Prostate cancer is a serious concern for men, even with regular exercise. Working out doesn’t protect anyone from the disease entirely, although it has been proven to cut the risk by more than 50% in some men. Genetics obviously seem to play a part in prostate cancer risk, but there are three things you can do to improve your chances and live a longer, healthier life.

(1) Eat Yer’ Greens!
Mom always said you should eat your broccoli, and she was right. The nutrients in this and other green vegetables, as well as tomatoes, will help fight cancer.

(2) Vitamin D-3
Vitamin D-3 has been proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Try to get 1,000 IU of D-3 daily. A multivitamin is a good idea if you aren’t already taking one.

(3) Avoid Red & Charred Meat
Red meat has been linked to cancer, and charred meat especially should be avoided. Make it a treat rather than a staple! Switch to fish, and indulge in some nice spices and lemon.

Looking for a urology doctor in Las Vegas? Visit Michael S Kaplan, MD!

Main photo by Mr. T in DC

Photo by: Lori C.

Sometimes men are reluctant to consult a specialist, even when they are suffering from discomfort or facing serious symptoms. However, even mild symptoms can sometimes be an indicator of cancer. The following warning signs need to be addressed by a urologist immediately to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Issues with male fertility

Infertility can be a combination of many factors, including cancer. A small number of male fertility issues can be related to testicular cancer, so it’s worth asking your doctor if this is an issue for you.

Blood in the urine

The appearance of blood in your urine can be a warning flag of bladder or kidney cancer. It’s also worth noting that not all blood in the urine is visible – sometimes it can only be detected through tests.

Changes in Prostate Specific Antigen numbers

These numbers are the most accurate indicators of prostate cancer. A rise in these numbers warrant a closer evaluation by a urologist specially trained in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.

Abnormal prostate exam

It’s highly recommended that all men over the age of 40 to 45 obtain a yearly prostate exam. Again, abnormal results, such as masses, need to be evaluated by a urologist for early intervention if required.

X-rays that reveal masses on the kidneys

The possibility of kidney cancer may be suggested by masses on the kidneys, but a urologist is the best doctor to handle the diagnosis and treatment of this disease of the urological system.

Pain or a mass in the testicles

Early intervention for testicular cancer is key in fighting this very curable form of cancer. Don’t fool yourself into thinking the pain will just go away – it could lead to much worse problems down the road.

Contact Dr. Michael S Kaplan, respected urologist and erectile dysfunction doctor, today at (702) 454-6226 for a consultation or appointment if you are experiencing one of these serious symptoms.

Prostate cancer was first officially identified in 1853 and was thought to be a rare disease by early doctors.  Today, prostate cancer is recognized as the most commonly reported cancer for men in the United States, and the second most common cancer worldwide.  Every year, hundreds of thousands of men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, yet there is no definite cure.  Scientists have also been unable to point to an exact cause of prostate cancer, though there is evidence linking factors such as genetics, diet and medication.  However, a recent study has led scientists in a new direction in their search for understanding prostate cancer.

Recent research has shown the significance of a class of molecules called microRNA.  One of the major roles microRNA plays in the human body deals with controlling which genes are expressed.  In other words, microRNA helps tell the body’s DNA when to turn genes on and off.  According to new research, certain types of microRNA can be associated with the growth of cancer cells. These microRNA’s are referred to as oncomirs.

One oncomir in particular has been shown to have a significant influence on prostate cancer cells.  This oncomir is known as microRNA-27a (or miR-27a for short).  While testosterone levels have long been linked to prostate cancer, it is was only recently discovered that testosterone produces higher levels of miR-27a in the body, which directly stimulate the production of prostate cancer cells. This suggests that testosterone itself may not be linked to prostate cancer, but rather the increased levels of miR-27a that come with it.  In addition, research has also shown that miR-27a interferes with the production of a protein called prohibitin, a tumor suppressing protein.  The benefit of this discovery is that it is much easier to create microRNA inhibitors than to create proteins.

Photo by Horia Varlan

While the field for studying microRNA is still relatively young, this discovery brings scientists in a new direction and marks significant progress in prostate cancer research.  Although the news has generated a lot of excitement, it will still take some time before these findings can be applied in humans.

Photo by Rdecom

As with any cancer, early detection is going to be your best bet for a good prognosis.  It is important to be screened regularly to catch any abnormalities before they potentially become serious.  If you are a male over 50, or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk with your urologist about testing options. There are many different options available and your doctor can help determine which is best for you.

For more information on prostate cancer, vasectomy, or erectile dysfunction treatment in Las Vegas, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan and his experienced staff at (702) 454-6226.