Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Affected by Common Medicines

Commonly prescribed medicines can alter results of PSA cancer screening tests, making the test results artificially low when the actual PSA levels are higher.  A research study reveals that men regularly consuming NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs], statins, and thiazide diuretics may have lower serum PSA levels compared to men who are not taking these medications.  The study results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.  In patients who are taking any of those medicines, especially on a longer term basis, PSA test results have to be interpreted with caution.  The effect of taking the medicines must be taken into account in using PSA to diagnose prostate cancer.  PSA levels in the blood are commonly tested to diagnose prostate cancer, with higher levels indicating possible cancer.  

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