These days, the name Propecia is gaining worldwide attention as the drug which is basically used to fight off male pattern hair loss is also clinically recognized as a drug that could effectively be used for the prevention of prostate cancer. However, researchers are quick to point out that further studies have to be made when it comes to some unanswered questions pertaining to the use of the drug.
Propecia is the first-ever drug that experts say could efficiently combat prostate cancer. In the United States alone, the American Cancer Society has divulged that annually, there are about 29,000 men who die because of the disease; a rough mortality rate from the 186,000 men who are diagnosed. Propecia, the miracle medicine could just be the answer if more attention is given to the effects of the drug.
On the contrary, some experts have expressed apprehension as regards the use of the drug because accordingly, the drug has increased the chances of individuals to develop tumors. Propecia has been shown to reduce the risk of acquiring prostate cancer by 25%. The American Society of Clinical Oncology together with the American Urological Association agrees with the study and in fact, recommends further discussion should be made regarding the use of the drug.
Barnett Kramer, the main proponent of the advocacy and who is with the National Institute of Health remarked that healthcare professionals still don’t know if Propecia would be beneficial to all men. He stressed that according to a study made in 2003, only men who are healthy who undergo regular check-ups and those having prostate specific antigen results of less than 3.0 ng/ml are the ones qualifying to the criteria set. Furthermore, Kramer stated that doctors should conduct more investigation with regard to Propecia.
Another medicine, Dutasteride under the trademark Avodart is being marketted by GlaxoSmithKline.
Researchers are continuously studying the drug, which is also aimed at treating enlarged prostates. The idea of preventing cancer of the prostate is also mulled over.
The hair loss pill is indeed a breakthrough in cases of baldness among people but with prostate cancer, it is still necessary, as the American Cancer society puts it, to discuss with your doctors the screening to be done.