Objectives:

To assess whether vasectomy is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in men under age 70. Secondary aims of the study were to evaluate the effects of other factors such as sexual history, diet, prior drug use, other medical conditions, and occupation on prostate cancer risk.

Methods:

Cases of prostate cancer among men under age 70 residing in the state were identified through the Massachusetts Cancer Registry. Discharge summaries and pathology reports were obtained for all cases. Prostate cancer cases and community controls were interviewed by telephone using a highly structured interview schedule; information on the occurrence of and age at vasectomy and other risk factors for prostate cancer were obtained.

To assess the possibility of selection bias, cases were analyzed separately according to clinical stage at diagnosis (i.e., disease limited to the prostate or disease extending beyond the gland). Cases with metastatic disease were less susceptible to selection bias because symptoms will bring them to medical attention irrespective of prior medical history. Men with a prior history of prostate cancer or symptoms possibly due to undiagnosed prostatic disease were excluded from the control series.

Results:

Vasectomy was unrelated overall to risk of subsequent prostate cancer.

Investigators:

Samuel M. Lesko, M.D., Principal Investigator
Lynn Rosenberg, Sc.D., Co-Investigator

Source of funding:

National Cancer Institute

Study Period:

May 1992 - February 1997

Publications:

Link to Publications