Using aspirin may significantly lower mens PSA levels and interfere with the ability of doctors to monitor prostate cancer, a new study suggests.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University say that the effects of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on PSA a blood protein that helps indicate prostate problems may interfere with diagnosis.
After analyzing data connected with more than 1,200 men, the scientists found that those who used aspirin has PSA levels that were around 9 percent lower than those who did not take the medication.
Lead researcher Jay H. Fowke said that there were different ways to interpret the results. One was that aspirin offered a protective effect against prostate cancer.
However, he explained that another interpretation was that the drugs simply masked the measurement of PSA.
“This analysis raises the concern that aspirin may lower PSA levels below the level of clinical suspicion without having any effect on prostate cancer development,” he commented.
Some men look to nutritional supplements to help stave off prostate problems and balance their hormone levels.