Male Pattern Baldness in Relation to Prostate Cancer-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Analysis in the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study

January 2016 in “ American Journal of Epidemiology ”

Cindy Ke Zhou, Paul H. Levine, Sean D. Cleary, Heather J. Hoffman, Barry I. Graubard, Michael B. Cook

male pattern baldness prostate cancer baldness pathophysiology MPB

TLDR Men with male pattern baldness have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.

The study analyzed data from 4,316 men over a median follow-up period of 21 years and found that male pattern baldness was associated with a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality. Any degree of baldness was linked to a 56% higher risk, while moderate baldness was associated with an 83% higher risk of fatal prostate cancer. The study did not find a significant link between baldness and all-cause mortality. These results suggest a potential shared pathophysiology between male pattern baldness and prostate cancer, but baldness should not be used as a criterion for prostate cancer screening. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess any additional predictive value.

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Research cited in this study

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Relationship Between Male Pattern Baldness and the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: An Analysis of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

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26 citations , January 2013 in “BMJ Open”

Severe baldness on the top of the head is linked to a higher chance of heart disease, especially in men under 60.

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Men who experienced baldness at age 20 may have double the risk of getting prostate cancer.

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Men who start losing hair at age 30 may have a lower risk of prostate cancer.

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The study found no link between baldness patterns and androgen levels in men with benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer.

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