The threat of prostate cancer is a specter that haunts every man. Prostate cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in men (after lung cancer), accounting for 10% of cancer-related deaths of males. According to the American Cancer Society, one-third of all male cancer cases are prostate cancer. It’s safe to say that, if it were not such a very real threat, very few men would subject themselves to yearly prostate exams.
The role of testosterone in prostate health has been a subject of major study and debate over the past couple of decades. It was once believed that testosterone actually contributed to a man’s risk for developing prostate cancer. In fact, this misinformation is still very much widespread. Recent research indicates that the opposite is true, however. Studies in prominent peer-reviewed journals, such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, have shown that testosterone is not the root cause of prostate cancer.
As men age, risk of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (the non-cancerous prostate enlargement that affects almost all men at some point in their lives) increases. This increasing risk coincides with the decrease of testosterone production at andropause. There are very few cases of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer in younger men with optimal levels of testosterone. Only when the amount of free testosterone in the body wanes do these conditions become prevalent.
Some of the reasoning behind the continuing misperception of testosterone’s impact on the prostate may lie in the fact that androgens have been indicated as a potential factor in the spreading of existing cancer cells. This means that while testosterone does not cause cancer itself, it may help cancer to spread. After all, if testosterone were the root cause of cancer, then prostate cancer in young men would be fairly common instead of extremely rare.
The testosterone that keeps young men healthy is likely to be the best preventive measure for aging men wishing to avoid prostate enlargement and prostate cancer for two reasons: Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are not often found in young men with optimal testosterone levels; and, it has been shown that testosterone does not increase the risk of cancer or cause an increase in prostate size in older men.
Regarding testosterone and prostate cancer, “Fortunately this belief has been shown to be incorrect, with good evidence that T therapy is quite safe for the prostate. There is even now a growing concern that low T is a risk for prostate cancer rather than high T”. Dr. Morgentaler, Associate Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School and author of “Testosterone for Life”.
Material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent disease and has not been evaluated by the FDA.
REVITA Anti-Aging recommends you consult a specially trained Age Management or Anti-Aging Physician before starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones should only be taken when clinical deficiencies are found by a trained physician via lab testing. REVITA Medical, PC physicians perform evaluations and specialized testing to qualify patients for treatment.
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