Dr. Geo Espinosa
A lot of factors come into play when you’re up against prostate cancer—and being familiar with the latest in prostate cancer research is the best way to ensure that you’re making the right decisions for your health. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and prostate cancer will affect one in six men in the United States.
Dr. Geo Espinosa is director of New York Universities’ Integrative Urological Center and one of a few naturopathic specialists in the United States whose research and practice focus exclusively on urology and prostate health. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of a condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. As an expert in integrative, holistic treatments of urologic conditions, Dr. Espinosa believes lifestyle changes can promote prostate health.
Not designed to replace conventional medical treatment, integrative medicine complements mainstream treatment with the discipline of modern science and the wisdom of ancient healing addressing the nutritional, emotional, social, and psychological needs of patients. Naturopathic physicians cooperate fully with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 200,000 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2009, making it the second most common cancer in American men. And one man in 35 will die of this disease. However recent advances in treatment show progress has been made; more than 2 million men in the United States who have had prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. While we do not yet know exactly what causes prostate cancer, we do know that certain risk factors are linked to the disease.
Dr. Espinosa recommends the following tips to maintain a healthy prostate:
- Evaluate your risk factors: Men with immediate family members who have had prostate or breast cancer are more likely to get prostate cancer. African American men are also at higher risk of developing prostate cancer
- Get tested: If you have a high risk of developing prostate cancer, consider an annual PSA screening starting at age 35. If you do not have elevated risk factors, consider starting annual testing at age 45
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eat meals rich in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, watercress and cauliflower, fish – particularly omega-3 rich salmon, antioxidant-rich berries and whole grains
- Water: Good hydration is essential to a healthy prostate
- Consider nutritional supplements. Vitamin D modified citrus pectin or the spice turmeric can help promote prostate health.
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