By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com
September 30, 2005
An elevated blood cholesterol level may mean a high risk of developing prostate cancer. That is the conclusion of a study carried out by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition.
The coalition used its mobile medical center to screen 114 men at high risk for prostate cancer. They found a link between high cholesterol and prostate cancer.
Men at high risk for prostate cancer, especially those with high PSAs also had a high total cholesterol level. They often had high LDLs, the bad cholesterol level, and low HDLs, the good cholesterol level.
They also had two other markers -- high c reactive proteins and high body weight.
Conclusions: The same risk factors may predispose to heart disease and prostate cancer -- like high cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight. We dont know why yet. We do know that men at risk for prostate cancer should have their cholesterol levels checked and be screened for other risk factors.
