Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be appropriate to spend a few minutes talking about this dreadful disease.  So here are the general facts. Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate gland, usually occurring in older men. It is the most common cancer in American men. There were an estimated 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2012.   Studies show 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The positive side is that according to the Canadian Cancer Society, it has one of the highest cancer survival rates. Prostate cancer is most often found in the early states, and when caught early, there are a number of treatment choices available.

The rarely spoken effect is the psychological aspect that prostate cancer has on men.  I recently read an interesting article found on YANA (You Are Not Alone) http://www.yananow.org/ProstateCancerWomen.htm that identified the mental and emotional journey that men and their partners go through when facing prostate cancer.  The key is to utilize all the resources available to recovering physically and mentally.  Communicating with loved ones; medical experts and support groups can be key to recovery. Educating yourself, will help in moving forward and keeping a positive outlook, which is so very important.

Finally, I must briefly mention the research that supports a healthy diet in the fight against prostate cancer.  Eat those tomatoes, drink that pomegranate juice and green tea, and of course those cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower with your salmon are great food suggestions. There are plenty of resources for one to check out for ideas.  See our “Nutritional Resources” page for starters.

So, to those who have battled the disease with strength and courage we honor you this month.  For all you men who avoid talking about prostate cancer, or worse, avoid annual physical check ups, we encourage you to take care of yourself… it important to all who love you and care about you.

Take care.

MaryAnn & Penny