Prostate Cancer Drug Treatment Leads to Alzheimers!

ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) is a relatively new drug therapy for prostate cancer that cuts off the bodies ability to make testosterone.

We at the PAF have been suspicious of this chemical castration therapy since it became a common protocol in the mid 1990's.

ADT side effects are regularly reported by members of the PAF and include hot flashes, calcium deficiency, fatigue, loss of libido and memory impairment.

Now a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Urology this December ties ADT to a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

This study of 2400 men for two decades by the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University surprised the researchers.

Men on ADT in the study had an 88% higher risk of getting Alzheimers. In fact those men on testosterone blockade for over 1 year increased their Alzheimers Risk by more than double those men who did not use this protocol.

We feel that the risk of debilitating Alzheimers outweigh the benefits of ADT

What do you think?

We suggest asking your oncologist his position on this provocative study.

ADT has become the treatment path of choice for men with advanced prostate cancer!

Marketing Costs Fuel High Cost of Drugs

If you use prescription drugs you know prices are going through the roof. Big Pharma's marketing budgets have increased 30% in the last 2 years to over 4.5 billion dollars.

"Ask your doctor ads" are now a constant on TV.

The American Medical Association has recently called for a ban on this type of advertising. Fixed income seniors are really feeling the pinch, and in many cases must forego their medical options to put food on the table.

The AMA's vote in support of an advertising ban is opposed by the pharmaceutical industry.

What do you think?

The Palisades on the Oat Hill Mine Trail in Napa, California 

Thank You Governor Brown - Dying With Dignity

Governor Brown made California the 5th state in the USA to allow its citizenry the right to choose a dignified death in the last 6 months of a terminal illness.

We feel there are enough safe guards in place so this humane choice will not be abused.

Bravo Governor Brown & the California legislature.

When it Comes to cancer, Women Decide on Treatment Options Different Than Men

This should come as no surprise. After all men are from Mars, women from Venus! 

But a recent study conducted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center confirms a marked difference when it comes to treatment choices.

Men with prostate cancer were generally found to be analytical, methodical and data driven in assessing their options.

They based their decisions on scientific studies and often got several doctors opinions.

Women with breast cancer on the otherhand were often mistrustful of scientific data and their own doctors. Many women, fearing recurrence, opted for aggressive treatments such as double mastectomy. On line forums, advice from friends and stories from other women tended to supersede scientific studies and medical experts when it came to treatment paths.

Still Recruiting For The ProstaPhase BPH Trial!

BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia afflicts the majority of men by 75, and some men as early as in their 40's.

The PAF is in the process of recruiting 30 men (14 recruited so far) for a 6 month evaluation of a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula called ProstaPhase for BPH relief.

The product is being provided free of charge to participants by Tango Advanced Nutrition. 

Contact Ken Malik @ 415-675-5661 to sign up.

(Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp & Vegetable Stir Fry. Look for the recipe in the next "Recipe of the Month!)

You can get all the details at www.prostrawarenessfoundation.org

The Recipe of the Month Girl

We thought you might be interested in seeing The Recipe of the Month Girl Gail Etzler.

She's happy to be getting back to her active life style after a hip replacement surgery in April, now she has one on each side.

We look forward to your latest recipe.

Go girl!

Chemotherapy May Worsen End Of Life Quality

A new study by the Center for Research on End-Of-Life Care at Weill Cornell Medical College in NY reports surprising and unexpected results. In a study of 312 cancer patients given 6 months or less to live, even stronger patients that were given Chemo in the hope of improving survival time had worsened quality of life and no difference in survival time from those opting out of another round of end stage chemo.

If you have a loved one or friend that had treatment at this late stage you more than likely knew this already.

There is a time and place for everything. In the case of late stage cancer we have seen time and again the sad cycle of constipation, diarrhea nausea and other problems destroy quality of life. Hopefully this study will make the excruciating question all cancer patients with a short time to live ask themselves: "should I try another round of Chemo?" an easier decision. And, we have not even discussed the exorbitant cost of these treatments, a financial windfall for the medical establishment!

Some of the PAF Hikers at the Land's End to Baker Beach hike.

Successful Summit of Mt. Baker by the PAF Team

A 5 man climbing team backed by a five man support team and 2 professional guides reached the summit of 10,781' Mt Baker in North Cascades National Park on Wednesday, July 15th.

Unseasonably warm weather made the technical climb especially challenging because of collapsing snow and ice bridges and the danger of rock fall.

This year's Cancer Climb & Trek for Prostate Awareness climbing team consisted of Ken Malik the PAF founder and executive director from California, Darren Paul a sports medicine oriented chiropractor from British Columbia, John & Matt Loesing a father & son team from Southern California, and Steve Swindell from The Boston area.

Our support team was made up of Ralph Lake from Texas, Dave Massen from San Francisco, Ron MacConnell from New York, Rick Mohovich from New Jersey and Tom Lennon from San Francisco.

A special thanks to Mt Baker Mountain Guides for supplying Colin and Zac two great guides and Tristan who helped carry gear to base camp and back.  And also Ovenell's Ranch in Concrete, WA our "Official" headquarters. Last but not least: Darryl Loewen from Brish Columbia who provided major logistical support and a memorable kayak adventure down the Harrison River post-climb.

This was the 14th year for these Fundrasing expeditions to raise awareness about prostate health.

Thank you to all our supporters for their encouragement and support!

Can You Believe Clinical Research?

Recently Dr Richard Horton the editor in chief of Lancet and Dr Marcia Angell who holds the same position at the New England Journal of Medicine made surprising revelations for people in their positions. They both said that research published in their journals was unreliable at best, if not completely false.

Dr Horton went on to say "much of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue. Afflicted by studies with  small sample sizes, tiny effects, invalid exploratory analysis, and flagrant conflicts of interest, together with an obsession for pursuing fashionable trends of dubious importance. Science has taken a turn towards darkness."

Dr Angell voices a comparable concern. She says "it is simply no longer possible to believe much  of the clinical research that is published".

Strong words indeed from editors of 2 of the most respected medical journals anywhere! Aren't they concerned about their jobs? I guess they couldn't sleep good at night and had to clear their consciences. So, who can we trust?

More and more it appears one must be extremely discerning.

PAF hikers on the Temelpa Trail on the south side of Marin's Mt. Tamalpais

Proton Beam Radiation - Is it worth it?

The cost of Proton Beam radiation is twice as much as regular radiation (IMRT). And yet there has never been a study that definatively  compares the two procedures. 

This is typical of procedures for prostate cancer. There has never been a study comparing conventional interventions. 

Meanwhile the cost of treatments is continually on the rise.

Will the Medicare system be able to afford cancer treatments that are now in many

cases in excess of 6 figures. 

Cancer treatments are becoming more and more expensive. If success rates and reduced side effects are the result then the cost can be justified. We wonder if this the case.

What do you think?

Picture - PAF hikers at Sugarloaf State Park - Sonoma County, CA

What is the only Prostate cancer therapy that won't adversely affect your sex life?

Active Surveillance. Come find out more at May PAF meetings in Sonoma County. Tuesday May 12th & Thursday, May 14th. Visit www.prostateawarenessfoundation.org

For details!

Napa Valley Palisades hike by the PAF

Wild Flowers

The Labyrinth

The Palisades

Table Rock

Indian Paintbrush

The PAF has been reminding men for 

some time that those guys that have the most consistent exercise programs have the slowest disease progression. 

The PAF's regular  Monday hiking group completed a rugged, wilderness hike just 70 miles from San Francisco - the dreaded Palisades trail from Mt St Helena above Calistoga. This was a grueling 7 hour trek thru some of the most scenic country in the Wine Country. 

It's wildflower time in The Coastal Range. The weather was pushing 70 degrees and the filtered sunlight on a cloudy day made for ideal conditions.

Our group did this same hike last June in 100+ temperatures. We would not recommend this hike past May 1st

PAF Poker Tournament This Sunday!

The PAF is sponsoring a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament this Sunday 4/12. We'll be playing @ Buck's in Guerneville, on the Russian River in Sonoma County. A big thank you to Mary Agneberg who worked so hard to set up the event. The tournament is in honor of Frank Lambert, Senior a beloved West Sonoma County resident who passed away from prostate cancer not long ago. We hope to see you at Buck's at 2pm Sunday.

The Urolift System for BPH Relief

The PAF is happy to have Ted Lamson,PhD back on Thursday night April 2nd to give us an update on th FDA approved Urolift System. This procedure may offer many men relief of their BPH symptoms which for many of us includes frequent nocturnal trips to urinate and urinary dribble. They call this a Benign condition but is far from Benign. You can visit www.urolift.com for an instructional video and clinical information. The below photo - Monday PAF climbing group on Mt. Tamalpais

Armstrong Redwoods Hike, Sonoma Cty.

Armstrong Redwoods State Park's East Ridge Trail is a great workout. It took our group 3.5 hours to complete the 7 miles & 1,200' elevation gain on Monday.

As you can see from the pix, the PAF hikes are not just for men. We have had some great female energy on recent hikes.

It's spring

time. Get out on the trail!

Napa Valley Palisades hike by the PAF

Wild Flowers

The Labyrinth

The Palisades

Table Rock

Indian Paintbrush

The PAF has been reminding men for 

some time that those guys that have the most consistent exercise programs have the slowest disease progression. 

The PAF's regular  Monday hiking group completed a rugged, wilderness hike just 70 miles from San Francisco - the dreaded Palisades trail from Mt St Helena above Calistoga. This was a grueling 7 hour trek thru some of the most scenic country in the Wine Country. 

It's wildflower time in The Coastal Range. The weather was pushing 70 degrees and the filtered sunlight on a cloudy day made for ideal conditions.

Our group did this same hike last June in 100+ temperatures. We would not recommend this hike past May 1st

Prostate Tests to Consider

With the PSA test falling out of favor as a prostate cancer indicator we need other markers. There is a new test to consider. It was designed to gauge the likelihood of having an aggressive cancer and is being used by more and more urologist before suggesting a biopsy in men who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer. We wonder why the test is not recommended for men already diagnosed? It's called the 4K Score Test and was developed by OPKO Lab. It uses the 3 different PSA assays along with a DRE and other markers to determine your risk factor on a scale of 1 to 100. The goal is to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. Sorry to say the test is not covered at this time bye Medicare or health insurance and costs $395.

Has any done this test? We'd like to hear from you!

Bill Kortum Memorial Hike - First Day of Spring

Spring usually brings wildflowers to the coast.
We would like to invite you to join us for a special
Saturday hike on the Sonoma County coast on Saturday morning,
March 21st at 11am. This will be an easy hike of about 4 miles

.
We will be hiking the Bill Kortum Memorial Trail
in honor of Bill Kortum.
Bill was one of the first environmental activists.
He was instrumental in stopping the planned nuclear power
plant at Bodega Head in the late 60's. Bodega Head is right
on the San Andreas Fault line! He also helped create the California
Coastal Commission which set limits on development on the California Coast
west of Hwy 101.
Bill passed away from advanced prostate cancer late in 2014, he will be missed.
Hope to see you on the trail

So Why Do All This Hiking

We had a great hiking group on Mt St Helena this week. The mountain can be seen from all over Sonoma, Napa & the Bay Area. It was a cold (for Northern California) windy day. We hiked 11+ miles in 6 hours, with an elevation gain of 2200'. A great workout and we all slept like babies that

night.

So why do it? Because all the recent clinical studies on exercise and prostate cancer progression indicate that the men who get the most regular exercise have the slowest disease progression. Plus it's great for the heart as well. And don't forget about stress, a major factor in disease progression! What better way to reduce it than to get out with "Mother Nature"?

Lynda, Ed, Teri & Walter @ Pt Reyes Ntl. Seashore

A Digital Rectal Exam is very important to your prostate health. It is a way that your doctor can help determine if there is something suspicious going on in your prostate. It doesn't hurt, but it seems that a lot of doctors these days won't do one unless you ask. With the PSA test loosing favor, the PAF strongly recommends getting as many markers as possible. The DRE is one of these markers.

Just like Doctors are not quick to administer the exam, most guys don't look forward to getting them.

At a Give Back Tuesday event at the Rainbow Cattle Company bar in Guerneville,CA to benefit the PAF, Michael Collins, RN performed DRE's on those men wanting to participate. He tells us that a man came up to him the next week

and asked if he would administer the exam. It turns out this DRE indicated there could very well be problems and a visit with a medical specialist should be considered.

Get your DRE done every year after40!

A Food Disorder You May Not Know!

I have a reputation for eating a strict prostate friendly diet. In fact it has been the cornerstone of the protocol that has kept me away from conventional intervention for 20 years. I just heard lately there is a food disorder or call it a phobia! Some doctors are calling it Orthorexia. It's a pathological obsession for biologically pure and healthy nutrition. So am I being a food Nazi or Am I just being sensible? You tell me!

Checkout the picture. We just had some long overdue rain in Northern California. And most on the rocks and trees have been instantly rejuvenated. Taken at Jack London State Park. The Valley of the Moon, Sonoma County, CA

Dying With Dignity

Dying from prostate cancer or any cancer for that matter is not a pretty sight. The long downward spiral is a painful process both physically and emotionally. It takes it's toll on family, friends and loved ones. Quality of life towards the end of this ordeal is a real issue. There are currently only 3 states that have in place a law that provides end of life options. California is not one of them. But this could change. SB 128 The End of Life Option Act has been proposed in Sacramento. Where do you stand on this important issue?

Dying With Dignity

A prostate cancer diagnosis, just like any type cancer diagnosis for that matter forces us to think of our mortality. Not to sound morbid, but dying is something we will all do! Will we be prepared? Will we do it with dignity? Attend one of the PAF meetings in February in San Francisco or Santa Rosa, John Bohan, PAF Mentor will be covering this delicate subject with caring & compassion.

Dying With Dignity

Many of us have watched family members or friends suffer thru the final stages of advanced cancer. It is not a pretty site. There are only three states in the USA that allow the terminally ill to legally take their own lives, California May soon become another. 

Prostate cancer patients live with the knowledge that they will not live forever. We all come to grips with this issue one way or another. John Bohan, PAF Mentor has put together a presentation titled "Death And Dying - Prostate Cancer

and will be lecturing on this important subject at our PAF meetings in San Francisco & Santa Rosa meetings in February.

PAF Meetings & Hikes this Week in Sonoma County

HWe're excited about meeting some new friends at the newThursday night PAF meetings in Guerneville at the Senior Center. 

We did an aggressive hike in Sugarloaf State park in Sonoma County Monday. Looking forward to going back to this beautiful well kept secret of a park on Wednesday for an easier, more casual version. Hope to see you there

The Cost of a Prostate Biopsy

Nobody we talk to is thrilled about getting a prostate biopsy. Fear of needle tracking, potentially dislodging a cancer cell and having it travel to find a home elsewhere in the body is a common concern. A second growing concern is a reported increased infection rate associated with this non-sterile procedure, now approaching 10%. 

But what about the financial cost. We have had recent conversations with men who were billed as little as $1200 and as high as $19,000 for the same procedure! Why the big spread? What did your biopsy cost? We also note that more and more, an MRI is being done to better determine if a biopsy makes sense.