Male pattern baldness linked to skin cancer risk: New research findings

Balding men may face a higher risk of skin cancer, according to recent research that has uncovered a surprising connection between male-pattern baldness (MPB) and skin malignancies. The study suggests that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun on the scalp, rather than hormones, is the primary factor behind this increased risk.

Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis, using a method called Mendelian randomization, to explore the potential links between MPB, hormones, and skin cancer. The study involved genetic data from thousands of individuals, including those with cutaneous melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (KCs).

Surprisingly, the results did not support a direct connection between MPB and hormones. Instead, they pointed to a strong association between MPB and the risk of KC, a group of skin cancers that includes squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Further analyses, breaking down the data by body site, highlighted that MPB was notably associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. This suggests that the primary driver behind the increased skin cancer risk in balding men is sun exposure on the scalp.

The study implies that men with less hair covering their scalp may be at greater risk of developing melanoma, especially in regions with high levels of ambient UV radiation. These results emphasize the importance of sun protection, particularly for individuals with male-pattern baldness.

Reference: Ong, JS., Seviiri, M., Dusingize, J.C. et al. Uncovering the complex relationship between balding, testosterone and skin cancers in men. Nat Commun 14, 5962 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41231-8