Men who have vasectomies do not have an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a new study.
Researchers at the American Cancer Society looked into the association between the two among more than 360,000 men, 42,000 of whom had undergone a vasectomy.
Their analysis found no link between the surgical procedure and risk of prostate cancer, or risk of death from the disease.
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A previous, smaller study by the Harvard School of Public Health suggested instances of prostate cancer and vasectomies may be connected.
But the lead researcher behind the latest report, Dr Eric Jacobs, said the new findings “should provide some reassurance to men considering vasectomy”.
He added that men concerned about developing a fatal prostate cancer should focus on maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.
How To Spot The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
(01 of10)
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Needing to rush to the toilet This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:Getty )
(02 of10)
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Blood in your urine or semen This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(03 of10)
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Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(04 of10)
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Difficulty getting an erection (impotence)This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(05 of10)
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Pain in your bones, such as your back and hips This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(06 of10)
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Straining or taking a long time while urinatingThis can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:Shutterstock)
(07 of10)
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Tiredness, loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(08 of10)
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Needing to urinate more frequently, often during the night This can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(09 of10)
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Weak flowThis can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY )
(10 of10)
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Weight lossThis can be one symptom of prostate cancer but may be indicative of another condition. See your GP if in doubt. (credit:GETTY)