Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer: Understanding the Connection
Prostatitis, a condition affecting the prostate gland, will impact around 50% of men at some point in their lives. For those with a history of prostatitis, it’s important to be aware of the potential link to prostate cancer and to take steps to maximize prostate and overall health.
Risk Factors
The California Men’s Health Study, published in 2010, assessed the relationship between prostatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and prostate cancer in 68,675 men. The study discovered that men with a history of prostatitis had a 30% higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those without such a history. This indicates there may be an increased risk of prostate cancer for men who have had prostatitis.
Interestingly, another study found a connection between prostatitis and colorectal cancer. Researchers at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan determined that men with colorectal cancer were 45% more likely to have been diagnosed previously with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) versus the control group.
Therefore, recognizing these risk factors can help take steps to lower the risk of prostate cancer, manage prostatitis, and reduce inflammation. Studies reveal that consuming anti-inflammatory agents targeting the enzyme cyclooxygenase may decrease the risk for prostate cancer.
Steps to Take
The most effective ways to manage prostatitis utilize a multimodal whole-body approach to wellness. Natural treatments for prostatitis have proven much more effective than traditional medical treatments, such as antibiotics and other drugs.
One holistic approach that encompasses the whole body is Dr. Geo Espinosa’s prostatitis treatment program. Dr. Espinosa, a naturopathic urologist specializing in men’s prostate health, has developed an NPAT program that involves natural treatments, phytotherapy, alternative treatments for prostatitis, and total body treatments. This program acknowledges that prostatitis and pelvic pain are rooted in a man’s lifestyle, diet, and factors contributing to pelvic tension.
The program incorporates supplements and other therapies with anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Alternative treatments can include acupuncture, trigger-point release, ice packs, exercises, physiotherapy, and phytotherapy, while managing stress forms another crucial component.
Supplements can be highly beneficial in managing prostatitis and pelvic pain. Phytotherapy for prostatitis involves using combined formulas of two supplements, pollen extracts, and quercetin, in specific formations. Taking pollen for prostatitis has recently attracted attention from the medical community, while quercetin for prostatitis is now a recommended treatment by many urologists and medical professionals due to its positive research. These two supplements combine effectively in phytotherapy to help restore prostate health because of their separate anti-inflammatory properties.
Other supplements can provide more natural ways to combat inflammation and manage urinary health. Supplements that have shown benefit for prostatitis or support immunity include saw palmetto, vitamin D3, turmeric (curcumin), and green tea.
Supplements should complement a healthy diet and lifestyle. The right foods can help manage prostatitis and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Aim to consume cancer-killing foods like fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage), berries, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olives, avocadoes), cooked tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Prostatitis doesn’t guarantee the development of prostate cancer; only one in six men will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. However, increased risk should serve as motivation to improve overall lifestyle and well-being. Commit to a healthier life by exercising regularly, eating prostate-friendly and cancer-killing foods each week, and managing stress levels.
Although certain risk factors for prostate cancer can’t be changed (age, family history, race, and genetics), some factors, such as obesity or smoking, can be controlled. By undertaking positive steps to improve prostate health and lower these risks, you can prioritize your well-being and decrease the chances of developing prostate cancer.
