Past X-rays linked to prostate cancer

NOTTINGHAM, England, July 16 (UPI) -- British researchers say there's an association between some past diagnostic radiation procedures and an increased risk of young-onset prostate cancer.

The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, showed that men who had a hip or pelvic X-ray or barium enema 10 years previously were 2 1/2 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than the general population. The link appeared to be stronger in men who had a family history of prostate cancer.

Study leader Kenneth Muir of The University of Nottingham, in association with Dr. Rosalind Eeles at The Institute of Cancer Research, said 431 men, diagnosed with young onset prostate cancer -- men diagnosed with the disease before the age of 60 -- took part in the study.

"Although these results show some increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer in men who had previously had certain radiological medical tests we want to reassure men that the absolute risks are small and there is no proof that the radiological tests actually caused any of the cancers," Muir said in statement.

Procedures included hip and leg X-rays and barium meals and enemas used to diagnose problems with the digestive system were performed 5, 10 or 20 years before the prostate diagnosis.