What information do you have regarding the increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer when taking Proscar or Propecia (finasteride)?
Proscar is in the family of drugs commonly used to treat or prevent benign enlargement of the prostate gland and to restore hair growth. It inhibits an enzyme that converts the principal male hormone, testosterone, to its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone. Thus, it is a mild form of hormonal therapy. In my opinion, Proscar might mask the presence of prostate cancer for a time, allowing more aggressive cancer cells to develop. In addition, Proscar has adverse effects on sexual function in some men.
