Why testosterone may increase prostate cancer risk in men

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 9, 2014 5:27 pm

While an adequate testosterone level is essential for men to maintain energy, sex drive and reproductive capacity, unnecessary testosterone therapy could increase prostate cancer risk, a study suggests. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. Researchers found that testosterone raised the risk of prostate tumours and exacerbated the effects of carcinogenic chemical exposure in rats. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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‘This research demonstrates that testosterone on its own is a weak carcinogen in male rats,’ said study author Maarten Bosland from the University of Illinois at Chicago in the US. ‘When it is combined with cancer-causing chemicals, testosterone creates a hospitable environment for tumours to develop. If these same findings hold true in humans, there is serious cause for public health concern,’ Bosland pointed out. Also Read - Are you depressed? It may be due to a low testosterone level

Testosterone use has soared in the last decade among older men seeking to boost energy and feel younger. Two dose-response studies examined the incidence of prostate cancer in rats. The rats were given testosterone through slow-release implant devices. Before the rats were dosed with testosterone, some of the animals were given injections of the carcinogenic chemical N-nitroso-N-methylurea.

Among the rats that received testosterone without the carcinogenic chemical, 10 to 18 percent developed prostate carcinomas. When rats were exposed to testosterone and the carcinogen, the treatment caused prostate cancer in 50 to 71 percent of the rats. Animals that were exposed to the carcinogenic chemical but not testosterone did not develop prostate cancer. (Read: Risk of prostate cancer may be reduced by daily brisk walks)

In view of the findings, Bosland urged caution in prescribing testosterone therapy to men who have not been diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition that results from low testosterone. Common symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, among others.

The study appeared in the journal Endocrinology. (Read: Get adequate Vitamin D, prevent prostate cancer!)

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system) and is one of the leading causes of cancer in men above the age of 60. Most cases could be slow growing and may even go undetected and not cause any problem. Some could be aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body and are difficult to treat. It usually presents with difficulty and pain during urination, blood in the urine along with sexual dysfunction. Advanced cases may present with bone pain in addition to the urinary symptoms. Prostate cancer is very rare before the age of 40 but the risk increases with age and most cases are detected in the late 60s.

Facts about prostate cancer:

One new case of prostate cancer occurs every 2.5 minutes, and a man dies from prostate cancer every 17 minutes.
A non-smoking man is more likely to get prostate cancer than lung, bronchus, colon, rectal, bladder, lymphoma, melanoma, oral and kidney cancers combined.
Because prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer survivours at all stages is 98%. The relative 10-year survival rate is 84% and the 15-year survival rate is 56%. Read more about Prostate cancer tips to help you lower your level of risk

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

Published : October 9, 2014 5:27 pm

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