Balding in 20s could hint at prostate cancer later in life

[marmar]

(CNN Health) Men who start losing their hair at 20 may be twice as likely to get prostate cancer later in life, a new study suggests.

If men started going bald in their 30s or 40s, the risk did not go up, according to this research.

"'Any type of balding (at age 20) is a risk factor for prostate cancer," suggests Dr. Michael Yassa, lead author of the study and a radiation oncologist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal, Canada. He says an earlier study suggested that back of the head balding was worse, but this study found any type of balding is a risk factor for prostate cancer.

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, affects about 50% of men and a link between testosterone and baldness has been established. Likewise, stopping testosterone production is one way prostate cancer is treated. But an actual link between the baldness and prostate cancer has not been established – and this new study published in the cancer journal Annals of Oncology can't do it either. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/15/balding-in-20s-could-hint-at-prostate-cancer-later-in-life/?hpt=T2

[tammywammy]

1. I was just about to post this on my brother's facebook

Then thought he might not think it's as funny as me (that I read "balding in your 20s" and immediately thought of him). I will bring it up in person next time I see him.

On a serious note, I hope they continue more in-depth research into this. It's an interesting correlation to be sure.

"The study authors emphasize that they only observed an association between losing hair and getting prostate cancer. They did not test the men's testosterone levels, so they did cannot prove higher hormone levels played a role. But they believe their research suggests male pattern baldness at an early age could be a marker for being at increased risk for developing this type of cancer."

[JackDragna]

2. Ha! I was bald BEFORE 20.

I'm surprised I'm not dead yet.

[applegrove]

3. Isn't there also a link to heart attacks?

[Drunken Irishman]

4. My biggest fear is going bald. I'd rather struggle with the prostate cancer.

Luckily and thankfully, I have great hair.