Phase 6 Stress Stimulates Cancer Cell Growth And Metastases
During this final phase elevated stress hormone norepinephrine and epinephine levels, stimulate tumor cells to produce three compounds: MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the growth compound VEGF . Tumor cells make receptors for these stress hormones on their surface. MMP-2 and MMP-9 breakdown the structure of tumor cell walls making it easier for them to spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. VEGF causes blood vessels to grow in new tumor cells, so that they can grow and spread more rapidly.
Every day, our bodies are exposed to cancer-causing agents in the air, food and water. Typically, our immune system recognizes those abnormal cells and kills them before they produce a tumor. There are three important things that can happen to prevent cancer from developing the immune system can prevent the agents from invading in the first place, DNA can repair the abnormal cells or killer T-cells can kill off cancer cells. Research has shown that stress can lower the bodys ability to do each of those things, according to Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., assistant professor of behavioral sciences at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. When emotional and physical stress decreases the bodys ability to fight disease, it loses the ability to fight cancer.
Caroline Myss: The 2nd Chakra Connection
Power & Relationships: The prostate and other sexual organs are associated with the 2nd Chakra, which has to do primarily with money, sex, power, control and relationships.
Losing control: The loss of control , or events/ conditions like addiction, rape, betrayal, impotence, financial loss, abandonment and loss of physical strength can exert a negative energy and create 2nd Chakra issues.
Fear: The sacred truth of the 2nd chakra is to honour one another. It is important to understand what motivates our choices and actions. Is it fear or faith, for example?
To know more about Caroline Mysss work on Chakras and their associated illnesses, here
To read a review of Caroline Mysss profound book Anatomy of the Spirit here
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Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
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It’s More Than Anxious Surveillance
Emotional health and prostate cancer seem to be on the minds of a lot of people these dayspatients and doctors alike.
Those of us in the low-risk prostate cancer world talk a lot about anxious surveillance, anxiety we experience at the time of urologist visits, around the time of PSAs, MRIs, and biopsies, and while we await test results.
A patient survey, the AnCan and ASPI groups did last year showed that about 30% of us have some anxiety issuesabout half of this group were anxious before being diagnosed. Anxiety can be enough to cause men to quit active surveillance and undergo treatment.
Distress and depression can be factors in this mix as well. Few researchers seem to look at them.
Emotional issues are not limited to active surveillance patients.
Emotional health impacts the full spectrum of prostate cancer patients. Take men who have undergone surgery or radiation and anxiously await to hear whether their margins are clear and whether their PSA numbers are low.
Some centers, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering routine screen patients with their own anxiety scale. Researchers in Italy showed that adding a psychologist to a multi-disciplinary team, and, if necessary, counseling sessions for anxious men, can make a difference in patients decisions to go on active surveillance.
One of the researchers told me last year: A prostatectomy is not a solution for anxiety. The same is true for radiation therapy or hormonal therapy.
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
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About Dr Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
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Cognitive And Psychological Burdens Following Adt
Depression in ADT Patients
There is increasing evidence that ADT may be associated with depression according to review articles by Casey et al. , Donovan et al. , Rhee et al. , and a systematic review and meta-analysis by Nead et al. . It was further reported by Cherrier et al. that when ADT patients are estimated by a diagnostic depression instrument, approximately 12.8% meet clinical criteria for depression. Also, certain depressive symptoms can also adversely impact intact cognitive functioning .
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What You Need To Know About The Prostate Prostate Cancer Emotional Causes
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
What You Need To Know About The Prostate Emotional Cause Of Prostate Cancer
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
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Major Quality Of Life Concerns
Sexuality
Erectile dysfunction, a complication feared by many men diagnosed with prostate cancer, can occur from aging, the cancer itself, surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy . After treatment men wonder if erectile dysfunction is prolonged, and WHEN or IF they will be able to have sex again. For those men who are particularly bothered by sexual dysfunction, the first step should be a consultation with an urologist who specializes in male sexual dysfunction . Sex therapy with a trained therapist may help a man express the feelings engendered by this dysfunction, and also to help a couple learn alternative ways of sharing sexual intimacy .
Erectile Rehabilitation
ED Treatments
Psychological and Relationship Implications
Urinary Incontinence and Bowel Changes
Coping with Pain
Pain due to bone metastases is often a symptom of advanced prostate cancer. Older men are often reluctant to take pain medications or dosages adequate to alleviate their pain. It is not clear to what degree this relates to a fear of side effects, such as constipation and fatigue, or to a machismo attitude of feeling compelled to endure the pain. Support of the use of pain medications by the medical team as well as vigilant efforts to reduce or manage side effects can facilitate improved quality of life.
Fatigue
Anxiety and PSA Hypervigilance
Icipant Characteristics And Bivariate Associations With Distress
Demographic and clinical characteristics are reported in the Appendix included in the Supplemental Material, along with mean level of distress as a function of these characteristics. Younger age and lower income were statistically significantly associated with greater distress .
In bivariate analyses, beliefs and personality were significantly associated with distress. Participants with distress scores above a cutoff of 5 had lower levels of adaptive beliefs and personality factors than those with distress scores below the cutoff . Pairwise correlations between the belief and personality variables were, for the most part, modest, ranging from r =0.18 to 0.36, p-values< .001, with the exception that optimism and resilience were strongly correlated r=0.65, p< .001.
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What Are The Implications
These experiences, reported by men themselves, have implications for those who treat or care for them.
Men report that surgery was life-changing and complications arising from surgery were the most troubling aspect. Many felt they lacked information about the impact of surgery. So it is important to talk to patients before about what to expect and their likely emotional responses.
This might mean, for example, asking what are your concerns about surgery and afterwards? or How do you think you might feel if you developed complications?
There are practical questions to consider such as:
- What practical steps and support might help you in dealing with urinary incontinence? or
- Do you want to know what kind of sexual problems some people experience after surgery?
Information provided could include examples of how other people cope and what helps them. Providing contact details for who to contact for advice and support after surgery is important.
Psychosexual support should be available throughout treatment, so healthcare professionals need to discuss this openly, so individuals feel able to ask for that help.
Looking For More On How To Track Side Effects
Cancer.Net offers several resources to help you keep track of your symptoms and side effects. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:
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Cancer.Net Mobile: The free Cancer.Net mobile app allows you to securely record the time and severity of symptoms and side effects.
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ASCO Answers Managing Pain:Get this 32-page booklet about the importance of pain relief that includes a pain tracking sheet to help patients record how pain affects them. The free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print out.
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ASCO Answers Fact Sheets: Read 1-page fact sheets on anxiety and depression, diarrhea, rash, and immunotherapy side effects that provide a tracking sheet to record details about the side effect. These free fact sheets are available as a PDF, so they are easy to print, fill out, and give to your health care team.
The next section in this guide is Follow-up Care. It explains the importance of checkups after cancer treatment is finished. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.
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Negative Emotions In The Body Can Cause Cancer
The following are typical personality traits found in those with cancer:
1. Being highly conscientious, caring, dutiful, responsible, hard-working, and usually of above average intelligence.
2. Exhibits a strong tendency toward carrying other peoples burdens and toward taking on extra obligations, and often worrying for others.
3. Having a deep-seated need to make others happy. Being a people pleaser with a great need for approval.
4. Often lacking closeness with one or both parents, which sometimes, later in life, results in lack of closeness with spouse or others who would normally be close.
5. Harbors long-suppressed toxic emotions, such as anger, resentment and/or hostility. The cancer-susceptible individual typically internalises such emotions and has great difficulty expressing them.
6. Reacts adversely to stress, and often becomes unable to cope adequately with such stress. Usually experiences an especially damaging event about 2 years before the onset of detectable cancer. The patient is not able to cope with this traumatic event or series of events, which comes as a last straw on top of years of suppressed reactions to stress.
7. Has an inability to resolve deep-seated emotional problems and conflicts, usually beginning in childhood, often even being unaware of their presence.
Thinking About The Future
Its natural to find it difficult and upsetting to think about the future particularly if you have advanced prostate cancer. Many men with advanced cancer will have treatment that will control their cancer for many months or years but it could be a worrying time.
You might find that making plans helps you feel more prepared for what the future may hold, and reassured about the future for your family.
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More On Anxiety Depression Distress And Prostate Cancer
Risa Liang Wong, MD, a hematology oncologist in the Genitourinary Oncology Program at the University of Pittsburgh, recently presented a paper on prostate cancer and emotional issues at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Her paper focused on men undergoing ADT .
Her involvement shows that all specialists dealing with patients with prostate cancer, urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and lets throw in primary care physicians, who offer a lot of psychological support, ought to keep in mind and address the emotional impact of their patients diagnosis with prostate cancer.
I interviewed Wong about emotional health and prostate cancer across the PCa spectrum.
The Anxious Surveillor: How are depression, distress, and anxiety different?
Dr. Risa Liang Wong: Distress is a broader term that can include symptoms of depression and anxiety, but is more of a catch-all word for anything that is bothering the patient, particularly on a psychological, social, or spiritual level . The National Comprehensive Cancer Network defines the term distress in the context of cancer in a way that I like.
To quote their definition:
With regards to depression, the DSM-V March 2022) defines a set of nine depressive symptoms, including depressed mood, markedly diminished interest/pleasure in most or all activities , significant changes in weight or appetite, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and so on.
What has your research found?
Recent Research Into Cancer Causation
One of the most recent studies on psychosomatic cancer therapy comes from Germany. Over the past ten years, medical doctor and surgeon Ryke-Geerd Hamer has examined 20,000 cancer patients with all types of cancer. Dr. Hamer wondered why cancer never seems to systematically spread directly from one organ to the surrounding tissue. For example, he never found cancer of the cervix AND cancer of the uterus in the same woman. He also noticed that all his cancer patients seemed to have something in common: there had been some kind of psycho-emotional conflict prior to the onset of their disease usually a few years before a conflict that had never been fully resolved.
Dr Hamer started including psychotherapy as an important part of the healing process and found that when the specific conflict was resolved, the cancer immediately stopped growing at a cellular level. The dark spot in the brain started to disappear. X-rays of the brain now showed a healing oedema around the damaged emotional centre as the brain tissue began to repair the afflicted point. There was once again normal communication between brain and body. A similar healing oedema could also be seen around the now inactive cancer tissue. Eventually, the cancer would become encapsulated, discharged or dealt with by the natural action of the body. Diseased tissue would disappear and normal tissue would then again appear.
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First Steps Towards Holistic Treatment Of Prostate Cancer
Since what causes prostate cancer is internal, the solution is also within. So you can find strength in your ability to survive financially and physically on your own, take risks, recover from human or material loss, bounce back and start afresh.
From a spiritual perspective every relationship we develop, helps us to become more conscious. The challenge, however, is to associate with people and emotions that support our development and release those that handicap our growth. Most of all, it is important to steer away from any hindrance to your holistic treatment of prostate cancer.