In the Journals

Sexual Behavior, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Prostatitis: The Risk of Prostate Cancer in Black Men.

November 14, 2006

Authors: Sarma AV, McLaughlin JC, Wallner LP, Dunn RL, Cooney KA, Schottenfeld D, Montie JE, Wei JT.

Journal:  J Urol 2006; 176:1108-1113.

Editorial:  Recent studies have suggested a link between chronic inflammation of the male lower urinary tract and development of prostate cancer.  Some have hypothesized that aspects of sexual behavior and possible indicators of exposure to sexual transmitted diseases, including number of sexual partners, age at first intercourse and frequency of sex, may be associated with prostate cancer risk.  Previous associations have been made in studies primarily focusing on white men.  This study has examined the relationship of chronic inflammation and prostate cancer development among black men.  The investigators found that a history of gonorrhea infection and prostatitis increased the odds of prostate cancer 1.78-fold and 4.93-fold, respectively.  Also, men reporting 25 or more sexual partners were 2.80 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to men with 5 or fewer partners.  Their results support the significance of prior sexual practices, exposure to sexually transmitted microbial agents, and history of prostatic infection in the natural history of prostate cancer in black men.

Arthur L. Burnett, M.D.