One of the leading causes of death for African-American men is prostate cancer, which can often be an uncomfortable issue to discuss. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer for all men of all ages, and the most common cause for men over 75. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
However, for Black men, prostate cancer is an even more serious issue. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer at every age. Black men are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and almost two and a half times more likely to die from it.
Genetics play a major role in why Black men are more affected by prostate cancer. However, factors for prostate cancer in all races include poor diet and lack of exercise.
Dr. Aaron E. Katz, who serves as professor and director of the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University, said that, with early detection, prostate cancer can be cured with a procedure and holistic treatment.
"A lot of Black men can get treatment if they are screened early and found to have a small amount of cancer," said Katz. "Patients don't have to go through radiation or surgery and can use dietary supplements and take in more antioxidants in their diets. More vitamin D can also help."
Katz added that if prostate cancer is not treated, it can be deadly. About 32,000 men die from the cancer each year. To keep cancer away, Katz said diet can play a big role in prevention.
Consuming more fresh vegetables and soy products-like soy milk and soy beans-is a good start, as is cutting down on red meat, which has hormones that can cause cancer. Supplements like Genikinko and AHCC, a Japanese mushroom proven to boost immunity, have also been shown to prevent prostate cancer.
An exercise regimen is also essential to keeping cancer away. Katz recommends working out at least four times a week.
It is advised that Black men get screened for prostate cancer as early as 40 years of age, and should be screened annually after age 50.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have the option of a treatment called cryotherapy. The treatment, done without surgery or radiation, places a needle on the cancer and freezes it with argon gas. Katz said the treatment is virtually painless and is an outpatient procedure.
"It's effective-it cures about 90 percent of cancer patients," said Katz. "It's an excellent way of treating the cancer in a natural way and you don't have to stay in the hospital."
More information about prostate cancer can be found in Katz's book, "Prostate Health from Conventional to Holistic Therapies." He can be heard on Sundays at 7 a.m. on WABC radio on his program "Katz Korner."
However, for Black men, prostate cancer is an even more serious issue. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer at every age. Black men are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and almost two and a half times more likely to die from it.
Genetics play a major role in why Black men are more affected by prostate cancer. However, factors for prostate cancer in all races include poor diet and lack of exercise.
Dr. Aaron E. Katz, who serves as professor and director of the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University, said that, with early detection, prostate cancer can be cured with a procedure and holistic treatment.
"A lot of Black men can get treatment if they are screened early and found to have a small amount of cancer," said Katz. "Patients don't have to go through radiation or surgery and can use dietary supplements and take in more antioxidants in their diets. More vitamin D can also help."
Katz added that if prostate cancer is not treated, it can be deadly. About 32,000 men die from the cancer each year. To keep cancer away, Katz said diet can play a big role in prevention.
Consuming more fresh vegetables and soy products-like soy milk and soy beans-is a good start, as is cutting down on red meat, which has hormones that can cause cancer. Supplements like Genikinko and AHCC, a Japanese mushroom proven to boost immunity, have also been shown to prevent prostate cancer.
An exercise regimen is also essential to keeping cancer away. Katz recommends working out at least four times a week.
It is advised that Black men get screened for prostate cancer as early as 40 years of age, and should be screened annually after age 50.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have the option of a treatment called cryotherapy. The treatment, done without surgery or radiation, places a needle on the cancer and freezes it with argon gas. Katz said the treatment is virtually painless and is an outpatient procedure.
"It's effective-it cures about 90 percent of cancer patients," said Katz. "It's an excellent way of treating the cancer in a natural way and you don't have to stay in the hospital."
More information about prostate cancer can be found in Katz's book, "Prostate Health from Conventional to Holistic Therapies." He can be heard on Sundays at 7 a.m. on WABC radio on his program "Katz Korner."