Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: CliffordK on 19/10/2012 07:34:36

Title: Should anabolic steroids be available for (non-sports) cancer survivors?
Post by: CliffordK on 19/10/2012 07:34:36

Should anabolic steroids be prescribed to non-competitive sports long-term cancer survivors to help rebuild body mass after chemotherapy?

Lance Armstrong has been in the news a lot lately.  While I don't want to argue his case, it got me thinking that perhaps short-term use of anabolic steroids might be beneficial for long-term cancer survivors who are not participating in competitive sports.

Title: Re: Should anabolic steroids be available for (non-sports) cancer survivors?
Post by: JP on 19/10/2012 13:55:04

It probably varies from country to country, but they do have legitimate medical uses, including for cancer patients: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid#Medical_uses

Title: Re: Should anabolic steroids be available for (non-sports) cancer survivors?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 20/10/2012 17:10:04

Yes, I'm sure that they are available under prescription.

Also other supplements like creatine have been shown to build muscle mass.

Title: Re: Should anabolic steroids be available for (non-sports) cancer survivors?
Post by: grizelda on 20/10/2012 21:53:59

People I know who have been prescribed steroids for various ailments have been warned that they have to do extreme amounts of exercise to prevent obesity effects. So if they aren't athletes before they start the steroids, they will be when they finish.

Title: Re: Should anabolic steroids be available for (non-sports) cancer survivors?
Post by: CliffordK on 21/10/2012 06:19:34

Grizelda,

There are different types of steroids. 

Prednisone, and related glucocorticoid steroids help reduce inflammation, but can cause fat redistribution.

Anabolic steroids are completely different, and used with relation to fitness.