THE EDITOR, Sir:REFERENCE IS made to the report in The Gleaner of June 3, 2004 under the heading 'Prostate Cancer 'Eludes' Detection'.
It is noted that a disturbing new study has found inter alia that many of the older men with normal PSA counts and rectal exams had prostate cancer anyway. The findings intensify the dilemma of how to interpret the test results and how to treat men with no symptoms.
The study focuses on the standard screening test for prostate cancer; the prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA count. This is certainly crippling news for men who are advanced in years and who are concerned about the problems of this dreaded disease associated with ageing.
Most new cases of prostate cancer strike men over age 55; the average age of the onset is 70, so it is a disease associated with ageing. However, old age need not be synonymous with debility and illness. Although health and ageing are inextricably linked, it is not ageing we should fear; the real enemy is disease viz - prostate cancer.
CONCERN
So where do men go from here with their concern and the findings of this study? Cancer of the prostate kills more men than any other kind except lung cancer.
One of the most exciting areas of scientific research embraces the role of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Studies over the last 20 years have shown that a group of nutrients called antioxidants can have major significance in the prevention of a number of diseases and at the same time slow the ageing process.
Although antioxidants are not the magic cure for cancer the evidence is overwhelming that antioxidants play an important role in protecting against cancer. The dynamic interplay among certain key antioxidants bolsters the body's ability to defeat cancer before it can take hold. In essence they fortify the body's own defence mechanisms against diseases.
Although we have an enormous arsenal of wonderful medications and therapies our entire approach to health care has been reactive as opposed to being proactive. We should not only combat disease but also try to prevent it. We need to be more proactive. There is compelling evidence that antioxidants can have a real impact on the mysterious forces we call "the ageing process".
There is a great need for improvement in public awareness of the potential preventative benefits of antioxidants' nutrient intake. The key to preventing disease and extending life involves maintaining the right level and combination of antioxidants in our bodies.
While researchers are studying more subtle ways to interpret PSA counts and experimenting with other protein and genetic tests to help pinpoint the dangerous tumours, it may be prudent for men to keep their antioxidant defence system in peak condition by taking formulations containing the key elements of the antioxidants network.
Prostate cancer? To be or not to be put nutritional antioxidant to work for you. Antioxidant supplementation, together with an antioxidant-rich diet will play a key role in maintaining the antioxidant advantage in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, viz prostate cancer.
I am, etc.,
DR. LANCE LANNAMAN,
N.M.D.
naturaldoc@cwjamaica.com
Kingston, Jamaica
