In the set of risk factors for prostate cancer, could heart disease be included? Well, probably yes, as scientists from the Duke University have revealed that coronary heart disease and prostate cancer may be linked.
A large study called REDUCE incorporated nearly 6,390 men for a span of 4 years. The scientists wished to test the drug namely dutasteride in lowering the risk for prostate cancer. This group also underwent prostate biopsy at 2 marks of 2 and 4 years, irrespective of PSA levels. Their medical history in terms of heart disease, body mass, alcohol or medicine use and many other variables, was analyzed too.
Jean-Alfred Thomas II, MD, a post-doctoral fellow in the Division of Urology at Duke and lead author of the study,, remarked, “What’s good for the heart may be good for the prostate.”
Almost 547 men from the group suffered from coronary heart disease before the onset of the trial. These men were apparently overweight, older and less healthy with the prevalence of other conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension too. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer also appeared to be greater among the aforesaid participants.
Coronary heart disease supposedly increased the risk for prostate cancer by 35%, which elevated with time. For a 2-year time frame, individuals with coronary heart disease were seemingly 35% likelier to develop prostate cancer, as compared to those without heart disease. In a 4-year time period, the same group faced nearly 74% higher prostate cancer risk.
Though the study had some shortcomings, it has paved the path to a new approach pertaining to heart disease and prostate cancer. The findings are published in the journal, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.