Alternative Medicine Reduces Men’s Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in American men. Approximately 217,000 new cases are diagnosed every year and about 32,000 will die from the disease. It is typically a slow growing asymptomatic disease that only announces itself when it reaches advanced stages. Although it most prevalent among men over 50, it can develop in any man of any age.

Prostate cancer can interfere with penile functions including urination and sexual intercourse. In fact, it is one of the primary causes of sexual dysfunction in men. Symptoms of the disease, if they do occur, include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and painful urination. Men may also have difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection.

The medical community believes a mix of genetics and environmental factors, such as diet, may contribute to the development of prostate cancer in men. Common recommendations to prevent prostate cancer from developing include increasing the frequency of ejaculation and making dietary changes. However, a substance derived from the foxglove plant has also been shown to reduce a man’s risk of developing the disease.

A study published in the Cancer Discovery journal reported that Digoxin appeared to lower the occurrence of prostate disease in men. The study followed the prostate health of 47,000 men. Out of that number, 5,000 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The men who consumed digoxin had a reduced risk of getting the disease of 24 percent.

The researchers were not certain exactly how the plant prevented the disease from developing. However, they have also found that palmetto extract works to reduce inflammation in the prostate as well. Taking a daily supplement can be beneficial in protecting prostate health.
Since prostate cancer does not present symptoms in its early stages, it is advisable that men obtain regular screenings. The cure rate for the disease is highest in its early stages.