What are some reliable and effective non-medical treatments for prostate cancer?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a form of treatment that is used to supplement or replace standard treatments. CAM is generally not considered standard medical treatment. Although CAM lacks the long-term, meticulous and rigorous research process that standard medical treatments have, recent reports have confirmed that they are indeed safe and effective. The use of CAM is relatively common in patients with prostate cancer.

CAM therapies used by men with prostate cancer include certain foods, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Surveys show that about 40% of prostate cancer patients in the United States use CAM, and the most commonly used ones include saw palmetto extract, vitamin E and selenium; a Canadian survey found that 30% of patients use CAM, and the most commonly used ones are vitamin E, saw palmetto extract and lycopene; 25% of patients in the United Kingdom use CAM, and the most commonly used ones are low-fat diet, vitamins and lycopene.

The main purpose of most patients using CAM is to enhance the immune system, prevent recurrence and improve the quality of life. Food and nutrients can not only reduce the risk of prostate cancer occurrence and development, but also alleviate some symptoms of prostate cancer and relieve side effects during treatment.