Aspirin Use May Reduce PSA Levels

A new study from the American Association of Cancer Research has shown that NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) use may lower a man's PSA (prostate specific antigen) level. Ibuprofen and aspirin are two of the most commonly used NSAIDs. The study evaluated about 1200 men and determined that, after adjusting for age, race, and other factors, men who took NSAIDs had lower PSA levels than men who did not.

The study did not show a significantly lower rate of prostate cancer among men who took NSAIDs - only that they had lower PSA levels. The lower PSA level could imply that these men will also ultimately have lower rates of prostate cancer, but this has not been shown.

It is also possible that NSAIDs artificially lower PSA levels in men regardless of whether they have cancer. If this were the case, then it would become more difficult to accurately determine whether a man was at risk for prostate cancer after a routine PSA screening test.

Obviously, this study shows an interesting association, but more research needs to be done to determine what implications, if any, NSAID use has on prostate cancer itself.

More about this study can be found here.