Q. Will castration prevent prostate cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Castration will not prevent prostate cancer as it does not directly affect the development of the condition. While castration is often used in cases of advanced prostate cancer to lower testosterone levels (since high levels are associated with an increased risk of developing and progressing prostate cancer), there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that castrating individuals before they develop prostate cancer could be effective in preventing its onset.
Research has shown that removing both testicles does reduce a man's risk for developing some types of advanced cancers, but this preventive measure must be considered carefully since it means undergoing a major surgery and living without any natural hormones produced by the body. Additionally, while castration can help treat existing forms of prostate cancer, medical studies have been inconclusive on whether or not it can completely cure the disease or even slow down its progression.
Overall, while castration may offer some benefit in terms of reducing hormonal levels which could contribute to an increased risk for developing prostate cancer, more research still needs to take place before doctors consider this method safe and effective as a form of prevention.