Galectin-3 (Gal-3) - An Important Marker for Prostate Cancer

Never heard of Gal-3? Don't feel bad, most doctors or patients haven't either and aren't aware of it's importance. Personally, I have never felt comfortable relying just on a PSA test for my prostate well being. So I'm always on the lookout for additional markers to gauge not only my prostate health but my overall health in general.
When you have prostate cancer and are dealing with it with an active surveillance
protocol like me, monitoring progression or lack there of is critically importanat.
So over the years I've added other tests to my testing regiment to best gauge my prostate health.
These tests include: testosterone, cholesterol, albumin and C-Reactive protein.
I've recently found out about another test that I am adding: Galectin-3.
I took the Gal-3 test late last week and eagerly await the results. My objective is to find out what my Gal-3 number is but also to establish a baseline reading as a frame of reference just like I do with PSA.
According to the clinical literature, Gal-3 is measured in nanogram/millilters - ng/ml and the ranges are listed below:

• Ideal Levels:14 to 12. ng/ml ( Cancer Patients - 12.0 mg/ml )
• High Risk:14.0 to 17.8 ng/ml - indicates significant increased risks for cancer and overall mortality.
• Extreme Risk: >17.8 ng/ml - advanced cancer and high mortality rate.

The Gal-3 test is approved by the FDA and Medicare.
It is usually prescribed by cardiologists for patients with heart disease. But there is a growing amount of research indicating the the Gal-3 blood test is also an important test for determining the aggressiveness of prostate cancer and it's progression.
Studies are indicating that excess Gal-3 in the body directly promotes unhealthy cell behaviors such as inflammation, uncontrolled abnormal cell growth, colony formation, inflammation and metastasis. 
The question then becomes: what can one do to lower Galectin-3 in the body. It turns out there is a natural way to accomplish this! Modified Citrus Pectin (Pectasol-c) is naturally attracted to Galectin-3, and it will bind and block over expressed Gal-3 molecules in the body.
It looks like MCP can prevent the growth and spread of prostate cancer. It is the only natural substance proven to block excess Gal-3.
So now that you know about the Gal-3 lab test I'm sure you will want to learn more about modified citrus pectin (MCP) and how and why it works!
Please look for my next Sustainable Prostate Blog to learn more about this important natural substance.
Wishing you and your prostate good health.