Study finds frequent sex cuts cancer risk - nsr

[The Dude]

saw this on cnn.com

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/04/07....ap/index.html

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Contrary to some research, frequent sexual activity does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer and might even reduce the danger, a study of nearly 30,000 men found.

Some previous studies have suggested that men who have frequent ejaculations -- whether through sex or masturbation -- might be more prone to prostate cancer. One theory is that lots of sex exposes men to various germs and viruses that somehow lead to prostate cancer.

The latest study should be "reassuring to those men who may be more active than others," said Dr. Durado Brooks, prostate cancer director for the American Cancer Society.

The study involved 29,342 health professionals ages 46 to 81 who were asked about their ejaculations in their 20s, 40s and during the previous year, 1991. During about eight years of follow-up, 1,449 men developed prostate cancer.

On average, the men overall had four to seven ejaculations a month. No increased risk of prostate cancer was seen in men who reported more frequent ejaculations, and there appeared to be a decreased risk in men with the highest reported levels.

The two highest activity levels -- 13 to 20 ejaculations a month, and at least 21 a month -- were linked with decreased cancer risks of 14 percent and 33 percent respectively.

One theory is that frequent ejaculations help flush out cancer-causing chemicals or reduce the development of calcifications that have been linked with prostate cancer.

But relatively few men in the study reported heavy sexual activity, so more research is needed to establish whether there is, in fact, a link, said Dr. Michael Leitzmann, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute who led the study.

"It's too early to suggest that men should change their sexual habits to alter their prostate cancer risk," he said.

The study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

The theorized connection between frequent sexual activity and prostate cancer is not entirely far-fetched: High levels of the male hormone testosterone can cause a strong sex drive and can also fuel the growth of cancer cells.

The study involved mostly white men. Leitzmann said it is unclear whether similar results would be found in blacks, who have much higher prostate cancer risks than whites. But he said the biological mechanisms that might explain the results probably do not differ by race.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. One in every six men will develop it. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year, 230,900 new cases will be diagnosed and that about 29,900 men will die from prostate cancer.

The walnut-sized prostate gland produces fluids that are contained in semen.

[truth]

The monthly stats seem more like weekly stats, no?

[KQ]

Took you guys long enough to find this article. I would have thought you'd all have jumped right on it (so to speak )

[EPSkis]

Originally posted by truth
The monthly stats seem more like weekly stats, no?

[snowsprite]

Or daily?

[truth]

Originally posted by snowsprite
Or daily?

I was considering the high activity group. 13 times daily would hurt.

[The Reverend Floater]

My daily average has seen unprecedented growth ever since I started dating the girl across the street.


Again, I'm exhausted.

[frozenwater]

Originally posted by truth
I was considering the high activity group. 13 times daily would hurt.

You would think so, but suprisingly, no.

[Buster Highmen]

13 a month is high? Not that _anybody_ called me high before, but, sheesh, I'm amazed.

[truth]

Originally posted by frozenwater
You would think so, but suprisingly, no.

Note to self...don't get drunk and pass out at Frozen's crib ever again.

[Viva]

Originally posted by The Dude

Some previous studies have suggested that men who have frequent ejaculations -- .... One theory is that lots of sex exposes men to various germs and viruses that somehow lead to prostate cancer.

Anyone see the flawed hypothesis here?

That study sucked- and not in a sexual kinda way

[Telenater]

Originally posted by truth
I was considering the high activity group. 13 times daily would hurt.

Or at least lead to dehydration.

Drink lots of water...

[The AD]

Originally posted by The Dude
On average, the men overall had four to seven ejaculations a month.

This stat is pretty lame alright. You'd think there's some kind of lotion shortage or something

[comish]

Originally posted by AD:
This stat is pretty lame alright. You'd think there's some kind of lotion shortage or something

Or porn shortage?

Those numbers would be really depressing.

[Plakespear]

Hmmm, I wonder if I can get Blue Cross to pay for hookers.