Star Trek legend William Shatner faced a grim diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer after a PSA test revealed elevated levels. “I was told by a doctor that I had a deadly condition. That I was going to die,” said Shatner. The actor, 90, known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk, had to contemplate mortality for the first time. “Ten! My own body had deceived me,” he recalled.
Further probing showed that the testosterone supplements Shatner had been taking might be linked to his cancer. “I wondered whether I should discontinue taking the supplements,” Shatner said, later deciding it was a “terrific idea.”
Studies show conflicting roles of testosterone in prostate cancer. One study suggests an increased risk with high testosterone levels, while another finds no such link. Shatner’s experience aligns with this inconclusive data.
After ceasing the supplements, Shatner’s PSA levels normalized. “Three months later, I received another PSA test. It had dropped to one,” he revealed. Despite this, the NHS warns that PSA tests can yield “false positives” and recommends more thorough testing for definitive diagnosis…
