Scientists find link between testosterone levels and melanoma risk

There is a link between testosterone levels and melanoma, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Cancer.

 This suggests that, in the future, male melanoma can be treated with drugs that counteract the effects of this sex hormone.

According to Medportal.ru, the risk of developing many types of cancer in men is higher than in women. This difference is usually explained by lifestyle factors, as well as the influence of sex hormones. However, the role of hormones is well understood only for specific male tumors, such as prostate cancer.

The authors of the new study note that it was previously known that men who have suffered from melanoma have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer and vice versa. This gave them a reason to think that these two malignant tumors may have common biological mechanisms. Testosterone could potentially be such a common predisposing factor.

The study showed that the risk of developing melanoma in men increased by 35% with an increase in the level of free testosterone in the blood for every 50 picomoles per liter. Besides, increased free testosterone levels in men were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and in postmenopausal women, breast and endometrial cancer.

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