IMAGING CT (CAT) computerized axial tomography. This is a good test to see if a cancer has spread, as is MRI. MRI (MR) Magnetic resonance immaging. No Xray involved - no ionizing radiation. This has some advantages over CT in estimating sread. Nuclear Scan. (Bone scan, liver scan etc.) A small amount of radioactive tracer is put in a vein. It settles in bone or an organ such as liver to see if there is spread. Different tracers are used for bone scan, liver scan, lung scan etc. Ultrasound (US)
Ultrasound imaging is not a good diagnostic tool: it finds too many abnormalities that are not cancer, but result in unnecesary tests and biopsies. It is used to help treatment one the diagnosis is made. MRI-US Ultrasound and MRI images can be developed from a single instrument and layered giving the treating doctor better information: once again this is not for primary diagnosis.
DIET FATTY FOOD The more fatty food you eat, the greater the risk. FATTY FISH Men with the highest intake of fatty fish have a lower risk. LYCOPENE Lycopene is an antioxidant contained in foods such as tomato products: it slows down the development of prostate cancer SOY PRODUCTS Soy products protect against development of prostate cancer TEA Men who drink tea have a lower incidence of prostate cancer.
SUPPLEMENTS LYCOPENE (see above, DIET) FISH OILS
SELENIUM: Daily supplementation reduces risk. VITAMIN E: May have a protective effect but recent studies advise against high-dose supplementation.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS STATINS (taken for cholesterol, heart protection) were thought to have a protective effect on the prostate but this has not yet been proven.
AVOID High fat diet
High calcium intake. High intake of calcium from diet or supplements over 2000 mg/day increases risk. POINT TO NOTE The dietary changes to prevent prostate cancer are also protective for the heart.
