PSA, Prostate Specific Antigen, is a blood test that looks for and reveals protein made by the cells in the prostate gland. When there are high levels of PSA, cancer may be the cause. Some vitamins help block a pathway called DHT, which cause the prostate to increase in size, and some vitamins can help reduce risks.
Identification
Prostate cancer is most frequently diagnosed in older men. Symptoms include difficulty or pain with urination, back pain, hip pain and blood in the urine. Prostate cancer also can interfere with sexual performance.
Misconceptions
PSA levels can be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or BPH. This refers to an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate.
Benefits
Zinc as a vitamin supplement can help block pathways that can increase prostate size.
Prevention
Lycopenes are vitamin-like substances that act as antioxidants to help prevent damage to DNA. Lycopenes, found in tomatoes and tomato-based products, may help lower prostate cancer risk, though research is inconclusive.
Potential
Vitamin E and selenium can protect against prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends a healthy diet and daily exercise as the first lines of defense.
Theories
It may be possible to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by taking vitamins and supplements, but studies are inconclusive. A healthy lifestyle and diet are the best and most important factors in reducing any cancer risk.
Tags: cancer risk, help block, , Prostate cancer,