Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

Statins, the most common medication used to lower cholesterol levels, can help prevent heart attack and strokes. According to a new study released by the Mayo Clinic, these same medications can also lower the risk of prostate growth and cancer.

The study followed nearly 2,500 men, aged 40-79, from 1990 through the present and examined their risks for the development of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.  Interestingly, the results of the entire study favored the use of statins.

According to the research, the men who took the statins drugs were at least three times less likely to develop prostate cancer. In addition, the study showed that the risk of developing a large prostate - which is linked to urinary problems such as inability to urinate or leaking - was reduced by nearly 60 percent following the use of the medication. The investigators discovered that the statins delay the overgrowth of the prostate by reducing inflammation. Research also indicated that the statins reduced the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction and can help to prevent prostate cancer cells from replicating.

Despite the positive results from this study, it is premature to change our health practices at this time. Health care providers will need to further assess the risks, benefits, and alternatives to this therapeutic intervention particularly because statins used to treat elevated cholesterol have been associated with side effects including muscle pain and elevated liver enzymes.