Vasectomy and cancer
Vasectomy is a widely used form of male contraception that involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens to prevent sperm from being included in semen, achieving over 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. The relationship between vasectomy and cancer, particularly prostate cancer, has been a topic of research and discussion for many years. While earlier studies from the 1990s found no clear correlation between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk, later studies have suggested a potential link, particularly with high-grade tumors. A 2014 study indicated a small increased risk for prostate cancer in those who had undergone the procedure, while more recent analyses have produced mixed results, with some suggesting a modest increase in risk. Notably, there is no established association between vasectomy and testicular cancer. Given the evolving nature of this research, men considering a vasectomy are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider, particularly regarding cancer risk, which remains low overall. As the understanding of this topic continues to develop, ongoing studies are deemed necessary to clarify the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk.
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Vasectomy and cancer
RELATED CANCERS: Prostate cancer
DEFINITION: Vasectomy, a form of male contraception, is a commonly performed procedure that results in sterilization and is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy involves the cutting or blocking of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the semen. Vasectomy is thought to be associated with a small increased risk of prostate cancer.
Vasectomy facts: Although vasectomy is approximately 99.85 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, it does not prevent or protect from sexually transmitted diseases.
History: Some questions have been raised about a possible association between vasectomy and cancer, with the greatest concern being an association with prostate cancer. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, and therefore, there was concern that an association might be found between cancer and vasectomy.
Several studies have been conducted in an effort to determine if there is a causal relationship between the two. The major studies done in the early 1990s found that it was not possible to show a correlation. There were too many other factors that introduced bias into the ability to draw a conclusion.
A 2002 study looked at vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer and concluded that the association was small and could be explained by bias. This means that too many factors interfere with scientifically making an association. The researchers concluded that studies should continue because of the popularity of vasectomy. A study published in 2014 reported a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer in men who have had vasectomies, particularly for high-grade prostate cancer, with Gleason scores of eight to ten, but not for low-grade or localized prostate cancer. Other studies have failed to find an association between vasectomy and testicular cancer. Men should discuss any concerns with their physician before having a vasectomy, although the cancer risk is low.
When discussing the correlation between vasectomies and prostate cancer risk in the 2020s, doctors rely on the American Urological Association’s (AUA) guidelines created in 2012. At that point, the AUA stated there were no studies that showed an increased risk of developing prostate cancer after a vasectomy. However, as the twenty-first century progressed, the information became slightly more ambiguous. A 2017 analysis of studies performed between 1990 and 2017 showed none, if perhaps an insignificant, increase in the risk of prostate cancer. However, in 2021 and 2022, reviews of studies did find an increased risk of prostate cancer after vasectomy. While one stated the risk was significant, the other stated the increased risk was approximately 6 percent. More study is necessary to understand the risk of prostate cancer in patients who have undergone a vasectomy.
Bibliography
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Bakalar, Nicholas. “A Vasectomy May Increase Prostate Cancer Risk.” The New York Times, 17 July 2014, archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/17/a-vasectomy-may-increase-prostate-cancer-risk. Accessed 17 June 2024.
Bielinski, Roger. “Vasectomy and Prostate Cancer: Is There a Link?” Healthline, 26 Oct. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/prostate-cancer/vasectomy-and-prostate-cancer. Accessed 17 June 2024.
Cox, Brian, et al. "Vasectomy and Risk of Prostate Cancer." JAMA, vol. 287.23, 2002, pp. 3110–15.
Møller, H et al. “Risk of Testicular Cancer after Vasectomy: Cohort Study of Over 73,000 Men.” BMJ (Clinical Research ed.), vol. 309.6950, 1994, pp. 295-9, doi:10.1136/bmj.309.6950.295.
Siddiqui, Mohummad Minhaj, et al. "Vasectomy and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A 24-Year Follow-Up Study." Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 32.27, 2014, pp. 3033–38.
Xu, Yawei, et al. "Association between Vasectomy and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Meta-analysis." Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, vol. 24, no. 4, 2021, pp. 962-975, doi.org/10.1038/s41391-021-00368-7. Accessed 17 June 2024.