Asthma inhalers may increase risk of prostate cancer

According to a recent study conducted by Australian scientists -published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention journal, the drugs used in the treatment of asthma by thousands of men may be increasing the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Men who are taking inhaled steroids on a routine basis to control their asthma are nearly 40 per cent more likely to develop prostate tumor compared to men without asthma, revealed the findings of the study.

There is a 36 per cent increase in developing the condition in men who use a bronchodilator (another type of inhaler) regularly.

More health concern seems to be focused on men with severe asthma who take steroid tablets or injections frequently as part of their treatment.

In this group specifically, the study found the risk of cancer elevated by up to a worrying 70 per cent.

Nevertheless, the study findings were preliminary -as results were obtained from a relatively small research, warned cancer experts.

Much bigger studies are required to thoroughly confirm the preliminary study findings before health authorities can affect a change on asthma drug use in men.