In this interview, Donald Mcdonnell, PhD explains how statins are believed to prevent cancer. He explains that statins work by lowering cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer. He also discusses the research that his lab has done on a specific type of cholesterol called 27-hydroxycholesterol, which he believes is a key driver of cancer growth.
Mcdonnell says that statins are most effective at preventing cancer in people who are obese or have high cholesterol levels. He also says that statins may be helpful for people who are already diagnosed with cancer, as they can help to slow the growth of the tumor and improve survival rates.
Key Points:
Statins have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.
Statins may also be helpful for people who are at high risk of cancer, such as those who are obese or have a family history of cancer.
Statins are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they can cause some side effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage.
More research is needed to determine the full benefits and risks of statins for cancer prevention and treatment.