Though circumcision is usually practiced in terms of one’s religious beliefs or general lifestyle, we cannot possibly deny its therapeutic advantages. And that’s exactly what Fred Hutchison scientists have to say who believe that circumcision before the first sexual intercourse may lead to lower risk for prostate cancer among men.
As part of the study, data regarding nearly 3,399 men was gathered. The findings showed that men who underwent circumcision before the first sexual intercourse apparently faced 15% lower risk for prostate cancer, as compared to their uncircumcised counterparts. This result was applicable for both the aggressive and the mild forms of prostate cancer.
“These data are in line with an infectious/inflammatory pathway which may be involved in the risk of prostate cancer in some men. Although observational only, these data suggest a biologically plausible mechanism through which circumcision may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Future research of this relationship is warranted,” commented Dr. Jonathan Wright who is also an assistant professor of urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Generally, sexual transmitted infections are one of the causes of prostate cancer, as they cause chronic inflammation. The latter provides an environment favorable for the growth of cancer cells. On the other hand, circumcision may tighten the inner foreskin, thereby reducing the risk of STDs.
Basically, the moist area under the foreskin where infectious agents lurk is removed by the process of circumcision. This could be one reason behind the protective link observed between circumcision and prostate cancer risk.
The study is published in the journal, Cancer.