After patient John Davis was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, he turned to an innovative urology program at UCLA to help him deal with the side effects of cancer treatment and reduce his risk of recurrence — by combining western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and the latest nutritional advice.
The new UCLA Integrative Urology Program, designed for men over age 35, is one of only a handful of programs in the country specifically addressing men’s health needs, according to Dr. Christopher Saigal, director of the program.
The new clinic is designed to help men lower prostate cancer risk or cancer recurrence and prevent or treat other common problems of male aging, including sexual dysfunction, urinary dysfunction and lowered levels of the male sex hormones such as testosterone.
“After seeing many patients confused by the multitude of herbal and alternative therapies available for men’s health — many not proven — we decided to develop a program offering complementary therapies and solid nutritional advice that would be delivered synergistically with western medical counseling,” said Saigal, assistant professor of urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Patients receive a medical examination and consultation with a urologist, a nutrition strategy with a dietician and a consult with a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine for acupuncture and herbal supplements.
Davis, who had a radical prostectomy last year, is receiving nutritional and lifestyle coaching geared towards preventing cancer recurrence. He is receiving herbal therapy to mitigate some cancer treatment-related side effects.
Davis said he feels less chronic joint pain and stress, which he attributes to weekly acupuncture sessions he receives through the new program. Married with two teenage children, Davis says he wants to do all he can to help ensure he’ll be around to see them grow up.
Saigal adds, “The toll of overwork, emotional tension, too little exercise and inadequate diet can truly affect one’s health as we age. We partner with patients to help them reduce stress and adopt healthier lifestyle choices, as well as target specific health issues.”
The program offers integrative approaches based on the latest research, such as data recently published by Dr. Allan Pantuck, associate professor of urology and a physician with the program, on the effects of pomegranate juice on prostate cancer. Saigal has studied the impact of obesity on men’s urologic health, and the program helps patients take steps towards maintaining a healthy weight. Patients are also advised how to best incorporate yoga and other moderate exercise into their lives.
