Prostate cancer cholesterol link

Cholesterol molecule

According to new research, scientists have identified a link between a high cholesterol level and an increased incidence of cancer of the prostate. Some scientists believe that the reason for the link is that cholesterol may be used by the body to produce the male hormones which are linked to prostate cancer. However, they say that more research is needed in order to establish a firm causal link.

Researchers in Italy examined data on 1,200 men admitted to hospital with prostate cancer, and 1500 men admitted to hospital with non cancerous conditions. They found that the cholesterol levels in the men with the prostate cancer were on average 50% more likely to have high cholesterol than those men who did not have cancer, with the relationship stronger in men diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 50 and after the age of 65. In this group, those with prostate cancer were 80% more likely to have elevated levels of cholesterol.

One of the doctors said that treatment with a statin may offer protection against prostate cancer, although studies to date were inconclusive.

 

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