If I use topical Finasteride, would at the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to take Finasteride for my hair loss. My father had high-grade prostate cancer. Some older studies showed that Finasteride is linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, but the newer studies indicate no link between Finasteride and prostate cancer. So I wanted to ask a doctor before I take Finasteride. If oral Finasteride is still dangerous, could the topical Finasteride solution be effective and safe to use? If the oral Finasteride is said to shrink the prostate, does the risk of having prostate cancer persist if you stop taking it at 45 or 50 years old? One last query is that I have not checked for high-grade prostate cancer, but the initial questions still stand. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The family history of prostate cancer is proved if two of your relatives develop prostate cancer below 50 years. So if your father had prostate cancer, it does not mean that you are at risk of prostate cancer. Recent studies found that Finasteride or Dutasteride does not increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Previously it was found that people who take those medications suffer higher grades of prostate cancer than others. I think you can go ahead with topical Finasteride, as it is safe and has a negligible effect on the prostate than oral preparations.

If you have any more queries, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind regards.