(NaturalNews) According to a new study by researchers at the University of Michigan, many prostate cancer patients may be opting for over-aggressive surgery and radiation treatments when milder therapies may be more effective.
The researchers examined more than 64,000 medical records for men with early-stage prostate cancer and found that of the 25,000 with very low-risk tumors, half still opted for radiation and surgery treatments. Previous studies have found that closely monitoring the cancer may be the best option for such patients, and in many cases, waiting to treat prostate tumors until it is absolutely necessary may be an even better option.
Experts believe many prostate cancer patients overreact to the word "cancer" and subsequently over-treat their condition. "Prostate cancer is different in several ways," says Dr. Mark Scholz of Prostate Oncology Specialists. "It grows much more slowly, it doesn't spread nearly as easily."
Larry Cano -- a New York film producer and karate instructor -- was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but opted against radiation and surgery, which can come with side effects such as incontinence and sexual troubles. Cano opted to treat his cancer with hormone therapy and close monitoring, and has experienced "a very successful outcome."
Experts warn that some prostate tumors may require stronger treatment, but advise patients and their doctors to become educated on less harsh alternatives.
Natural health proponents say alternative therapies can be highly effective at both preventing and reversing prostate cancer. For example, altering the diet to balance levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and supplementing with pomegranate juice and capsaicin -- the chemical that makes peppers hot -- have been shown to be effective at slowing and even reversing prostate tumor growth.
"Prostate cancer is easily prevented and even reversed without using any drugs, surgery or radiation," said Mike Adams, author of How to Prevent and Reverse Prostate Cancer. "Medicinal foods like pomegranates and tomatoes provide a powerful defense against prostate cancer and can even help reverse the condition," he added. "Most conventional medical treatments for prostate cancer are not only useless, they're actually harmful."
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