Low Testosterone Linked to 18% Higher Risk of Cancer Death

Low Testosterone Levels Increase Cancer Death Risk

Men with very low testosterone levels face an 18 percent higher risk of dying from cancer, according to a major international study published in the journal Lancet Healthy Longevity and reported by ScienceDaily.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Researchers analyzed hormone concentrations and cancer outcomes across more than 26,000 men in 11 long-running studies.
• Baseline testosterone concentrations below 8.6 nanomoles per liter marked the threshold where subsequent cancer risk began to rise.
• Natural testosterone levels showed no association with prostate cancer risk, though low levels of other hormones were linked to that specific disease.

Global Study Design and Patient Data

The Androgens In Men Study (AIMS) examined data from more than 26,000 participants across Australia, the United States, and Europe, as reported by ScienceDaily. UA.News noted that scientists compared hormone concentrations in blood samples taken earlier in the men’s lives with cancer diagnoses and mortality data recorded over subsequent decades.

The international collaboration was led by Professor Bu Yeap at The University of Western Australia. Researchers analyzed testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone.

We wanted to know whether the concentration of these hormones in the blood was related to the risk of men being diagnosed with, or dying from, cancer into the future, Professor Yeap said, as reported by ScienceDaily.

Testosterone Levels Decline with Age and Influence Cancer Risk

Healthy younger men typically maintain testosterone levels ranging from 10 to 30 nanomoles per liter, though concentrations generally decline with age. ScienceDaily reported that baseline testosterone concentrations are also influenced by body mass index, physical activity, and medical conditions such as diabetes.

What we saw was that if a man had low testosterone levels – in the lowest one-fifth compared to the highest one-fifth of the range – their subsequent risk of dying from cancer was higher, even after allowing for age and other health-related factors, Professor Yeap stated in ScienceDaily coverage.

According to findings highlighted by UA.News, the subsequent risk of cancer began to rise when initial testosterone concentrations dropped below 8.6 nanomoles per liter. Researchers identified the hormone measurement as a potential biomarker for future health risks.

Prostate Cancer Associations

The study investigated whether naturally occurring testosterone levels influenced the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. ScienceDaily reported that the analysis found no evidence linking a man’s natural testosterone concentration to his risk of developing the disease.

Since reducing testosterone levels is a treatment for prostate cancer there’s always been a question of whether the amount of testosterone your own body makes relates to your risk of prostate cancer but based on our findings there’s no evidence they are related, Professor Yeap said, according to ScienceDaily.

UA.News reported that a higher risk of prostate cancer was linked instead to low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and luteinizing hormone.

Clinical Guidance on Hormones and Supplements

Professor Yeap cautioned that the findings do not support taking testosterone medications to prevent cancer. ScienceDaily reported that the study provided no evidence that prescribing testosterone reduces cancer risk.

UA.News noted that scientists advise men with unexpectedly low hormone readings to see a doctor for a full examination and assessment of possible accompanying health problems.

What we would say to men is if they are found for whatever reason to be low in testosterone, it’s important to go to the doctor for a full checkup, Professor Yeap said, as reported by ScienceDaily.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.