Introduction

Key Points:

• A class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) may lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.
  
  
• Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing prostate cancer and whether you should be screened for prostate cancer.
  
  
• Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking a 5-ARI to lower your risk of prostate cancer.

To help doctors give their patients the best possible care, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) asks its medical experts to develop recommendations for specific areas of cancer care. ASCO and the American Urological Association (AUA) together developed recommendations for the use of 5-ARIs to help lower the risk of prostate cancer in men. This guide for patients is based on their recommendations.

As you read this guide, keep in mind that every person is different when considering cancer prevention methods. These recommendations are not meant to replace your judgment or that of your doctor. The final decisions you and your doctor make will be based on your individual circumstances.

Information in ASCO’s patient education materials is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the treating doctor’s own professional judgment; nor does it imply ASCO endorsement of any product, service, or company.

Last Updated: February 24, 2009

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