatment. Read over the tips and suggestions recommended here. Many may be useful to you as you prepare food or meals for the patient. In addition, here are some other things to remember that will help you cope:

• Be flexible and be prepared for the patient's tastes to change from day to day. Some days he or she will not want favorite foods because they do not taste good. Other times, he or she will be able to eat a dish that could not be tolerated just the day before.



• Have food within easy reach at home. For example: have a snack-pack of applesauce or pudding and a spoon on the bedside table if the patient is not feeling well that day or a bag of cut-up carrots on the top shelf of the refrigerator.



• Have meals and snacks ready so the patient can have something to eat when he or she is ready.



• Be prepared for times when the patient is able to eat only one or two foods for a few days in a row, until side effects diminish. Even if he or she can not eat at all, still encourage plenty of fluids.



• Talk to the patient about needs and concerns, and about ideas that might work best. A willingness to be flexible and supportive no matter what will help the patient feel in control of the situation.



• Try not to push the patient into eating and drinking. Encourage and support without being overwhelming.

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AFTER TREATMENT ENDS - WAYS TO GET YOUR APPETITE BACK

Most eating-related side effects associated with radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments go away after cancer treatment ends. If you have had side effects, you should gradually begin to feel better, and your interest in food and mealtimes will come back. Sometimes, though, side effects persist, especially weight loss. If this happens to you, talk to your health care provider and work out a plan together for how to address the problem.

After cancer treatment ends and you are feeling better, you may want to think again about the traditional guidelines for healthy eating. Just as you wanted to go into treatment with all the reserves that such a diet could give you, you will want to do the best for yourself at this important time. There is no current research that suggests that the foods you eat will prevent your cancer from recurring. But, we do know that eating right will help you regain your strength, rebuild tissue, and help you feel well. Here are the fundamentals:

• Focus on eating a variety of foods every day. No one food contains all the nutrients you need.



• Emphasize fruits and vegetables. Raw or cooked vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices provide the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.
• Emphasize breads and cereals, especially the whole grain varieties, such as whole wheat bread, oats, and brown rice. These foods are good sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and fiber.



• Go easy on fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, and smoked or pickled foods. Choose low-fat milk products, and small portions (no more than 6-7 oz. a day) of lean meat and poultry without skin. Try lower-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, steaming, and poaching.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have published materials to help Americans learn how to choose a healthy diet. If you have any questions about guidelines for healthy eating, or whether such guidelines are right for you at this time, talk to a registered dietitian.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Nutrition Index & Guidelines

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

Some patients need to have treatments that last a long time. Others may have surgery to remove part of their body to remove cancerous tumors. Depending on the type of surgery and the organs affected (especially if the digestive tract was involved in treatment), these patients may have ongoing eating-related concerns. If this is your situation, talk to your health care provider and a registered dietitian. He or she can give you more information about the long-term issues that you will deal with and can help you develop an individual diet plan.

Even if your treatment is over and you are feeling much better, you still may not feel completely back to your old self. Here are some ways to help you ease back to regular meals and mealtimes, without overdoing it:

• Make simple meals using familiar, easy-to-prepare recipes.
• Cook enough for two or three meals, then freeze the remainder for a later meal.
• Take advantage of the supermarket's salad bar and prepared foods to make cooking easier.
• Think about ways you used to make mealtime special and try them again.
• Do not be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help with cooking or shopping.

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KEEP TRACK OF SIDE EFFECTS

Here is a form to help you keep track of eating-related side effects you may experience while you are undergoing cancer treatment. Feel free to copy this form and keep your own record. You can also share it with the health professional who is keeping track of side effects with you during this time.

Your Name: Week of: Write the type and date of your last treatments(s): Type of Treatment: Date: Your Weight (lbs) (Measure weekly): Below you will find a list of some eating-related side effects that cancer patients may experience. Check the box next to any side effect listed below that you experience in the week you have listed above. Next to each one you have checked, write a number from 1 to 3 indicating how severe you think each side effect was for you: 1= mild; 2= moderate; and 3= severe.

SIDE EFFECT M T W Th F S Sun Sore/Dry Mouth               Nausea               Vomiting               Constipation               Diarrhea               Fatigue               Other:

Other Questions or Concerns: (Use this space to write down questions or concerns you may want to talk about with your health care provider.)

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HOLISTIC & NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Many cancer patients want to know whether vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements (such as phytochemicals) will help "build them up" or help fight their cancer. It is known that patients who eat well during cancer treatment are better able to cope with their disease and any side effects of treatment. You should consult with your health care provider and alternative health care practitioner (such as a naturopath) about dietary limitations before using nutritional supplements, herbal or other alternative therapies. Many of these therapies can work with conventional treatments to help remedy side effects caused by conventional treatment and help to build the immune system. However, some may not be recommended for use with particular medications for a variety of reasons including unwanted interactions or interference with your ability to absorb certain medications. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of timing and not mixing supplements with medications and allowing enough time to pass between a dose of one and the dose of the other. It is always better to try to get your nutrients through your foods and not depend on nutritional supplements, but sometimes this is not possible. Keep in mind, too much of some vitamins or minerals can be just as dangerous as too little. Large doses of some vitamins may even stop your cancer treatment from working the way it should. To avoid problems, do not take these products on your own. Follow your health care provider's guidance.

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NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Diet and nutrition are important not only for treatment, but for prevention. An anti-cancer diet is composed primarily of brown rice, fresh raw fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, and whole grains, and excludes alcohol, coffee, refined carbohydrates and strong tea. Regular intake of zinc 50 mg daily) and essential fatty acids (in supplement form or from cold-pressed sesame, safflower, or olive oil in later life also may help to prevent the development of problems.

For nutritional, dietary, & supplement recommendations see this link:

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Nutrition

Maintain a healthy whole-foods diet. Eat plenty of whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, and unpolished brown rice. Millet cereal is a good source of protein. Eat wheat, oats and bran. Also eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, and yellow and deep-orange vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, squash, and yams. This type of diet is important for the prevention of cancer as well as for healing.

Consume freshly made vegetable and fruit juices daily. Carrot and cabbage juices are good choices. Fresh cabbage and carrot juice have also been used in alternative clinics worldwide in prostate cancer therapy.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Juicing

Eat plenty of grapefruit, watermelon, and tomatoes and tomato products such as tomato juice and tomato based sauces. These contain lycopene, which has been shown to protect against prostate cancer.

Include in your diet foods that are high in zinc, such as mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, seafood, spinach, sunflower seeds, and whole grains. Zinc nourishes the prostate gland and is vital for proper immune function.

Eat salmon, mackerel, sardines, or herring. Regular consumption of these sources of omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of prostate cancer. One study found that eating fish more than 3 times a week was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to infrequent fish consumption.

Drink at least 10 8-ounce glasses of quality water a day. This hydrates the body, keeps the prostate working efficiently, and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

Restrict your intake of dairy products. Moderate consumption of soured products such as low-fat yogurt and kefir is acceptable.

Use cold-pressed organic oils such as sesame, safflower, or olive oil to obtain essential fatty acids.

Do not eat meat. There is a definite correlation between high red meat consumption (five servings a week or more) and the development of prostate cancer.

Eliminate from the diet alcoholic beverages, coffee, and all teas, except for caffeine-free herbal teas. A study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle suggested that drinking one glass of red wine per day may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent. However, it is still believed that alcohol consumption is not necessarily good for the body, and until more conclusive evidence becomes available, abstinence is considered the best practice. If there is a compound in red wine that might help, it certainly is not the alcohol.

A high-fat, low-fiber diet is linked not just to heart disease, but also to prostate cancer. Chemical reactions occur when fat is cooked, leading to the production of free radicals, which play a major role in certain cancers. Researchers theorize that a diet high in fat raises the levels of testosterone and other hormones in the body, which stimulates the prostate - and may cancerous cells in it - to grow. A high intake of milk and coffee also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Strictly avoid the following foods, junk foods, processed refined foods, salt, saturated fats, polyunsaturated vegetable oils, sugar, and white flour. Instead of salt, use a kelp or potassium substitute. If necessary, a small amount of blackstrap molasses or pure maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. Use whole wheat or rye instead of white flour.

Unless otherwise recommended in the Nutritional Supplement table below, take vitamins and other supplements daily with meals, with the exception of Vitamin E, which should be taken before meals. Consult with your health care provider about contraindications of any medications and nutritional supplements.

Consider following a macrobiotic diet.

WebMD: Macrobiotic Diet
Macrobiotic Guide: Essential Guide to Macrobiotics Online



For more macrobiotic resources, use the Amazon.com search box further down on this page and put macrobiotic in the search box.

Research has shown that soybeans and soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, soy flour, and soy milk, have cancer fighting powers due to the presence of a protein called genistein. Genistein apparently retards growth by preventing the growth of new blood vessels to feed the tumor. It appears to be particularly effective against prostate cancer, but also work against breast cancer in women and colon cancer in both sexes.

Berries help protect DNA from damage and mutation that may result in cancer.

Excess dietary calcium may increase the risk of prostate cancer. This may be because calcium can reduce the levels of vitamin D, which has been shown to be prostate-protective.

The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is believed to help prevent cancer by blocking an enzyme that promotes cancer cell growth. There is also 7-keto-DHEA, which is a form of DHEA that appears not to be converted into testosterone or estrogens in the body. It may be a better option for those at risk for prostate cancer.

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: DHEA

S-ally-mercaptocysteine (SAMC), a compound derived from aged garlic, appears to diminish the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City found that SAMC causes cancer cells to break down testosterone 2 to 4 times more quickly than normal - and through a route that does not produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of the hormone strongly associated with the multiplication of prostate cells. SAMC can be found only in garlic extract that has been aged.

Some types of cancer are treated with chemotherapy and can apparently be cured with this treatment. Cancer chemotherapy is the administration of highly toxic medications meant to kill cancer cells. Side effects of chemotherapy can include hair loss, extreme nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, sterility, and damage to the kidneys and heart. Certain nutrients may help the body avoid some of the damage done by this treatment, among them vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), coenzyme Q-10, glutathione, and vitamin C.

Nutritional supplements and better dietary habits offer great support to cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, or who are in remission. Taking shark liver oil prior to radiation therapy has been shown to protect healthy tissue against injury from the procedure. Shark liver oil contains alkylglycerols (AKGs), vitamin A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, trace minerals, and squalene. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer in 1997 reported that glutathione can reduce adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Shark cartilage has been shown to be helpful for certain types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, cervix, pancreas, and prostate, as well as Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of skin cancer. It suppresses angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels), depriving cancerous tumors of nourishment and, often, causing them to shrink and die.

Studies have shown grape seed extract to not only enhance the development of normal cells, but also inhibit abnormal cell growth.

Any recommended nutrients or supplement given above will have product links below in the Nutritional Supplements section and the Supplements & Products section.

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

Try to avoid all carcinogens. Eat only organic foods, if possible. Avoid tobacco smoke, polluted air, polluted water, noxious chemicals, and food additives. Use only distilled or quality water or reverse-osmosis filtered water. Municiple and well water can contain chlorine, fluoride, and agricultural chemical residue.

Get regular physical activity. Active men maintain better health and have lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Enjoy regular sexual activity. Regular ejaculation activates the prostate gland, keeping it from getting stagnant and inflamed.

Do not take any drugs except for those prescribed by your health care provider. Always seek counsel and alternative opinions before deciding which treatments, if any, you will pursue.

Avoid stress as much as possible. Learn relaxation and stress management techniques to help you deal with those stresses you cannot avoid.

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Stress

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Imagery & Visualization

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Light Therapy

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Meditation

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Relaxation

Take coffee enemas alternated with enemas made by adding 1 ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice to 1 cup of water. Do this daily to help the body eliminate toxins. Wheatgrass enemas contain many nutrients and enzymes, and are used in many alternative clinics for cancer treatment. Also use cleansing enemas with lemon and water or garlic (Kyolic liquid) and water two or three times weekly.

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Enemas - How To Instructions

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Coffee Enemas

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Garlic Enemas

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Colon Cleansing Enemas

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Lemon Juice Enemas

For more information about alternative therapies for cancer treatment see this link:

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer - Alternative Therapies

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Nutrition

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HELPFUL BOOKS ABOUT CARCINOGENS

The Safe Shopper's Bible: A Consumer's Guide to Nontoxic Household Products, Cosmetics, & Food
- By David Steinman, Samuel S. Epstein, John Wiley & Sons, 1995
Provides information on the safety of many different types of products, including cleaning products, paints, pesticides, pet supplies, auto products, art and craft supplies, cosmetics, personal care products, as well as foods and beverages.

Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them: Effective Ways to Lower Your Odds of Getting Cancer
- By Mary Kerney Levenstein, Avery Publishing Group, 2000
Another good source of information.

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HERBS

Black Radish, Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Red Clover are good for cleansing the liver and the blood.

Buchu, Carnivora, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, and Suma have all shown anti-cancer properties. Take them in tea form, using two at a time and alternating among them. Caution: Do not take Goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.

Damiana and Licorice Root have the ability to balance hormones and glandular function. Caution: Do not use Licorice for more than 7 days at a time. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.

Gravel Root, Hydrangea, Oat Straw, Parsley Root, Uva Ursi, and Yarrow are diuretics that also dissolve sediment.

A plant substance in Green Tea has been found by researchers at the Mayo Clinic to be a potent killer of prostate cancer cells. Many studies have linked Green Tea consumption to a reduced risk for prostate cancer.

Modified Citrus Pectin has been shown to substantially inhibit the growth of cancer cells and is especially effective in combating prostate cancer.

Pygeum and Saw Palmetto are helpful. European studies suggest Pygeum may prevent prostate cancer.

Resveratrol is a phytochemical derived from grapes that helps to maintain a healthy prostate. See product link under Nutritional Supplements.

Turmeric is a spice that contains Curcumin, an antioxidant that may be effective in controlling prostate cancer cells.

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NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

The nutritional program and other recommendations outline on this page and other cancer-related pages are designed for persons who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as for those who wish to enhance their chances of avoiding this disease. Vitamins should be taken in injection form whenever possible. However, if you must use oral supplements, take them daily (usually with meals) or as instructed by your health care provider or nutritionist. Follow directions carefully for each supplement or nutritional therapy (Vitamin E should be taken before meals, and supplements should not be taken at the same time as fiber, for instance). Combine appropriate supplements that work together and enhance their absorption ability. Know which supplements should not be taken with others if they compete in absorption uptake. Use only quality natural supplements from a reliable source. Links have been provided for recommended supplements so you will be able to obtain them without having to do a lot of searching.

The doses given below are for adults. If you have any questions, consult with your health care provider or nutritionist and follow their recommendations specific for your situation and health status.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Nutrition

NUTRIENTS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Essential
Coenzyme Q-10	100 mg daily.	Improves cellular oxygenation. CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps, CoQ10, Now Foods, 400 mg, 60 Softgels
Coenzyme A	As directed on label.	Facilitates the repair of RNA and DNA. Supports the immune system's detoxification of many dangerous substances. Can streamline metabolism, ease depression and fatigue, and increase energy. Works effectively with CoQ10. Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, 300 mg, NOW Foods, 60 Softgels,
Colostrum	As directed on label.	Has been shown to boost the immune system, burn fat, build lean muscle, and have an anti-aging effect. Colostrum, 480 mg, 120 Caps, Colostrum Chewables, Natural Vanilla Flavor, 480 mg, 90 Chewables, Colostrum Chewables, Super Strength, Natural vanilla Flavor, 480 mg, 60 Chewables, Colostrum Plus Probiotics, For Children, Powder, 1.75 oz., Colostrum, Bovine, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps, Bovine Colostrum Supplement, !00% Pure Powder, NOW Foods, 3 oz.
Dimethylglycine (DMG)	As directed on label.	Enhances oxygen utilization. DMG Supplement N,N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps
Garlic (Kyolic)	2 tablets 3 times daily, with meals.	Enhances immune function. Aged Garlic Extract, Cardiovascular Formula 100, Wakunaga Kyolic Supplements, 300 Caps, Kyolic Liquid Aged Garlic Extract, Cardiovascular, Vegetarian, Wakunaga Kyolic, 4 fl. oz., Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, One Per Day, Vegetarian, Wakunaga Kyolic, 1,000 mg, 30 Caplets,
Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP-6)	As directed on label.	Has powerful anti-cancer properties; possesses natural killer cell activity. Cell Forte Max-3 IP-6 & Inositol Plus Maitake & Cat's Claw, Enzymatic Therapy, 120 UltraCaps,
Melatonin	2-3 mg daily for adults. 1 mg or less daily for children, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime.	A powerful antioxidant that also aids sleep. Melatonin Supplement, Time Released, NOW Foods, 1 mg, 100 Tabs
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)	As directed on label.	A powerful cancer prevention agent. Pure MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), 500 mg, 250 Caps
Proteolytic Enzymes	As directed on label. Take with meals.	To keep down inflammation and destroy free radicals. MetabolicZyme (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 900 Tabs, Plant Enzymes, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 120 VCaps, Enzymes, All Complete, 250 mg, 90 Caps
Or Wobenzyme N From Marlyn Nutraceuticals	2-6 tablets 2-3 times daily. Take with meals to aid in digestion of proteins. Take between meals to reduce inflammation.	Powerful free radical scavengers.
Selenium	200 mcg daily. Do not exceed a total daily intake of 800 mcg daily from all sources, including diet.	Needed for proper prostate function. The incidence of prostate cancer has been shown to be substantially lower in men with higher selenium levels. Caution: Do not take supplemental selenium have heart, kidney, or liver disease. Selenium Supplement, Yeast Free, NOW Foods, 200 mcg, 180 Caps, Selenium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Ionic Selenium, Trace Minerals, 300 mcg, 2 fl. oz., Selenium, 100% Natural, Nature's way, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
7-Keto-DHEA	As directed on label.	A metabolite of DHEA that possesses anti-cancer properties without being converted into testosterone or estrogens. 7-Keto DHEA, Metabolite of DHEA, NOW Foods, 25 mg, 90 Caps
Shark Cartilage (Benefin)	For cancer treatment, 1 gram per 2 lbs of body weight daily, divided into 3 doses. If you cannot tolerate taking it orally, it can be administered in a retention enema. For cancer prevention, 2,000-4,500 mg 3 times daily.	Has been shown to inhibit and even reverse the growth of some types of tumors. Also stimulates the immune system. Shark Cartilage, NOW Foods, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)	As directed on label.	Destroys free radicals. Consider injections (under a health care provider's supervision). GliSODin Antioxidant Catalyst, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 90 VCaps,
Vitamin A	50,000-100,000 IU daily for 10 days or as long as you are on the program.	Powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals. Needed for tissue repair and immune function. People with cancer require higher than normal amounts of this antioxidant. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at higher doses. Capsule forms put more stress on the liver. Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels, Vitamin A, Fish Liver Oil, NOW Foods, 25,000 IU, 250 Softgels, Dry Vitamin A & D, Nature's Way, 15,000 IU / 400 IU, 100 Caps, Shark Liver Oil With Vitamin A, NOW Foods, 400 mg / 10,000 IU, 120 Softgels
Plus Natural Beta-Carotene Or Carotenoid Complex (Betatene) With Extra Lycopene	25,000 IU daily. As directed on label. As directed on label.	An antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A. Needed by all cells for repair and rebuilding. Enhances natural killer cell activity. Low beta-carotene levels have been associated with lung, bronchial, and stomach cancer. Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels, Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels, Lycopene Super Antioxidant Supplement, Nature's Way, 5 mg, 60 Softgels, Lycopene, Double Strength, NOW Foods, 20 mg, 50 Softgels
Vitamin E	Start with 200 IU daily or 400 IU every other day and increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily.	Protects against prostate cancer. An anti-inflammatory free radical scavenger. A powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighter. Use d-alpha-tocopherol emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at higher doses. Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels, Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels, Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels, Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Omega-3 Forte And Omega-Plex	As directed on label. As directed on label.	For repair and production of new cells. Wild Salmon Oil Capsule, NOW Foods, 120 EPA/80 DHA, 2000 mg, 250 SoftGels,
Plus Brewer's Yeast	1 teaspoon daily for 1 week, then gradually increase to 1 tablespoon 3 times daily.	A good source of B vitamins. Brewer's Yeast, Debittered, NOW Foods, 1 lb., Brewer's Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 Tabs
Vitamin B Complex	100 mg of each B vitamin daily (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary).	B vitamins necessary for normal cell division and to improve circulation, build red blood cells, and aid liver function. Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs, Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
Plus Extra Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)	100 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount.	B vitamins necessary for normal cell division and improve circulation, build up red blood cells and aid liver function. Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure. Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps
And Choline	500-1,000 mg daily.	Improves brain function and circulation to the brain. Use under professional supervision. Choline Supplement, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Tabs
And Folic Acid	400 mcg daily.	Affects the repair of DNA. Has been linked to cancer protection. Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 100 Caps
And Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)	100 mg daily.	Enhances the efficacy of zinc. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps
Vitamin B-12	2,000 mcg twice daily.	To prevent anemia. Use a lozenge or sublingual form. Vitamin B-12 Complex Liquid, NOW Foods, 2 fl. oz., Vitamin B-12, Nature's Way, 2000 mcg, 100 Sublingual Lozenges, Vitamin B-12 Liquid Supplement, 50 mcg, With Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), 400 mcg, 1 oz. Vitamin B-12, California Natural, 1000 mcg, 60 Tabs, Vitamin B-12 LipoSpray, NOW Foods, 2 fl. oz.
Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids	5,000-20,000 mg daily, in divided doses. See Ascorbic Acid Flush	Powerful anticancer agent that promotes the production of interferon in the body. Have been shown in laboratories to inhibit the spread of prostate cancer. Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs, Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps, The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 Tabs
Vitamin D-3	As directed on label.	Low levels may be linked to higher prostate cancer incidence. Vitamin D, NOW Foods, 2000 IU, 120 SoftGels, Vitamin D, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 180 SoftGels, Dry Vitamin D, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 400 IU, 100 Caps
Important
Maitake Or Shiitake Or Reishi	As directed on label. As directed on label. As directed on label.	Maitake mushroom extract that contains D-fraction form of isolated beta-1,6-glucan, a substance that prevents carcinogenesis and inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors. Also helps the body adapt to the stress of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Shiitake/Reishi mushroom extracts with valuable immune-boosting and anti-tumor properties. Mushroom Master 3 Mushroom Tincture, Red Reishi, Shiitake & Maitake Mushroom Extracts, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz., Reishi Mushroom, Whole, 100% Organic, 4 oz., Shiitake Mushroom, Whole, 100% Organic, 4 oz., Maitake Mushroom, Whole, 100% Organic, 4 oz.
Or "Green Drinks" Fresh Wheatgrass Juice Such as Kyo-Green from Wakunaga	As directed on label.	To supply chlorophyll and important nutrients. Wheatgrass is used to for the treatment of cancer in many cancer clinics. Wheat Grass Powder, Organic, 10 oz., Wheat Grass Powder, Single Serving Packets, 15 Packets,
Helpful
Acidophilus	As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach.	Has an antibacterial effect on the body. Use a non-dairy formula that requires no refrigeration, if possible. Acidophilus Supplement Powder, Non-Dairy, 3 oz. Bulk, Acidophilus, 3 Billion, NOW Foods, 90 Tabs, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplement, Non-Dairy, 100 Caps, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Kosher Liquid, All Natural, Vegetarian Medium, Lactose Free, Apple Strawberry Flavor, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Aerobic 07 From Aerobic Life Industries Or Dioxychlor From American Biologics	As directed on label.	Antimicrobial agents. Oxy Boost, Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality, 2 oz., Oxy Boost Plus, Therapeutic Strength, Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality, 2 oz., Stabilized Oxygen OxyDrops, Liquid Electrolytes, Sodium Chloride Solution, 4 fl. oz.,
Berry Complex	1-2 tablets after each meal	Has a regulating effect on cell function and a suppressive effect on cancer cells.
Pycnogenol Or Grape Seed Extract	As directed on label. As directed on label.	Powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Pycnogenol W/ Vitamin E, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 30 Tabs, Grape Seed (Grapeseed) (Vitus vinifera), 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 16 fl. oz.
Plus L-Methionine And L-Glutathione And Lipoic Acid	As directed on label. As directed on label. As directed on label.	Essential for the functioning of the immune system. Glutathione is found to be deficient in cancer growth. Lipoic Acid can boost glutathione levels. L-Methionine, 500 mg, Plus B-6, 10 mg, 100 Caps, L-Glutathione, 250 mg, 60 Caps, Alpha Lipoic Acid, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 Caps
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)	As directed on label, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg of vitamin C for better absorption.	To detoxify harmful substances and protect the liver and other organs. Has shown preventive effects against cancer. See Amino Acids for more information. NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine), NOW Foods, Selenium, Molybdenum, 600 mg, 100 Caps, L-Cysteine Structural Support, With Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Tabs
Essential Fatty Acids (Flaxseed Oil)	As directed on label.	Speeds healing. Ultimate Oil, Essential Fatty Acids Supplement, Nature's Secret, 90 SoftGels, Essential Fatty Acids For Baby & Children, Organic, 8 fl oz., Barlean's Flax Oil, 100% Highest Lignan Content, Organic, Pesticide & Herbicide Free, 16 fl. oz., Barlean's Flax Oil, Highest Lignan, 1000 mg, 250 Caps
Kelp Or Seaweed	1,000-1,500 mg daily. As directed on label.	For mineral balance and to help the body avoid damage resulting from radiation therapy. Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, Certified, 650 mg, 100 Caps, Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural, 550 mg, 250 Caps, Kelp Seaweed, Norwegian Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral Complex	As directed on label.	All nutrients are needed in balance for healing and tissue repair. Essential for normal cell division and function. Use a comprehensive formula that contains all major minerals and trace elements except iron. Do not use a sustained-release formula. Super Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral, Pure Vital Earth, 32 fl. oz. (98% Bio-Available for Absorption), Damage Control Master Formula, High Potency, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 60 Packets (30 Day Supply)
Calcium	1,500 mg daily.	Essential for normal cell division and function. Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz., Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 Gelcaps
Magnesium	750-1,000 mg daily.	Essential for normal cell function and division. Helps uptake of calcium. Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz., Calcium & Magnesium Mineral Complex, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 250 mg, 250 Caps
Potassium	99 mg daily.	Important for the prevention and/or treatment of several forms of cancer. Potassium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 340 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Potassium Chelate, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps, Potassium Chloride Powder, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 8 oz.
L-Carnitine	As directed on label.	Protects against damage from free radicals and toxins. L-Carnitine Liquid, Double Strength, NOW Foods, 16 fl. oz., L-Carnitine, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 Caps
Multi-Enzyme Complex	As directed on label. Take with meals.	To aid digestion. Caution: Do not give this supplement to a child. Plant Enzymes, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 120 VCaps, Enzymes, All Complete, 250 mg, 90 Caps, MetabolicZyme (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 900 Tabs,
Raw Glandular Complex Plus Raw Thymus And Raw Spleen Glandulars	As directed on label for each glandular.	Stimulates glandular function, especially the thymus (site of T lymphocyte production). See Gland Therapy. Immuno-Gland Plex, Organic Glandular (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, 60 Caps, Thymus Organic Glandular (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, 75 Caps
Taurine Plus From American Biologics	As directed on label.	Functions as foundation for tissue and organ repair. Necessary for white blood cell activation. Use the liquid or sublingual form. Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps, Taurine, Double Strength, Free Form Amino Acid, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 100 Caps,
Zinc	50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements.	Important in all enzyme systems and tissue repair. Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges, Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges, Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Spirulina Or Spiru-tein from Nature's Plus	As directed on label. Take between meals.	To supply protein, needed to build and repair tissue. Also acts as an appetite stimulant. Spirulina, 100% Organic, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 VCaps, Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 1 lb., Spirulina Natural, Earth Rise, 500 mg, 180 Tabs, Spirulina Natural Green Super Food For Longevity, Earth Rise, 500 mg, 360 Tabs,

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PROSTATE CANCER SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS

Information, supplements and products for prostate cancer, prostate health, and general cancer, an uncontrolled reproduction of cells in the body.

Acai Green Tea, Superfruit Tea, Republic of Tea, 50 Tea Bags Açai (ah-sigh-ee) berry is one of the most nutritious fruits in the world. For centuries, inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest have gathered these berries from the azaicero palm tree for their powerful health benefits. This deep purple fruit has the rich flavors of concord grape and ripe blueberries.

Acid & Alkaline, Revised 5th Edition, By Herman Aihara & Stan Hodson This book by Herman Aihara is an account of the acid and alkaline health condition and the effects on the human body, as explained in yin yang and cause effect terminology.

Acidophilus And Your Health, By Frank Murray A "Good Health Guide" essential for digestion, acidophilus helps cure diarrhea and candida infections, lower cholesterol, prevent and heal cancer and restores healthy intestinal flora after antibiotic treatment.

Advanced Gamma E Complex Vitamin With Mixed Tocopherol & Tocotrienols, 120 SoftGels Advanced Gamma E Complex vitamin provides the necessary full range of antioxidant protection because it contains a more natural balance of Tocopherols plus a full complement of Tocotrienols.

Alfalfa Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is Useful to generate energy and endurance; a tonic for the whole body, due to its highly nutritive value.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, Nature's Ultimate Antioxidant, By Allan Sosin, M.D., & Beth Ley, Ph.D This book shows how to fight back against aging and degenerative diseases with nature's powerful antioxidant.

Astragalus Immunity Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags Help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc. To bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.

Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine consider Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) a true tonic that can strengthen debilitated patients and increase resistance to disease in general.

Astragalus Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Astragalus root is used to stimulate the immune system and Astragalus root improves adrenal gland function and digestion.

Barlean's Flax Oil, 100% Highest Lignan Content, Organic, Pesticide & Herbicide Free, 16 fl. oz. Barlean's Flax Oil contains 25% more lignan bearing flax particulate than competing brands. Barlean's Flax Oil is one of the Nation's Top-10 Best Selling Health Products.

Barley Grass Tincture, 2 fl. oz. Super Greens like Barley Grass help with digestion, elimination, detoxification, internal cleansing, tissue repair, skin problems and healing.

Beating Cancer With Nutrition, Revised With Audio CD, By Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., R.D. Discusses nutrients that make chemo and radiation therapy less damaging to the patient and more effective in treating cancer. These simple, safe and effective methods combine the best of science and nature to improve outcome for cancer patients.

Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Propolis & Honey By Rita Elkins, M.H. This book in the "Woodland Health Series" discusses beehive products and their remarkable and versatile nutritional and healing value, direct from nature. Bee pollen has been used to treat prostatitis, cancer, reduce LDL cholesterol, relieve allergies, and enhance athletic performance.

Bird Flu Tincture, Alternative Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have anti-viral activity against influenza and herpes simplex.

Black Cherry Concentrate, Organic, Kosher, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz. Our Black Cherry Concentrate is made from Organic Cherries, is kosher, fat free and has no sugar added.

Black Seed: Nature's Miracle Remedy, By W.G. Goreja (Paperback) Black Seed: Nature's Miracle Remedy overviews the history, fallacies, research, uses, and tips for using Black seed as a health bolster-agent.

Black Walnut Green Hull, Herbal Anti-Fungal, 300 mg, 50 Caps Black Walnut Green Hull, Herbal Anti Fungal, Juglone nigra, can be used fight fungal infections, ringworm and perhaps certain types of cancer.

Blood Circulator, 100% Natural, 450 mg, 60 Caps This time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote micro-circulation, increase blood flow to heart muscles, open and clear arteries, inhibit intestinal adhesion, soothe the liver, remove stasis and maintain healthy blood circulation and regular menses.

Blueberry Green Tea, Republic of Tea, 50 Tea Bags Premium China green tea with blueberries for great taste and also for men's prostate health.

Blue Violet Leaf Powder, 4 oz. Bulk Blue violet also has a long history as a cough remedy and as a blood cleansing herbal remedy. Blue violet has also earned a reputation in the holistic approach as an anti cancer herb.

BodyZyme, Systemic Enzyme, 90 Capsules BodyZyme is a potent systemic enzyme. Enzymes are protein based substances found in every cell of every plant and animal.

Buchu Herb, Urinary / Kidney Herb, African Red Tea Imports, 2 fl. oz. Buchu herb has traditionally been claimed to treat a wide variety of disorders, some of which include stomach complaints and urinary tract infections.

Cancer Battle Plan: Six Strategies for Beating Cancer From A Recovered "Hopeless Case" By Anne E. Frahm, David J. Frahm Nutritional battle plan that incorporates six strategies for beating cancer.

Cancer Salves: A Botanical Approach To Treatment By Ingrid Naiman Ingrid Naiman provides a complete description of how salves, herbal tonics and boluses work and why they are reasonable cancer remedies.

Can Free (Formerly Anti-Cancer Formula), 100% Organic, 16 fl. oz. Can Free Anti-Cancer Formula builds the immune system and adds many anti-tumor constituents to help fight cancer.

Cat's Claw Tea Spice System Builder, Regular, 100% Organic, Loose Leaf, 8 oz. Reduces inflammation in arthritis, protects the body from harmful substances, supports the body while undergoing cancer treatments, helps to boost the immune system.

Cat's Claw Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Cat's Claw is a rain forest herb that grows in the Peruvian Amazon; it has been used by native healers for many years.

Cellular Therapy Support, Cancer Supplement, TheraVeda Vijay, 100 VCaps TheraVedas Cellular Support Cancer Supplement was created to support the quality of life for cancer patients.

Chaparral Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Chaparral protects against the harmful effects of radiation, sun exposure, and the formation of tumors and cancer cells.

Coenzyme Q10: All-Around Nutrient for All-Around Health! Latest Research As A Heart Strengthener, Energy Promoter, Aging Fighter & Much More. This Book discusses an amazing antioxidant that helps patients with heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol levels and other diseases.

Colostrum, 480 mg, 120 Caps Colostrum known for its powerful healing factors offers optimal health. Colostrum research proves a wide spectrum of immunoglobulins, antibodies, and accessory immune factors.

Colostrum: Mother Nature's Most Powerful Immune Builder!, By Martha Christy This informational booklet on Colostrum shows the incredible impact it can make on immune support and overall health.

CoQ10, All Natural, Hypoallergenic, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 30 Softgels Nature's Way CoenzymeQ10, coQ10 Supplement, supports cellular energy production. CoQ10 is a necessary cofactor for normal heart function.

CoQ10, NOW Foods, 400 mg, 60 Softgels As an active contributor to all aspects of cellular function, coq10 has become universally regarded as one of the most vital nutrients ever made available to the public.

CoQ10 With Vitamin E, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 90 Lozenges Our new orange flavored chewable CoQ10 200 mg is formulated with 100 IU of Vitamin E in a base of non-genetically engineered Soy Lecithin.

Cordyceps Cs-4, 400 mg, 90 VCaps Clinically, Cordyceps is used to build and support immune function in various immune compromised conditions including chronic fatigue, cancer, and respiratory conditions.

Dandelion Tea, Organic, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags Dandelion tea is warm and soothing, and acts as a blood cleanser and gentle diuretic and is 100% Organic.

DMG Supplement, N,N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps NOW Foods' DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella.

Energy Drink, Ola Loa Vitamin Energy Supplement Powder Drink Mix, Orange Repair, 30 Packets Ola Loa is the most extensive vitamin and mineral supplement available in a great tasting effervescent energy drink.

Essiac: A Native Herbal Cancer Remedy, 2nd Edition, By Paul Bond, Christopher Gussa, Cynthia Olsen Essiac's uses, and chronicles the experiences of patients who have attained relief or regeneration from this remarkable herbal preparation.

Esiak / Essiac Tea, NOW Foods, Caffeine Free, 30 Tea Bags NOW Foods Esiak / Essiac Tea is Caffeine Free and has been carefully formulated using specific herbs in a well known, traditional, Ojibwa Indian formula consumed as an herbal tonic.

Esiak (Essiac) Formula, NOW Foods, 450 mg, 180 Caps Esiak / Essiac is a concentrated blend of high-quality, alcohol-free 4:1 herbal extracts formulated according to a traditional Ojibwa Indian formula.

Flax Oil As A True Aid Against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer & Other Diseases, By Dr. Johanna Budwig This book contains the lectures by seven-time Nobel prize nominee and the world-renowned Scientist & Biochemist that have brought about a scientific revolution connecting the relationship between Cancer & Fat Metabolism.

Flax: The Superfood, Over 80 Different Recipes Using Flax Oil & Ground Flax Seed, By B. Bloomfield, J. Brown & S. Gursche This Book explains how Flax may play a vital role in the prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer and colon cancer.

Flor Essence Tea, Truman's Best, Loose Leaf, 8 oz. The Essiac Report states that this is the improved version of Rene Cassie's, famous cancer, C.F.S. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Psoriasis, Diabetes, HIV Infection/Aids cure. Used for all virus infections

Garlic Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. The Europeans use garlic as an all-around treatment for preventing atherosclerosis, the cause of heart disease and strokes.

Gravel Root Tincture, 2 fl. oz. Today Gravel root is used for kidney stones, cystitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because it encourages the excretion of excess uric acid, it is also used to treat rheumatism and gout.

Green Tea, 100% Darjeeling Green Tea, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags 100% Organic Green Tea contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer, fight the flu, lower blood sugar, prevent cavities, and lower blood cholesterol.

How To Prevent & Treat Cancer With Natural Medicine, By Dr. Michael Murray Simply stated, this books provide a clear path to changing the environment within your body so that it will not support the growth of cancer.

Hoxy Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. The Hoxy Formula can be used to help dissolve tumors.

Hydrangea Root, Nature's Way, 415 mg, 100 Caps Hydrangea root has traditionally been used to strengthen the urinary tract and help regulate its function. This plant contains alkaloids which help soothe the body, especially in the bladder and kidney areas. Hydrangea root also works like a natural inflammation reliever and cleanses the joint areas.

I-AIDE Yew Formula, 410 mg, 60 Caps I-Aide is ideal as a daily food supplement for excellent immune support as well as for promoting the rebuilding, enhancing and stimulating of immune function during periods of compromised immune strength.

Immune-RX, Immune System Supplement, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, 60 Tabs Immune-RX, Immune System Supplement, was formulated to strengthen your immune system because Immune-Rx offers the most powerful protection against the elements.

Immune System Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. The Immune System Formula can be used for AIDS, Auto-immune Diseases, and Cancer.

Irwin Naturals ProstaStrong, Prostate Health, 90 Gelcaps Significant clinical research on benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate-cancer has been conducted on each of the potent ingredients in Irwin Naturals Prosta-Strong.

Kidney / Bladder Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Use the Kidney Bladder Formula for Auto-immune Diseases, Bladder, Cancer, Cold Sores and deposits.

Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Original Flavor, 64 fl. oz Kombucha's benefits to the physical body vary widely. It is said to enhance the immune system. By detoxifing the body, kombucha makes it unlikely for disease causing bacteria and viruses to find a suitable growth environment. This results in a healthier physical body!

L-Arginine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps L-Arginine is a conditionally essential basic amino acid involved primarily in urea metabolism and excretion as well as DNA synthesis.

Lycopene, Double Strength, NOW Foods, 20 mg, 50 SoftGels Clinical studies have indicated that Lycopene works through a number of mechanisms to support cardiovascular health and immune function. In addition, epidermiological studies have determined that Lycopene may be particularly important for the support of prostate health, as well as for the health of the digestive tract.

Lycopene Super Antioxidant, Lycopene Supplement, Nature's Way, 5 mg, 60 SoftGels Nature's way Lycopene Supplement provides food nutrients from organic tomatoes.

Lymphatic Glands Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Helps the lymphatic Glands cleanse the body of its wastes. May be used as a preventative and for acute conditions.

Maitake Mushroom Powder, 100% Organic, 4 oz. The unique chemicals in raw, cooked, and dried Maitake mushrooms may help boost immunity, fend off infections and fight cancer. The Food and Drug Administration has approved testing of a compound called Maitake D-fraction, in treating advanced breast and prostate cancers. The same compound is showing promise against lung, liver and brain cancers as well.

Maitake Mushroom Whole, Certified Organic, 4 oz. Dry Weight The Maitake Mushroom is not only the medicinal mushroom that leads as an anti-cancer agent specializing in breast and prostate cancers, but is also renown for it's ability to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and blood clots.

Mangosteen Juice, Kosher & Vegetarian, Dynamic Health, 32 fl. oz. Dynamic Health Mangosteen Juice is rich in the Xanthone Antioxidant, and Mangosteen Juice contains naturally occurring minerals, enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients and bioflavonoids and stimulates your body to boost energy.

Milk Thistle Seed Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. After medical research on the medicinal effects of Milk Thistle Seed, Germany's Commission E approved an oral extract of Milk Thistle as a treatment for liver disease which includes alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, mild liver cirrhosis, liver poisoning and acute viral hepatitis.

Natural Astaxanthin Supplement, NOW Foods, 4 mg, 60 SoftGels NOW Foods Natural Astaxanthin Supplement offers all of the benefits of Astaxanthin in easy to take softgels.

Natural Fiber Supplement, Trumans, 12 oz. Truman's Natural Fiber Supplement formula helps to give bulk to the stool and to check diarrhea; thus, creating balance in the bowel movements.

Noni Liquid Extract, 30 ml Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a tropical fruit that is grown in the Pacific Islands. It has been successfully used for over 2,000 years in Polynesia to treat a variety of illnesses. The most beneficial Noni is grown organically in pollution free volcanic soil.

Odorless Garlic Supplement, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 250 SoftGels Odorless Garlic supplement is extracted from Allum sativum and is a specially made Japanese product. Our Odorless Garlic yields high amounts of Scordiin, a unique sulfur compound which may be responsible for many of garlic's renowned benefits.

Pau D'Arco Liquid Extract, Incan LaPacho, 100% Natural Herbal, 4 fl. oz. The Incan Lapacho Co. Pau d'Arco extract is made from the inner barks of Plantation Grown Purple Lapacho trees found on or near the ancient Inca Trail.

Pau D'Arco Tea, Incan LaPacho, 48 Tea Bags Pau d'Arco tea has shown that it may support the bodies own ability to ward off many diseases.

Paracan Parasite Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Use Paracan to help fight parasites and cancer. Should be used for a three month duration for a complete removal of all types of parasite.

Periwinkle (Vinpocetine) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Rosy Periwinkle produces 70 known alkaloids, some of which are used by the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of childhood leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, testicular cancer and cancerous tumors.

Platinum Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz. WaterOz Ionic Platinum is a pure liquid Platinum Supplement. Platinum is used in the treatment of cancer and as a base in some of the chemotherapeutic treatments. Platinum may be effective in killing disease- causing bacteria, fungus, viruses, and help boost the immune system.

Pomeratrol, NOW Foods, 60 VCaps NOW® Pomeratrol's combination of antioxidant power and cellular protection thus provides strong support against abnormal cell growth, as well as against the effects of aging.

ProgestaCare Natural Progesterone Cream, Men's Formula, 100% Natural, 3 oz. Medical researchers are just now discovering the many health benefits that natural progesterone cream can offer men.

ProstaClean, Prostate Herbs, Balanceuticals, TCM Prostate Formula, 100% Natural, 60 Caps Chinese medicine uses this well-known formula for its diuretic and immune supporting properties to clear the prostate and eliminate heat and toxins, and to rejuvenate.

Prostactive, Saw Palmetto Supplement With Nettle Root, Nature's Way, 140 mg, 50 Softgels Prostactive Plus Saw Palmetto Supplement is a concentrated 12:1 extract made from the berries of the Saw Palmetto tree blended with Nettle Root extract, providing a unique synergistic effectiveness.

Prostate Disorders & Natural Medicine, By Rita Elkins This book discusses the causes and concerns of prostate problems.

Prostate Formula Tincture, Liquid, Prostate Herbal Supplement, 2 fl. oz. Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Prostate formula, prostate herbal supplement, is for prostate problems and to balance male hormones.

Prostate Health In 90 Days, By Larry Clapp, Ph.D., J.D. Shows how to stop prostate trouble in its tracks, using nutrition, massage, herbs, homeopathy and other alternative healing approaches.

Prostate Supplement With Saw Palmetto, Nature's Way, 60 Caps Nature's Way Prostate Supplement represents the powerful synergy of current scientific research and traditional herbal medicine.

Prostol Prostate Supplement Formula, Nature's Way, 120 Softgels Prostol Dual Action Prostate Supplement combines the synergistic benefits of Sabal (saw palmetto) and Urtica (nettle) in a preparation proven to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase activity.

Questioning Chemotherapy, A Critique of the Use of Toxic Drugs in the Treatment of Cancer, By Ralph Moss, Ph.D. Cancer expert Dr. Moss questions whether chemotherapy is safe, effective or necessary. He gives historical background and factual information on the practice of chemotherapy, exploring treatment for breast, lung, colon, ovarian and other types of cancer.

Radiation Therapy Wellness Oil, 2 fl. oz. We created this oil together for a friend that was getting radiation for breast cancer. She called after day 26 to let us know that the health care providers couldn't believe how well her skin looked!

Red Clover Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Red Clover is used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and weak lungs. It is good for cleansing the liver and the blood.

Regenerator Mate, Balanceuticals, TCM Formula, 100% Natural, 60 Caps Chinese medicine uses this well-known formula to supplement the Qi, strengthen the spleen, nurture the liver, nourish the kidney, support the immune system, increase white blood cell and platelets levels, and ease side-effects of chemo and radiation.

Regenerator, Shenlian Zaizao, 60 Caps Chinese medicine uses it to eliminate heat and toxins, activate blood circulation and remove stasis, and speed up T lymph cell transformation, enhance phagocytosis of macrophage and increase white blood cell level.

Resveratrol Synergistic Formula, Nature's Way, 37.5 mg, 60 Caps Japanese Knotweed is a potent source of Resveratrol and has been used for the heart, liver and blood vessels.

Samento, Extra Strength (100 Times More Effective Than Cat's Claw), 600 mg, 30 Caps Samento is beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.

Samento Liquid Extract, 1 fl oz. Beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidiasis, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 SoftGels A rare source of vitamin E, Sea Buckthorn Oil also provides other vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, K, etc, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, serotonin and 28 trace elements: iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, etc.

Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.

Selenium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz. WaterOz Ionic Selenium is pure liquid Selenium supplement. Selenium promotes normal body growth, enhances fertility, encourages tissue elasticity and is a potent antioxidant that naturally reduces the retention of toxic metals in the body. Selenium is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart muscle and there is evidence that it can help the body fight cancer.

Shark Cartilage, NOW Foods, 750 mg, 100 Caps Shark cartilage is taken to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other bone and joint ailments. Popular as an alternative treatment for cancer, shark cartilage is taken both to slow the growth of existing tumors and in smaller daily doses to prevent new cancers.

Sheep Sorrel Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Sheep Sorrel is a traditional folk remedy for cancer.

Shiitake & Maitake Extract, Standardized, 200 mg, 60 Caps Nature's Way Shiitake and Maitake extract is formulated in a base of Oat powder standardized to a total of 8% beta glucan, the polysaccharide to which most of the health benefits are attributed.

Skin Tumors Tincture (External), Alternative Health & Herbs, 2 oz. Use Alternative Health & Herbs Skin Tumors externally for skin tumors, skin cancer, infection, and skin disorders.

SystemWell Ultimate Multisystem Immunity Supplement, 180 Tabs SystemWell Ultimate Multisystem Immunity Supplement is the multi-system defense formula for seven essential aspects of healthy immunity.

The Cure For All Advanced Cancers Book, By Dr. Hulda Regehr Clark According to the Author, Cancer Can Now Be Cured,not only the early stages, but also advanced cancer, stages four and five, including imminent death.

The Cure For All Cancers Book, By Dr. Hulda Regehr Clark We are not accustomed to thinking about a cure for cancer. We think of remission as the only possibility. But this book is not about remission. It is about a cure.

The Essiac Report, The True Story of a Canadian Herbal Cancer Remedy & of the Thousands of Lives It Continues to Save, By Richard Thomas This book offers a fascinating story of Essiac herbal tea. Essiac is used in the treatment of many types of cancer.

Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 100 VCaps Nature's Way Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, is especially recommended for those who drink, smoke, or are exposed to environmental pollutants.

Turmeric Extract, Standardized to 95% Curcuminoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 120 Tabs Nature's Way standardized Turmeric extract is a technically advanced herbal extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids. This is the highest concentration of curcuminoids available.

Turmeric Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Turmeric is useful as an anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce Alzheimer's debilitating effects, but there are multiple studies that suggest curcumin can have some potential in actually treating various forms of cancer.

Vital Yew (Pacific Yew), 300 mg, 180 Caps Pacific Yew tree has not only been intensively used and analyzed for its remarkable anti-cancer properties, but has also been historically utilized in its natural form for promoting relief from a variety of health concerns including colds, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, flu, rheumatism, sciatica, kidney problems, lung problems and more.

Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels Nature's Way vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Vitamin B-100 Complex With Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps A complete Vitamin B complex of 8 essential vitamins. B Vitamins are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.

Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.

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FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROSTATE CANCER & CANCER SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS:

Herbal Remedies: Prostate Cancer Information

Herbal Remedies: Prostate Cancer Supplements, Information & Products

Herbal Remedies: Prostate Problem Supplements, Information & Products

Herbal Remedies: Cancer Supplements, Information & Products

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TESTICULAR CANCER SELF-TEST

With the fingers of both hands, gently roll each testicle between the thumb and the fingers, checking for hard lumps or nodules. Be sure to include the epididymis (the rope-like portion) in your exam. Normally your testicles feel smooth ad a little spongy. A mass will feel firm but not painful when pressed, unless there is bleeding inside the tumor. If you find a suspicious lump, see your health care provider.

You will be better able to feel for lumps if you check for them after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.

Men who receive either of 2 kinds of treatment in testicular cancer appear to be at increased risk for leukemia. A recent study highlighted those getting radiation treatment and Cisplatin, a standard cancer chemotherapy agent. The study also noted that the higher the dosage, the greater the risk. Researchers are quick to point out that the benefits of both treatments far outweigh the small increased risk of leukemia.

Cancer has been reported to be badly under-diagnosed. In one autopsy review, of those found with malignancies, over half of the deaths were caused by undiagnosed cancer.

There are many hospitals, research centers, and treatment centers that specialize in cancer treatment.

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer - Alternative & Complementary Therapies

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Nutrition

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Self Tests

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cancer Warning Signs

MoonDragon's Health & Medical Organizations

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Cervical Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Cervical Dysplasia

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Cervical Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Ovarian Cancer

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Prostate Cancer

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Skin Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Uterine Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Vaginal Cancer

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Pain Control

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OTHER RELATED CANCER LINKS

Cancer Therapies (Alphabetical Listing)

The Cancer Control Society Meeting - Alternative Therapies

Alternative Cancer Clinics Outside of the United States



NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You suspect or have signs that may be associated with prostate cancer.

You want more information regarding prostate cancer therapies, conventional and alternative.

You have unusual or unexplained symptoms. Some therapies, both conventional and alternative, may produce side effects during treatment.

Your symptoms worsen, despite treatment.

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HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES

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