"They dont call it The Big C for nothing. People dont even like to say the word out loud. The good news were told is that there are many things we can do  or not do  in our adult lives to lower our risk of developing different types of cancer. Want to avoid lung cancer Dont smoke. Want to lower your risk of skin cancer Stay out of the sun or utilize a proper sunscreen. But a new study published Monday in Cancer http suggests that at least one decision our parents make FOR us may have an impact on our predisposition to certain types of cancer. Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine httpuwmedicine.washington.eduEducation and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center looked at the association between circumcision and the prevalence of prostate cancer. They concluded that circumcision before first sexual intercourse is associated with a  reduction in the relative risk of developing prostate cancer. Its important to note right off the bat that this study is not purporting to establish a cause and effect relationship. As is often the case there are many additional factors at play. First a bit of background. It has long been established that men who are uncircumcised are more prone to contracting sexually transmitted infections. As the studys authors point out The mechanisms by which circumcision reduced acquisition of an STI sexually transmitted infection is thought to be related to the microenvironment of the thin lightly keratinized mucosal lining of the inner foreskin. This tissue is subject to small tears that allow potential access of pathogens into the bloodstream. Furthermore The moist environment under the preputial skin may help pathogens survive for extended periods prior to direct infection. Circumcision of course removes this protective environment. Why is this important Infections are reported to cause almost  of cancers worldwide either directly by infection or indirectly via inflammation.  Several STIs  such as gonorrhea Chlamydia HPV  HIV  have been found in the prostate. Participants in the study were asked about their familys medical history which may increase a mans risk of developing prostate cancer and their PSA screening history which can lead to overdiagnosis of the condition http Men were also asked to selfreport their circumcision status number of sexual partners and their history of STIs. Circumcision was reported in . of the cases and . of the controls.  Caucasian men more commonly reported circumcision  than African American men . For  who reported circumcision the procedure was performed shortly after birth. A few potential caveats to note include the reliance on selfreporting when it comes to a mans history of STIs as well as his sexual partners. A cursory review of the data suggests for example that the number of male sexual partners is greatly underreported. Maletomale sexual activity has been shown to lead to an increased rate in STIs including HIV. This gives pause to make one wonder what other facts were underreported though the numbers of circumcised vs. not circumcised do fall in line with national survey results. The bottom line from the American Cancer Society While this is an interesting finding its not likely to spur any change in recommendations or medical practice."