Zinc and prostate cancer may be more closely linked than previously thought. One study from 2016 analyzed 10 studies on men that have enlarged prostates. The studies show that seven out of the ten studies found low concentrations of zinc.
This is important because zinc is about 100 times more potent in the prostate than in a person’s blood stream.
High concentrations of zinc have also been found to inhibit the main hormone that is responsible for prostate enlargement. Zinc has been shown to kill bacteria that leads to infection in the prostate and preserves normal tissue function.
Prostate health is also promoted by zinc.
Analysis of the studies also shows that high zinc intake, as seen in China and Japan, results in much lower cases of prostate cancer. The study also found that a change in diet after people move to the United States increases the risks of prostate cancer drastically.
Zinc alone may not be powerful enough to stop the enlargement or potential for cancer in the prostate. Treatment for prostate enlargement should include a variety of approaches. Dr. Allen’s therapeutic approach is just one of the forms of treatment that is recommend. Medicine, surgery and minimally invasive procedures can help.
Doctors still recommend treatment based on how the enlarged prostate impacts the patient.
Zinc, in 60% of the studies, actually resulted in higher levels of prostate enlargement. The findings show that slowing the enlargement process with zinc may not be possible, but there is a link to higher zinc levels and lower risk of prostate cancer.
There is some evidence that zinc may be able to decrease the proliferation of smooth muscle decreasing the size of the prostate. Symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, namely frequently urination and slow flow rates, were shown to decrease with just 10 mg doses of zinc. The study was non-conclusive due to the group also having a range of other therapies performed at the time.
Zinc, for the time-being, is still being studied to find a link between lower risks of prostate cancer and the impact zinc has on the enlargement of the prostate.
A new report also suggests that going for a prostate screening isn’t necessary for all men over 50. Doctors report concerns of a PSA Test being administered without the consultation of a urologist or oncologist. The screenings, according to the report, do more harm than good for the patient.
The PSA test includes a blood test that is deemed fine by most doctors, but the confirmatory biopsy is where the major concern lies. The biopsy can lead to bleeding and infections.
Urologists and oncologists claim that even healthy men can have high PSA levels. Urinary tract infections have even been shown to cause a PSA test to be faulty. Even a benign tumor can be the cause of PSA levels being erratic.
The risks associated with unnecessary biopsy should be discussed with a doctor and specialist to better understand your case’s pros and cons.
