This was a very interesting study that came from the UK just a few days ago. Researchers from Britain's Warwick University and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) found that males who's middle fingers were longer than their ring fingers were one-third less likely to develop prostate cancer than those men who's ring fingers were longer.
"Relative finger length could be used as a simple test for prostate cancer risk, particularly in men aged under 60," said Ros Eeles from the ICR, who helped lead the study. This is important because men are advised to get regular prostate exams after the age of 50, some even suggesting as early as 40! But a very common test to detect possible signs of cancer is called the PSA test or Prostate Specific Antigen test. Unfortunately, this test is not very good at differentiating those men who would develop aggressive cancer from those who may not need treatment at all.
With this in mind, doctors and researchers have been searching for better screening methods to determine which men would be more likely to develop prostate cancer later in life. With this study it seems a clue is in the hands. Researchers hope that finger length may provide a 'clue', especially for younger men, as to their risk of developing prostate cancer as they age.
So what's the connection? you may ask. Well, it appears it all starts in the womb. As embryos our development is influenced by the introduction and levels of differing hormones. Testosterone being the main one in question here. Scientists believe that too much Testosterone during development actually affects finger length. Often correlated with a longer ring finger. Conversely, less Testosterone during development in the womb resulted in a longer middle finger.
Scientist now believe that less Testosterone (longer middle finger) during development significantly decreases the chance that a man will develop prostate cancer later in life.
I think this study is very interesting but needs further support and confirmation. But it does go to show how significant a concern cancer is in life. If there is even a possibility of a better screening test for cancer, especially one that is free and obvious, it is worthwhile investigating further!
If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, stop by or visit the website here;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC
No comments:
Post a Comment