Manoharan said the new findings need to be studied further. "If statins do, in fact, reduce the incidence of prostate cancer that would be a very good thing," he said.
Two other studies presented Wednesday confirmed that so-called "watchful waiting" of men with a low risk of prostate cancer is a viable option. Watchful waiting is a strategy in which no treatment is given, but the patient is monitored to check the progress of the cancer.
But, the researchers of one of the studies noted that PSA exams and digital rectal exams aren't good predictors of the progress of prostate cancer. They suggest that better monitors of the disease need to be developed.
In another study presented Wednesday, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that men 75 to 80 years of age with low PSA levels -- less than 3 nanograms per milliliter of blood -- may be able to stop regular prostate cancer screenings.
The researchers found that these older men who have PSA levels below 3 nanograms per milliliter have a low probability of dying from prostate cancer, while men with PSA levels of 3 nanograms or more have an increased risk of dying from the disease.
More information
For more on prostate cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute.
