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Over the past few decades, studies have suggested that vitamin E may help fight cancer. However, this research was conducted on animals, and when similar trials were done with humans, results of the lab tests were not the same. Still, scientists have not given up hope that vitamin E may have some cancer-fighting properties. Recently, researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that there may indeed be some benefits to consuming this nutrient when it comes to keeping cancer at bay.

The scientists found that one form of vitamin E prevented the activation of an enzyme that is essential for prostate cancer cells to survive. With this enzyme gone, the cancer cells died and the healthy cells were left unaffected.

"This is the first demonstration of a unique mechanism of how vitamin E can have some benefit in terms of cancer prevention and treatment," said lead author Ching-Shih Chen, professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy at Ohio State University and an investigator in Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Not your average vitamin E ... Full Story

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, which is why men should regularly get PSA tests to detect abnormal levels of a certain protein. However, older men may want to consider supplementing this screening. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Penn State University, while there have been many advancements made in testing services for prostate cancer, the digital rectal exam remains a valuable resource.

This exam is when a doctor examines the surface of the prostate with a gloved finger so he can detect any hard areas or lumps that do not belong there. A PSA test involves drawing blood and having levels of prostate-specific antigen measured. High PSA levels may signify cancer. While men should be regularly getting PSA tests, they should also schedule digital rectal exams as well.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, accounting for over 28,000 deaths yearly," said Jay Raman, M.D., associate professor of surgery at Penn State. "Improvements in screening methodology and refinements in cancer care have contributed, in part, to a reduction in recent mortality rates."

An important test... Full Story