Effects of long-term anabolic steroid use on the risk of prostate cancer: systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17902321Keywords:
anabolic steroids, prostate cancer, health riskAbstract
The use of testosterone-derived anabolic steroids, used to improve performance and muscle development, is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially when used without medical reason. The study aimed to analyze the literature on the prolonged use of anabolic steroids and the risk of prostate cancer. To evaluate the existing literature on the subject, a scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA model and the method proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Of the 49 documents selected for analysis, 22.4% were case studies and 32.7% were qualitative in nature. PubMed was the source selected for data collection (57.1%). The United States accounted for 49% of all publications, with English being the preferred language for most of them (73.5%). According to current research, steroid use does not appear to substantially increase the risk of prostate cancer in the short or medium term. However, it is clear that steroids have negative effects on mental health and many body systems. In conclusion, although steroids have serious and possibly long-lasting negative effects on health, there is no evidence that they increase the incidence of prostate cancer. Consequently, to reduce the dangers of steroid use, it is important to advocate for more comprehensive quantitative research with long-term follow-up and to establish measures for education, medical monitoring, and regulation.
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