You may have noticed bald men in your life or come across various remedies for baldness. But have you ever wondered if there’s any connection between baldness and a person’s health? Research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found an association between specific bald patterns and aggressive prostate cancer.
In a study called the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, data analysis revealed that men with moderate baldness, which results in hair loss at the front and crown of their heads around the age of 45, have a 40 percent increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer later in life compared to men who retain their hair. Aggressive cancers consist of fast-growing tumors that are often fatal.
Now, before you panic, let’s dive into the findings of the study and understand the connection between baldness and prostate cancer.
Hair Loss Patterns and Prostate Cancer
According to Michael B. Cook, Ph.D., an investigator in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD, “Our study found an increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer only in men with a very specific pattern of hair loss, baldness at the front and moderate hair-thinning on the crown of the head, at the age of 45. But we saw no increased risk for any form of prostate cancer in men with other hair-loss patterns.” Cook further added that, “While our data show a strong possibility for a link between the development of baldness and aggressive prostate cancer, it’s too soon to apply these findings to patient care.”
It’s important to note that prostate cancer (which is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in men, right behind lung cancer) and male pattern baldness have been previously suggested to be connected to higher levels of androgens (male sex hormones) as well as androgen receptors. This study further indicates a biological connection between baldness and the development of prostate cancer.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells develop in the tissue of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer cells grow slowly and may take years to form a lump that is big enough to be detected. In fact, many affected men may not experience any symptoms and might not even know they have prostate cancer. And, almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that start in the gland cells.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, androgens (male hormones) play a crucial role in both prostate cancer growth and hair loss. These hormones help prostate cancer cells to grow, which explains why treatment methods to reduce hormone levels have been proven effective in treating prostate cancer patients. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to understand that not everyone who has high levels of androgens is more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Preventive Measures
Although the study findings may not be directly applicable to patient care, they do provide some insights that can help promote preventive measures. Regular screenings, including checking prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and digital rectal exams, can help detect prostate cancer early and increase the odds of successful treatment.
Moreover, while there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, a healthy lifestyle involving a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce your risk.
Conclusion
While the link between specific patterns of baldness and aggressive prostate cancer might be concerning, it is not a definitive indicator, and not all bald men are necessarily at risk. However, it is essential to be aware of these findings and take appropriate preventive actions when possible. Regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed about prostate cancer can be your best line of defense.
