This November men in countries all over the world will be growing moustaches as part of the “Movember” campaign in order to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Last year 363,000 people raised over £26.9 million in the UK alone, with Prostate Cancer UK being the main beneficiary in the UK.
Only men have a prostate gland. It sits beneath the bladder and is the size of a walnut. The three most common prostate problems are enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer. In the UK, 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. It can grow slowly or very quickly. It may never cause problems or show any symptoms, or it may present in a more aggressive form and require treatment to prevent or delay it spreading outside the prostate. Symptoms include problems urinating and – if the cancer has spread to the bones – pain in the back, hips or pelvis.
Treatment will depend on whether the cancer is localised or has spread and how advanced it is. One of the side-effects of prostate cancer and its treatment is fatigue. “some research shows that some alternative therapies can help people with cancer manage tiredness. These types if therapies include: acupuncture, breathing control, muscle relaxation, massage, yoga and different types of meditation.” (Prostate Cancer UK). Complimentary treatments such as acupuncture can also be used alongside conventional treatments to help manage pain and, in the case of patients undergoing hormone treatment, hot flushes.
A personal experience: “I have acupuncture and reflexology every week and they are the most effective pain relievers for me. Not only do they maintain suppleness but if I have a specific pain site they remove pain in a short time.” (Prostate Cancer UK)
Patients with prostate cancer can also do certain things to help improve their overall sense of wellbeing, such as getting plenty of rest, taking gentle physical exercise such as walking or swimming, eating a healthy diet, and using relaxation techniques. These are also useful for those suffering from an enlarged prostate or from prostatitis.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include problems passing urine, needing to urinate more frequently (especially at night), feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied properly, needing to rush to the toilet, and blood in the urine. Prostatitis involves inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It is most common in men aged 30 to 50. There are a wide range of symptoms including problems passing urine, and pain and discomfort around the testicles, back passage or lower abdomen.
If you have any of these symptoms go to your GP. It is also advisable to cut down on alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and fizzy drinks, stay active (avoid cycling), and do regular pelvic floor exercises. A course of acupuncture may be of benefit when used alongside conventional treatments for prostatitis to help relieve stress, and manage symptoms.
If you’d like to know more, please get in touch – contact details are on my website. For further information about prostate cancer, the most comprehensive is Prostate Cancer UK