Prostate Cancer Risk of Obese Men Elevated by Use of Statins

Jun 14, 2009 by

Prostate Cancer Risk of Obese Men Elevated by Use of Statins

Overall, there was no connection observed between current or previous use of statin drugs and the risk of prostate cancer. Duration of statin use also did not seem to affect prostate cancer risk.

In an interview with Reuters Health, Dr Janet L. Stanford, who led the study, said, “We also found no evidence that use of a statin was associated with risk of developing more aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer. Overall we found no support for the current hypothesis that statin use may reduce risk of prostate cancer.

However, the findings of the study also indicate a significant increase in prostate cancer risk for obese men who currently use statins. Longer durations of use of the drugs also increased risk. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more.

Among obese men, current use of a statin was associated with a 50 percent increase in risk of prostate cancer; and use for 5 or more years was associated with an 80 percent increase in risk of the disease; both of these risk estimates were statistically significant,” said Dr Stanford.

Bottom Line

With obesity on the rise and statin drugs routinely prescribed, there is probably a greater need for the medical community and the public at large to take note and take action. At least this study helps to debunk the theory that statin drugs may actually lower prostate cancer risk.

“Given the epidemic of obesity in the US and the frequent use of statins, the positive association we observed raises substantial concern as to the safety of these widely prescribed agents,” added Dr Stanford.

High cholesterol sufferers on statin drugs may want to start exploring natural and safe solutions.

Main Sources

Prostate cancer risk increased in obese men: study (http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSPAT26581320080822)

Statin Use and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Results from a Population-based Epidemiologic Study (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/578434)

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