Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with cancer? Have you ever wondered if you might develop breast or prostate cancer? More than one million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. Hundreds of types of cancer are diagnosed today, with breast and prostate cancer being the most common. These two types of cancer can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalance in both men and women.
What Causes Breast or Prostate Cancer?
Studies have shown that women who have had multiple pregnancies are at lowest risk for developing breast cancer. Elevated estriol and natural progesterone levels experienced during pregnancy are known to protect women from developing breast cancer. Synthetic hormones such as Premarin and Provera, however, actually increase the risk of breast cancer in women.
Breast cancer is most prevalent in women over 50 years old who are experiencing perimenopause or menopause. Estrogen and progestin levels drop significantly during these stages, as does other anti-aging cell protective hormones such as melatonin, thyroid, testosterone, estriol and DHEA. Low levels of these hormones make the immune system function less effectively, increasing the risk of cancer occurrence.
Prostate cancer most likely will occur in the majority of men in the United States who live beyond the age of 65 years old. As men age, testosterone and progesterone levels drop, while estrogen levels increase. High levels of testosterone found in young men acknowledges why prostate cancer does not exist within that age group.
What are the Symptoms of Breast/Prostate Cancer?
Women with breast cancer may not experience any signs or symptoms, which is the exact reason women should not forgo their mammograms during menopausal years. Symptoms which may present indicating breast cancer include:
Discomfort within the breast Inverted nipple or pain in nipple Lump or mass on breast Nipple discharge Redness or swollen lymph nodes Lump in the underarm area Skin irritation or dimpling
As in breast cancer, many men do not experience any symptoms of prostate cancer, however, most common symptoms seen are:
Painful urination Frequent urge to urinate Excessive urination at night Weight gain Man boobs Gallbladder problems Erectile dysfunction Anxiety/insomnia
How is Breast/Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
A mammogram is the most common procedure performed to diagnose breast cancer. Women who have a higher risk of breast cancer, due to certain factors, are also encouraged to have an MRI.
There are two ways to screen for prostate cancer. A rectal exam may be performed by a doctor, checking for abnormalities in texture, shape, or size of the prostate gland. If the exam indicates a possible abnormality, a blood sample is taken to analyze the level of PSA, a substance secreted by the prostate. If PSA levels are higher than normal, this could indicate prostate infection, enlargement or cancer.
To diagnose prostate cancer, an ultrasound of the area or a prostate biopsy may be performed to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Is Preventative Treatment Right for Me?
A complete blood panel will discover any hormone imbalance which may be present. Early treatment of hormone imbalance will significantly decrease the risk of developing breast or prostate cancer for many individuals.
Our doctors at Holtorf Medical Group are specially trained to detect hormone imbalances, provide safe and effective treatments which can significantly decrease your chances of developing breast or prostate cancer. Consult with your doctor for more information or please call (877) 508-1177 to speak to a patient representative.
