Docs Mum on Masturbation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

HealthDay, July, 2003

(HealthDay is the new name for HealthScoutNews.)

First came word Wednesday that scientists have discovered a baldness drug can prevent prostate cancer, making it the first medication to reduce the risk of the tumors.

But the drug, finasteride, may soon have some big-time competition that doesn't cost a cent.

Frequent masturbation, especially during the young adult years, can lower a man's chances of developing prostate cancer, a new study claims.

It's not clear why masturbation may help men avoid prostate tumors. One theory is that purging the gland regularly clears it of cancer-causing substances. Another suggests it allows cells in the organ to become more cancer-resistant.

But the study, by Australian researchers, says that the more and the earlier, the better.

Several doctors who were asked to comment on the study declined to do so, saying they hadn't read it yet.

They ...