SEATTLE - A popular hair growth drug may become a routine pill men can take to reduce their risk of prostate cancer. The American Urology Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists now endorse the recommendation.
Thomas Mitchell takes a daily dose of finasteride, brand name Propecia, to reduce an enlarged prostate, which is common among older men, but the generic drug is also reducing his risk of prostate cancer.
"And in my opinion that's really a plus. Prostate cancer scares me," said Mitchell.
"Before this, we didn't have anything. This is the first drug that has shown to decrease your chance of getting prostate cancer," said Dr. Jay Bishoff, urologist.
The data comes from a seven year study of more than 18,000 men. Those who took finasteride showed significant results.
"Seven years after entering the study, all these men got biopsies of the prostate to see did we decrease your chance of getting prostate cancer? Well, the answer was yes," said Bishoff.
At least a 25 to 30 percent reduced risk is why two major medical groups are now endorsing it as a daily preventive therapy for men over the age of fifty.
"For men who are being screened for prostate cancer, for men who are concerned about it and for men who are over the age of 50, it is a reasonable strategy for them to take finasteride every day to help them decrease their chance of getting prostate cancer," said Bishoff.
Side effects include increased hair growth, but for many men facing baldness or a receding hairline, that's not a problem. Some other minor and rare side effects have been reported, but even if they happen, they're manageable and reversible.
To add a comment, please register or login.