Published on: 7/15/2025
Does finasteride hide prostate cancer?
Finasteride can affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which might make it harder to detect prostate cancer, but it does not hide the cancer itself.
Explanation
Finasteride is a medication that can lower PSA levels in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate, and doctors use its levels to help detect prostate cancer. When someone takes finasteride, their PSA levels might be lower than they would be otherwise. This can make it more challenging to spot changes that could indicate prostate cancer.
Key Points:
- Finasteride does not hide cancer; it changes PSA levels.
- Doctors may need to adjust how they interpret PSA tests if someone is taking finasteride.
- It's important for doctors to know if a patient is taking finasteride so they can accurately interpret PSA test results.
In summary, while finasteride affects PSA levels, it does not prevent the detection of prostate cancer if doctors adjust their interpretation of the test results accordingly.
(References)
- Etzioni RD, Howlader N, Shaw PA, Ankerst DP, Penson DF, Goodman PJ, & Thompson IM. (2005). Long-term effects of finasteride on prostate specific antigen .... The Journal of urology, 16093979.
- Oesterling JE, Roy J, Agha A, Shown T, Krarup T, Johansen T, et al. (1997). Biologic variability of prostate-specific antigen and its .... Urology, 9218012.
- Irani J. (2008). [PCPT trial: expected bias and their management]. Progres en urologie : journal de l'Association francaise d'urologie et de la Societe francaise d'urologie, 18455083.
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