Could a simple blood test help identify men who face a higher risk of dying from cancer years later? A major international study suggests that one hormone may provide an important clue.
Researchers found that men with very low testosterone levels were more likely to die from cancer during long-term follow-up, although the same pattern was not seen for prostate cancer.
Testosterone is the body’s main male sex hormone. It supports muscle growth, healthy bones, red blood cell production, fertility, and sexual function. Levels naturally decline as men get older, but lifestyle factors such as excess body weight and physical inactivity can also lower testosterone.
Scientists from the Androgens in Men Study, led by Professor Bu Yeap from The University of Western Australia, investigated whether natural hormone levels could predict future cancer outcomes. Their findings were published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
The researchers examined blood samples from more than 26,000 men participating in 11 large studies conducted in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Hormone measurements taken years before were linked with medical records to determine which participants later developed cancer or died from the disease.
Men with the lowest testosterone levels had a significantly greater chance of dying from cancer than those with the highest levels. Risk increased noticeably when testosterone levels dropped below approximately 8.6 nanomoles per liter. However, testosterone itself was not associated with prostate cancer risk.
Instead, prostate cancer appeared to be linked with lower concentrations of two other hormones called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and luteinising hormone. These findings suggest that different cancers may have different hormonal relationships.
The researchers caution against assuming that raising testosterone levels would prevent cancer. Their study does not show that low testosterone causes cancer, nor does it demonstrate that testosterone replacement therapy would reduce risk. More likely, low testosterone may serve as a marker of underlying health problems that deserve medical attention.
Men found to have low testosterone should discuss the result with their doctor rather than immediately seeking hormone supplements. A complete health evaluation may identify treatable conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or other illnesses that influence hormone levels.
This large multinational cohort study provides valuable long-term evidence linking hormone levels with future cancer outcomes. Its strengths include the large sample size and decades of follow-up.
However, observational studies cannot determine whether one factor directly causes another. Clinical trials would be required to determine whether modifying testosterone levels changes cancer risk. Overall, the study suggests that low testosterone may be a useful biomarker for identifying men who may benefit from closer health monitoring.
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Source: The University of Western Australia.
