Complementary approaches

The men had used various complementary approaches - changing the diet, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, massage and relaxation therapies, and using herbal or Chinese medicines. Dietary changes that men reported since being diagnosed included eating less meat and dairy produce, drinking green tea, eating more fruit and vegetables, especially tomatoes and, in one case, consuming quantities of pumpkin seeds.

Stresses the importance of a balanced diet.

Media and Internet reports had encouraged men to try dietary change and to take supplements including selenium, Saw Palmetto and anti-oxidant vitamins.

A recent large trial has demonstrated no benefit of taking vitamin E or selenium supplements in preventing prostate cancer (SELECT Trial). Pomegranate juice appears to slow down prostate cancer progression after relapse following primary treatments (Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice for Men with Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen following Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer).

Some men made great efforts to research the evidence behind recommendations before using any complementary approaches. Aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki were all described as helping relaxation,others thought they had benefited from prayer, meditation and yoga. One man took a Chinese herbal remedy, but he did not know its name.

Describes his change to a healthier diet and increase in vitamin supplements.

Describes the complementary therapy, Saw Palmetto.

Comments on his visit to an aromatherapist and a reflexologist.

Describes his experiences of reflexology, Reiki and aromatherapy.

Describes his experience of treatment in Thailand.

 

Last reviewed January 2010.

Last updated January 2010.