Can Avodart or Proscar Prevent Prostate Cancer?

December 2nd, 2008 Posted in Men's Prostate Health

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the #1 cancer in men. Just ten years ago it was ranked # 4 but it has risen steadily to the top position.
The million dollar question is…what causes prostate cancer?
The current ‘most possible causes’ include; genetics, hormones, toxins, animal fats, inflammation and more.

Meanwhile, the search for a more specific and non invasive test along with a successful treatment plan continues to be researched and explored. One possibility is the use the prescription medications, Avodart & Proscar which are used to treat BPH or enlarged prostate. These drugs have been shown to be successful in shrinking prostate tissue and relieving nagging symptoms that are the hallmarks of an enlarged prostate. The makers of both medications have reported reduced rates of prostate cancer up to 25% in men taking these medications for their enlarged prostate.

This brings up the question… should men who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer (family history, African Americans) take these medications as a preventative measure to protect themselves from prostate cancer?

Although this seems like a reasonable argument, this assumes that the most probable cause of cancer is hormone dependent…and since we still don’t know the cause of prostate cancer, this proposed treatment plan would be based on assumptions. In addition, these medications can also have some drawbacks. Individuals on these medications may experience erectile dysfunction and reduced libido which can be a significant negative for those men who want to remain sexually active.

Therefore, the verdict remains undecided as the jury continues to evaluate the clinical evidence and make a more scientific and decisive conclusion. However, those men in the high risk category should ask their physician about this option as they weigh up the benefits versus the risk and side effects.