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Beating the alternative

Posted: 11/15/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Re: Proceed with caution this 'Movember' (Nov. 12). Thirteen years ago, when I was 60, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. With surgery I had the risk of becoming impotent and incontinent. If I chose radiation I could possibly add fecal incontinence. I could not face the possibility of living with these side-effects. I chose alterative therapy instead.

I quit eating beef. I quit eating dairy. I cut out fatty foods. I quit eating sugar-based products. Cancer just loves sugar. I took supplements to boost my immune system. I was a party smoker. I quit that. I started taking long walks for exercise. When I told the urologist what I chose to do, he questioned my sanity.

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I am happy with my decision because I have been able to lead a normal life without the horrible side-effects that usually come with the traditional treatment options. The incontinence and the impotence will no doubt happen eventually without me rushing into it.

I am happy I had a PSA test because without it I would not have changed my lifestyle. Unfortunately, some men who have PSA tests and are diagnosed with prostate cancer overreact and have it treated immediately without researching the disease. Prostate cancer is generally a very slow-growing disease. Most men will die with it rather than from it. I think doctors should make a point of stressing that point more than they do.

ED BAILEY

Winnipeg

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I don't care what anyone says. It is because of PSA testing that I am alive today.

I would rather put up with some of the side-effects than the alternative of the graveyard. So I don't agree with the cancellation of the screening program.

DON CARLSON

Winnipeg

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 15, 2012 A17

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