Doctors measure a man’s level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to screen for prostate cancer.  The higher the concentration of PSA, the higher the possibility of prostate cancer.  The findings of a study, published today in the medical journal, Cancer, suggests regular use of aspirin and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce PSA levels although there is no conclusive evidence yet that regular NSAID use reduces a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.

Eric A. Singer, MD, MA, says it’s a bit premature to assume regular aspirin use does indeed minimize cancer risk but his study does identify the need for further investigation.  He also points out that his study highlights the value of full disclosure from patients when discussing medications, even non-prescription medications, with their physicians.  Singer is a professor of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Singer’s research team reviewed the records of 1,319 men, age 40 and older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in 2001 and 2002.  NHANES, a health census, was conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The team focused their research on PSA levels of men who took NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and acetaminophen on a regular basis.

Men taking NSAIDs had PSA levels lower, by about 10%, than men who did not.  Men taking acetaminophen also had lower PSA levels but the number of men regularly taking this drug was so small the findings are considered statistically insignificant.

Because the lower PSA levels can be attributed to several factors, the research team says their findings warrant further investigation.  Further study is also in order due to the small size of the study group and because it is still too soon to know how many study participants may eventually develop prostate cancer.

Inflammation is one reason for an elevated PSA count and it is associated with cancer but other medical issues cause inflammation, too.  There is also the possibility that NSAIDs may mask the actual risk of developing cancer by lowering PSA count only, with no effect at all to the actual chance of developing cancer.  And some drugs, particularly those prescribed for treating an enlarged prostate, are known to reduce PSA counts.

Source: University of Rochester Medical Center