Feb 15, 2006

Vitamins May Not Protect You From Prostate Cancer

Contrary to popular belief, taking the vitamins E and C or the nutrient beta-carotene doesn't protect against prostate cancer as per the latest government reports. In a government research report, published Tuesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the authors say that consumption of vitamins and beta-carotene may not provide protection from prostate cancer in men.

Several previous studies have yielded conflicting results on this topic, and even this new study of almost 30,000 men is not considered to be the last word on this issue. While the study showed no protective for vitamin E, the study leaves open the possibility that it might help smokers.

The primary goal of the study was to test the value of screening tests for prostate cancer. In that study they were also surveyed about their diet and what supplements they took, relying on memory, not nearly as precise as other research now under way that controls supplement doses.

The study showed that smokers were 71 percent less likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease if they had taken high doses of vitamin E for several years. But, to add to the confusion, the risk of earlier-stage cancer increased among vitamin E-using smokers.

It is known that, smoking by itself increases the risk of prostate cancer, and even if further research concludes that vitamin E somehow tempers that risk, kicking the habit would be far more protective, as per comments by Harvard University scientists in an accompanying editorial.

Mark      

Do You Read All Of Our Cancer Blogs?

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Cancer blog: I manage the cancer blog with lots of help and support form other bloggers. Through this cancer blog my friends and I try to bring stories of hope for patients with cancer. The cancer blog often republishes important blog posts from other cancer related blogs at Medicineworld.org. If you are searching for a blog that covers wide variety of cancer topics, this may be the one for you.

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Colon cancer blog: Colon cancer blog is run by Sue and other bloggers. Sue brings a personal touch to the colon cancer blog since her mother died of colon cancer few years ago. She writes about stories, research news and advances in treatment related to colon cancer.

Prostate cancer blog: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. American Cancer Society estimates that over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer occur in the United state every year. This important blog about prostate cancer is run by Mark and other bloggers. This blog brings news, stories, and other personal observations related to prostate cancer.

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Janet      

Prostate cancer
The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in male. The tube that carries urine runs through the prostate. The prostate contains cells that make some of the seminal fluid. This fluid protects and nourishes the sperm. Prostate cancer usually starts in the gland cells of the prostate. This kind of cancer is known as adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancer is usually a slow disease, but sometimes it can grow fast and spread quickly to other organs.