For the first time, guidelines have been issued by U.S. oncology and urology groups suggesting older men consider taking the testosterone-lowering finasteride drug to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial of 18,000 men showed 6% fewer men who took finasteride developed the cancer after seven years than the 24.4% who got a placebo.
In order to prevent one case of prostate cancer, researchers found, 71 men would have to be treated with the drug, costing up to $1,000 per year for seven years.
Those being checked for prostate cancer should discuss with their doctor the merits of being on a "preventative" program since there's some concern finasteride might increase the risk of aggressive tumors.
POSTER COMMENT: I wonder if a similar trial would show Saw Palmeto producing as good or better results for reducing cancer risk as well as slowing enlargement of the prostate gland. It's over-the-counter and cheaper.
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