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Article: Herbal treatment for prostate troubles gets mixed reviews Saw palmetto may affect cancer test, some say; others see no problem
- Article from:
- The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)
- Article date:
- December 7, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1998 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Critics of saw palmetto, an increasingly popular herbal treatment
for prostate problems, say it should be taken with caution because
it can throw off test results from a common blood test for prostate
cancer.
But the critics may be ill informed.
At best, there are conflicting reports on whether taking saw
palmetto can affect readings from the prostate specific antigen
(PSA) test for prostate cancer.
Although finasteride, a common prescription medicine for benign
prostate hyperplasia (BPH), can reduce PSA levels, saw palmetto
contrary to previous reports does not, according to the October
issue of the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
BPH, an enlargement of the walnut-sized prostate, is ...