Study: Statins Don’t Increase Cancer

Statin drugs that lower LDL cholesterol are safe long term, an 11-year study concludes. The study found that the drugs lowered the risk of heart attack and strokes 23%. And they didn’t increase the risk of cancer or other diseases. More than 20,000 people were part of the study. All had an above average risk of heart disease and other blood vessel problems. They were randomly assigned to take either simvastatin (Zocor) or placebo (fake) pills. The original study lasted 5 years. After that, people who got the placebo at first could take the statin if a doctor prescribed it. Researchers kept track of people for another 6 years. They found no difference between the two groups in their rates of cancer or deaths from non-heart diseases. The journal Lancet published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it November 22.