Viagra is probably one of the most recognizable pharmaceutical products out there. In fact, the drug is so widely known that the name ‘Viagra’ has become somewhat synonymous with ‘impotence’ itself. Despite its popularity, does Viagra cause cancer?
The short answer is ‘no, not at all’. Based on the research that’s currently available, there’s no reason to think that taking Viagra could increase a man’s risk of developing cancer. Nonetheless, the drug does carry with it some significant warnings and precautions, which should be taken into consideration before and after you take it.
Causes Of Prostate Cancer
With the exception of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst men in developed countries. While the exact causes of prostate cancer are still unclear, there are some established risk factors.
The first and probably the most significant risk factor is age. If you’ve been told that you have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, then there’s a good chance that you do. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 65 years and older. In fact, the lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer for men in that age group is 54%. In contrast, the risk is only 12% for men in their 50s and 8% for men in their 40s.
A family history of prostate cancer also raises your risk of developing the disease. If you have any first or second degree relatives (such as your father, brother, or son) who have suffered from prostate cancer, then you have a higher risk of developing the disease as well. The ACS reports that having a first degree relative with prostate cancer doubles your risk of developing the disease. Having a second degree relative with prostate cancer more than triples your risk. For those who have undergone genetic testing, the results may indicate that you have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. If this is the case, you and your physician should discuss ways to lower your risk of developing this disease.
Viagra And Prostate Cancer
For those who are taking Viagra, there’s no reason to think that their risk of developing prostate cancer is any different to that of men who aren’t taking the drug. Based on the evidence currently available, there’s no reason to think that Viagra increases a man’s risk of developing cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that a lot of factors – including your family history – play a role in determining your risk of developing prostate cancer, so it is never truly ‘risk-free’ to start taking any pharmaceutical product.
The evidence to support this comes from a number of key studies, which investigated the potential link between Viagra and developing cancer. For example, a 15-year study conducted between 1998 and 2012 followed 11,548 men. At the end of the trial, 1,179 men (11.5%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is a known risk factor for prostate cancer. The researchers compared men who took Viagra with those who took placebo and found no significant difference in terms of prostate cancer risk. In fact, the researchers concluded that there was no evidence that Viagra increases the risk of developing this disease.
Similarly, a study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in 2018 followed 27,339 women. At the end of the study, 3,521 (13.2%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Once again, the researchers compared women who took Viagra to those who took placebo and found no significant difference in terms of their risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, the researchers concluded that there is “no association between Viagra and the risk of developing prostate cancer.”
What About Side Effects?
While there are no established links between Viagra and developing cancer, this doesn’t mean that the drug is without its side effects. As mentioned above, Viagra is one of the most widely-prescribed pharmaceutical products out there, with over 31 million prescriptions written in 2019 alone. There’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with some of the most significant side effects of taking Viagra, including impotence and priapism. In fact, these are some of the most recognizable and well-known side effects of the drug. Nonetheless, there are a number of other side effects that you should be aware of as well. These include liver disorders, heart problems, and headaches.
Based on the available evidence, none of these side effects appear to be caused by Viagra. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, these side effects can occur for reasons unknown. It is therefore important to be aware of them and be prepared to address them appropriately. To this end, your physician should be made aware of your use of Viagra, so that he can monitor you for any of these side effects.
Caution While Taking Viagra
Based on the evidence currently available, there’s no reason to think that taking Viagra increases your risk of developing cancer. Nonetheless, this is far from certain, and it’s always a good idea to rule out any potential side effects before you start taking a new pharmaceutical product. For example, you should consult with your physician before you start taking Viagra, if you’re already experiencing cardiac problems or liver disorders. Your physician will be able to tell you whether or not taking Viagra is right for you, based on your overall health status.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or have a family history of the disease, then you should also speak to your physician about taking Viagra. This is because diabetes and liver disorders are among the side effects that the drug can cause, and your physician will know how to address these issues if they arise.
In summary, while there’s no doubt that Viagra increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, there’s no need to think that it will also cause you to develop prostate cancer. Nonetheless, as with any new pharmaceutical product you try, it’s always a good idea to speak to your physician before you start taking it and educate yourself on any potential side effects, especially when taken in combination with other medications. For now, if you’re taking Viagra for cardiovascular issues, then your physician should be aware of your use of the drug, just in case you develop any unexpected side effects. This is especially important if you’re already experiencing liver problems or cardiac disease.