William Shatner has earned success throughout his active career. The actor, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek series, got the opportunity to travel to space in real life. On the other hand, Shatner’s diagnosis of a terminal illness made it difficult for him to survive to be 90 years old.
William Shatner, the Star Trek actor, has eight albums to his name and has distinguished himself in the acting and music worlds. Despite his accomplishments, the star’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In an article for NBC, Shatner highlighted how he had led a very fortunate life but had also experienced dеаth in many ways. When he was given a grim prognosis, the celebrity understandably became concerned that his days were numbered.
“I was told by a doctor that I had a dеаdly condition. That I was going to die,” Shatner told NBC.
“I wasn’t sure how to react to the news. We were discussing my funеrаI.”
“The doctor informed me that I had cancer. I reasoned that there had to be an error.”
Prostate cancer frequently grows slowly, and symptoms do not appear until the prostate is large enough to obstruct the tube that drains urine from the bladder into the penis.
Shatner’s doctor administered a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to detect his cancer type. These tests can determine whether cancer seriously thrеаtens one’s life and whether other non-cancerous conditions have led to elevated PSA levels.
“He took my PSA, a marker for this disease, to figure out which sort it was,” Shatner stated of his diagnosis.
“Up until that time, it was at one or two, well within acceptable ranges. He announced that it was ten. ‘Aggressive cancer,’ says the doctor. Ten! My own body had deceived me.”
After being stunned, horrified, and somewhat angry by the prognosis, Shatner’s thoughts rapidly went to the potential of dеаth.
“I recognized my prognosis; I had drafted my will, which indicated that upon my dеаth, this person would receive this and that person would receive that,” he said.
“On a more emotional level, though, I was convinced I would live indefinitely. I contested it. It meant expressing my will before indulging in a lovely piece of strudel. Death had no meaning for me.”
After striving to accept life while carrying the gravity of a dеаth sentence, Shatner discovered that testosterone supplements—the very supplements he was taking—might have something to do with prostate cancer in some cases.
“I wondered whether I should discontinue taking the supplements.” “Yeah,” he said, “that would be a terrific idea.”
In their investigation, researchers in Baltimore, USA, collected blood samples from 759 men, 111 of whom had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Males over 55 were found to be more likеly to get prostate cancer, proving that an increase in testosterone levels is associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.
In contrast, another study from the University of Oxford revealed that, while high testosterone levels were not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, low testosterone levels were.
Researchers discovered that the body has a finite number of androgen receptors; thus, if these are “filled up,” the testosterone level in the bloodstream is meaningless because binding to a receptor is impossible. This data was derived from blood samples of about 19,000 men, 6,900 of whom developed prostate cancer.
This study found that low testosterone levels can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but high testosterone levels do not. And Shatner was no exception.
“Three months later, I received another PSA test. It had dropped to one. One. According to Shatner, the doctor suspected that the higher PSA number was caused by testosterone.
“The body acquires cancer frequently and exterminates it, but that test’s sensitivity allowed it to identify even the slightest hint of it, which, combined with the PSA reading, made me fear I was near dеаth. I was pleased to learn that I did not have cancer. I’ve returned to not dying. At the very least, immediately.
The NHS explains that “false-positive” PSA test results are common and that a blood test, physical examination, MRI scan, or biopsy are more reliable screening methods for prostate cancer.
People experiencing the following symptoms should see a doctor, who will most likеly perform the above-mentioned testing:
More frequent and regular overnight urination
An unexpected urge to use the restroom, difficulty starting to urinate (hesitancy), straining or taking their time to urinate.
Poor flow, as though your bladder hasn’t been totally emptied
Blood in the urine or sperm.
If a person is diagnosed with prostate cancer, they will be advised on the best treatment options. If the cancer is treatable, treatment options may include “watchful waiting” in the early stages or surgery and radiotherapy later on.
Incredible Benefits of Papaya Sap
Have you ever heard of papaya sap? This milky fluid extracted from the papaya fruit is packed with enzymes, especially papain, that offer a wealth of health benefits. From improving digestion to rejuvenating the skin, papaya sap is a hidden gem filled with goodness. Let’s explore the extraordinary benefits of papaya sap and find out how it can boost your health.
- Boosts Digestion: Papaya sap contains the enzyme papain, which helps break down proteins and improves digestion. It is especially effective in treating digestive disorders like bloating and constipation.
- Reduces Inflammation: Thanks to its rich enzyme content, papaya sap reduces inflammation in the body. It can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Promotes Wound Healing: The antimicrobial properties of papaya sap make it excellent for healing cuts, burns, and skin abrasions. It accelerates tissue repair and prevents infection.
- Revitalizes the Skin: Papaya sap is used in various skin care products to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. It can reduce acne, scars, and pigmentation, giving you a smoother and clearer complexion.
- Fights Parasitic Infections: For centuries, papaya sap has been used to treat parasitic worms. The enzyme papain weakens their defense mechanisms, helping to expel them from the body.
- Supports the Immune System: The enzymes and compounds in papaya sap boost the immune system, helping the body fight infections more effectively.
- Potential Anti-Tumor Effects: Research suggests that the enzymes in papaya sap can have anti-tumor effects, potentially inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- Natural Pain Relief: When applied topically, papaya sap acts as a natural pain reliever for cuts, stings, and burns, thanks to its analgesic properties.
- Improves Heart Health: The enzymes in papaya sap help reduce inflammation, a significant risk factor for heart diseases. They may also assist in preventing cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
- Mole and Wart Removal: Regularly applying papaya sap to moles and warts may cause them to dry up and fall off, thanks to the proteolytic and exfoliating properties of papain.
These ten benefits are just the beginning of what papaya sap can offer. With its comprehensive nutritional and enzymatic profile, it’s an excellent addition to any health-focused lifestyle.
Now that we know about the incredible benefits of papaya sap, let’s explore how we can incorporate this natural elixir into our daily lives to maximize its potential.
Raw Application
- Skin Treatments: Apply papaya sap directly to the skin to treat acne, scars, or warts. Its exfoliating properties help remove dead skin cells and promote a healthier complexion.
- Wound Care: Use papaya sap on cuts, burns, or abrasions to speed up healing and prevent infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
Dietary Uses
- Meat Tenderizer: Use papaya sap as a natural meat tenderizer. Apply it to meat before cooking to break down proteins, making the meat softer and easier to digest.
- Digestive Health Boost: Consuming small amounts of diluted papaya sap can aid digestion and relieve symptoms of bloating and indigestion.
Therapeutic Applications
- Pain Relief Compress: Soak a cloth in papaya sap and apply it as a compress to areas affected by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions to help reduce pain and swelling.
Innovative Uses
- Natural Pesticide: In the garden, papaya sap can be used as a natural pesticide to deter pests without using harmful chemicals.
- Homemade Enzyme Cleaner: Mix papaya sap with water and a little soap to create a powerful natural cleaner for removing stubborn stains and odors.
Tips for Incorporation
- Start with Small Quantities: If you’re new to using papaya sap, start with small amounts to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction, especially when applying it directly to the skin.
- Consult with Professionals: Before using papaya sap for therapeutic purposes, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your specific health conditions.
- Preserve Properly: Store papaya sap in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its potency and prevent spoilage.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Prior to engaging in any activities or applications described in this article, it is recommended to consult with a professional who can provide guidance specific to your circumstances.
Papaya sap is more than just a byproduct; it is a potent remedy and a versatile tool for natural wellness. By embracing the use of papaya sap, whether for health, culinary, or cosmetic purposes, you can benefit from its array of natural properties. Let’s recognize and utilize this remarkable gift from nature to enhance our health and environment.
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