Propecia can interfer with Prostate cancer screening/tests

[Pat - Community Publisher]

All those on this community who use Propecia/Finasteride should be aware of the news that according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times -

 

"The hair-loss drug Propecia interferes with the most commonly used test for prostate cancer, causing inaccurate readings that can mask the presence of the disease, researchers reported Monday. . . The effect could mean that a safe reading on a PSA test could in fact be false, said Dr. David Quinn, a medical oncologist at the University of Southern California."

 

In addition - "Dr. Roehrborn said other drugs in this class, known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, will affect PSA tests in a similar way."

 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with about 230,000 cases expected in 2006, according to the American Cancer Society.

 

But on a good note, they say that Propecia can potentially also inhibit the enlargement of the prostate.

 

Best wishes for healthy hair and prostates, Pat

[Pat - Community Publisher]

All those on this community who use Propecia/Finasteride should be aware of the news that according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times -

 

"The hair-loss drug Propecia interferes with the most commonly used test for prostate cancer, causing inaccurate readings that can mask the presence of the disease, researchers reported Monday. . . The effect could mean that a safe reading on a PSA test could in fact be false, said Dr. David Quinn, a medical oncologist at the University of Southern California."

 

In addition - "Dr. Roehrborn said other drugs in this class, known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, will affect PSA tests in a similar way."

 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with about 230,000 cases expected in 2006, according to the American Cancer Society.

 

But on a good note, they say that Propecia can potentially also inhibit the enlargement of the prostate.

 

Best wishes for healthy hair and prostates, Pat

[hairbank]

That's some good information, Pat. Obviously if you're going in for an exam you should tell the Doc you're taking Propecia.

 

Any other tests that can be done in addition to a PSA test to further determine the possibility of prostate cancer for those taking Propecia?? Anyone know?

[Telephone Man]

It has been a long time since I have posted on the website, having observed and shared with our friends up her in New England!!!!

 

The comparison outlined here is a double edged sword, yes, medical research has indicated finasteride may reduce prostate cancer. At the same time finasteride may mask the results from a PSA test, according to my physician reducing the PSA level test result by up to 50%. The bottom line it is good and bad, go for a complete workup from your primary doc and urologist.

 

TMAN