New Holistic Treatment Helping Prostate Cancer Patients
PITTSBURGH (CBS) -- Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men.
In recent years, there's been much debate about how to treat early cancers that are detected through PSA tests. Now some experts are taking a holistic approach.
Anthony Carbone is trying a natural approach to treat his early-stage prostate cancer.
"I haven't had steak in a year. I haven't had a hamburger in a year," Carbone said. "I'm not eating red meat."
It's part of a regime called Active Holistic Surveillance.
"Added flax seed and green tea," said Carbone.
Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never require surgery or radiation.
Traditionally, doctors would take a wait and see approach, telling patients to have their blood checked every three months.
This program takes it a step further using diet, supplements and exercise to lower the chances of the disease progressing.
"It will reduce your cancer causing compounds in the body and increase your antioxidants, and reduce inflammation," said Dr. Aaron Katz, a urologist at Winthrop University Hospital.
The program calls for a major diet change - low on red meat and dairy and high in cruciferous vegetables including kale, cauliflower and broccoli.
Dr. Katz also recommends taking natural supplements to boost the body's immune system.
"There has been research that has shown that pomegranate extract pills can extend the time that it takes for PSAs to double," Dr. Katz said.
Carbone has been sticking to the regimen. He'd like to avoid the side effects that come with prostate removal if he can.
"If nothing else, I kind of feel like I've bought at least another year or two or three years where I didn't have to deal with that," said Carbone.
But he doesn't rule out conventional treatment in the future if he needs it.
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