Masturbating might slash risk of prostate cancer, claims expert (and more is better!)

When it comes to ways of slashing your risk of prostate cancer, eating more veg or signing up to the gym may immediately spring to mind.

But, according to one expert, there's something else that may help — masturbating. 

Sheffield Hallam University's Dr Daniel Kelly, who has carried out numerous studies on prostates, said there is 'evidence' to support the theory. 

One Harvard University study found men who ejaculated 21 times a month were up to a third less likely to be struck down with the disease, compared to men who only did so between four and seven times monthly. 

The findings, from 2016, held true regardless of whether a man achieved an orgasm through masturbation or sex.

Frequent ejaculation, Dr Kelly wrote in an article for The Conversation, 'will do no harm' and 'should therefore form part of a man’s healthy lifestyle'.

Researchers don't know exactly why ejaculating may help protect against prostate cancer. 

Dr Kelly wrote: 'Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, these studies fit with the idea that ejaculation can reduce prostate cancer by decreasing the concentration of toxins and crystal-like structures that can accumulate in the prostate and potentially cause tumours.

'Similarly, ejaculation may alter the immune response within the prostate reducing inflammation – a known risk factor for cancer development – or by increasing immune defence against tumour cells.

'Alternatively, by reducing psychological tension ejaculation may lower the activity of the nervous system which then prevents certain prostate cells from dividing too rapidly and increasing the chance of them becoming cancerous.'

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives, charities say. More than 52,000 men in Britain are diagnosed each year.

But thousands are diagnosed once it has already spread, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

Experts are in agreement that early detection is key to boosting survival rates. 

However, with no national screening programme, progress has been slow in bringing numbers down.   

In January, an analysis of 11 studies published in the last three decades also found seven reported some beneficial effect of ejaculation on prostate cancer risk.

Writing in the journal Clinical Genitourinary Cancer, scientists said: 'The emerging connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate health underscores the importance of incorporating sexual behavior into patient counselling and healthcare strategies.' 

Contrary to years of research, experts now believe men with low testosterone levels have a heightened risk of prostate cancer and worse outcomes.

And because testosterone is known to increase sex drive, a man with low levels may not have the same desire for sexual activity. 

Dr Kelly wrote: 'So, it may be testosterone reducing a man's risk of prostate cancer and additionally driving their motivation for sexual activity.'

He added: 'There are benefits of sexual activity and ejaculation beyond the prostate including positive effects on the heart, brain, immune system, sleep and mood. 

'So while the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer is not fully understood and there is a real need for more research, frequent ejaculation (within reason) will certainly do no harm, probably does good and should therefore form part of a man’s healthy lifestyle.'

The risk of prostate cancer increases as you age, with most cases developing in men aged 50 or older, the NHS says. 

Symptoms can include needing to urinate more often, having to wait longer before you can pass urine, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine, weight loss or any new and unexplained lower back pain.

Celebrities who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer include Stephen Fry, who said he was 'stunned' after finding out he had the disease in 2018.

In 2022 musician Jools Holland revealed he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer after a diagnosis in 2014.

In August, Prostate Cancer UK also announced that referrals for the disease have reached a record high in the last year — rising 17 per cent — thanks to the 'Bill Turnbull' effect. 

They said they believe the death of ambassador and presenter encouraged men to go and get tested. 

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

How many people does it kill? 

More than 11,800 men a year - or one every 45 minutes - are killed by the disease in Britain, compared with about 11,400 women dying of breast cancer.

It means prostate cancer is behind only lung and bowel in terms of how many people it kills in Britain. 

In the US, the disease kills 26,000 men each year.

Despite this, it receives less than half the research funding of breast cancer and treatments for the disease are trailing at least a decade behind.

How many men are diagnosed annually?

Every year, upwards of 52,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK - more than 140 every day.   

How quickly does it develop? 

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs someone has it for many years, according to the NHS. 

If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, a policy of 'watchful waiting' or 'active surveillance' may be adopted. 

Some patients can be cured if the disease is treated in the early stages.

But if it is diagnosed at a later stage, when it has spread, then it becomes terminal and treatment revolves around relieving symptoms.

Thousands of men are put off seeking a diagnosis because of the known side effects from treatment, including erectile dysfunction.

Tests and treatment

Tests for prostate cancer are haphazard, with accurate tools only just beginning to emerge. 

There is no national prostate screening programme as for years the tests have been too inaccurate.

Doctors struggle to distinguish between aggressive and less serious tumours, making it hard to decide on treatment.

Men over 50 are eligible for a ‘PSA’ blood test which gives doctors a rough idea of whether a patient is at risk.

But it is unreliable. Patients who get a positive result are usually given a biopsy which is also not fool-proof. 

Scientists are unsure as to what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity and a lack of exercise are known risks. 

Anyone with any concerns can speak to Prostate Cancer UK's specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org