dont mean to panic people but saw a peice on this before, and was shocked, but can it really cause prostate cancer? iv just started fincar now and my grandad died of prostate cancer so im a bit concerned

cheers

Ive never heard that it can cause prostate cancer. A lab test called PSA is used to help diagnose prostate cancer. The higher the PSA level the more concerning. Propecia can suppress the PSA level therefore making it more difficult for a doctor to know what your actual PSA level is. This is my understanding. Do know however that PSA tests are controversial because they lead to many unnecessary biopsies. Since you have a family history, make sure to discuss this risk and whether taking propecia is a good idea in your case.

I actually think I read a study that said men taking Proscar had a higher chance at developing higher grade prostate cancer. Although it was very uncommon. HOWEVER, the study
Also concluded that Proscar greatly reduce the risk of low grade prostate cancer whic is the most common kind!

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Newhairplease!!
Dr Rahal in January 19, 2012
4808 FUT grafts- 941 singles, 2809 doubles, 1031 triples, 27 quads

My Hairloss Website

Oh dear some will be concerned now. Do you know where you saw this study or article?

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http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com...asp?WebID=2329

READ EVERYTHING!!!!!! IN THIS LINK!!!!
99 percent of taking finasteride is positive!!! Also, make sure to look at the ones who took the placebo as well- something as far as prostate cancer...
*****see bullet number 10 for the results of the cancer
Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) - National Cancer Institute

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Newhairplease!!
Dr Rahal in January 19, 2012
4808 FUT grafts- 941 singles, 2809 doubles, 1031 triples, 27 quads

My Hairloss Website

Finasteride (the key ingredient in Propecia) is a very common drug for treating Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) - an uncomfortable increase in prostate size associated with age.

If I remember correctly, the study that looked at the possible connection between prostate cancer and finasteride usage suggested the reason why it seems like cancer volume increases in finasteride users is actually because the size of the prostate shrinks while the amount of potential cancer in the prostate remains the same.

If you have x mg of cancer in a y mg prostate and suddenly your prostate shrinks to y - 10 mg while the amount of prostate cancer remains at x mg, the ratio of cancer to healthy prostate is going to appear much larger. At first glance, it may look like the amount of cancer is expanding/growing, but the reality is that the amount of cancer is staying relatively stable while the prostate itself is shrinking (making the cancer seem more significant in the process).

Here's an article I wrote about the subject last summer: Can Propecia Cause Prostate Cancer?

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Blake (Future_HT_Doc)

Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

All opinions are my own and my advice should not constitute as medical advice.

sorry guys, ive just started taking finpecia and was immediately alarmed upon reading this, thank you for putting it to bed

FDA Drug Safety Communication: 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) may increase the risk of a more serious form of prostate cancer