Should men with a history of prostate cancer avoid using heating pads?

Answer 1

I do not really think so. The reason heating pads have come under scrutiny in relation to cancer is because they give off an electromagnetic fields (EMF) which some studies have linked to increase risk of cancer. Most studies have been done with power lines which are notorious for giving off very strong EMFs, but recent interest has stirred about the effects of common household items such as electric heating pads. The scientific evidence for such a link is very ambiguous, unsubstantial and most studies cannot be properly controlled. Most people in the oncology field are unsure of what effects, if any, EMFs might have on cancer development. What you must understand is that the current theory of cancer development is that a series of mutations cause deregulation of cell growth. The cell has many checks and balances to regulate its growth but as random mutations accumulate, these checks and balances erode and fail to operate effectively and the cell becomes cancerous. It is thought that people with a hereditary propensity towards specific cancers already have some mutations present in their inherited genes, and therefore it is statistically more likely that environmental factors will cause mutations that will cause their cells to become cancerous. EMFs might be an environmental factor contributing to genetic mutation, but is probably not a significant factor or current studies would not be so ambiguous. I personally see no problem using an electric heating pad, but is up to you to weigh whether the risks are worth the rewards of using one.