Adults losing hair are more likely to suffer from skin cancer due to increased sun exposure on the head and neck.
- A link has been established between baldness and skin cancer.
- Bald people are more exposed to the sun on their heads and necks and are therefore more likely to suffer from skin cancer.
- Skin pigmentation may also contribute to this increased risk in adults with hair loss.
Baldness in men is linked to dysregulation of androgens, such as testosterone. Several research suggests that testosterone levels may also contribute to skin cancer risk in people suffering from hair loss. To find out, researchers from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Australia) carried out a study to determine whether genes that predispose people to high testosterone or baldness affect the risk of skin cancer. As part of their work, published in the journal Nature Communicationsthey used genetic data from 12,232 men with melanoma, 17,512 adults with keratinocyte cancers and 120,566 control cases.
Skin cancer and baldness: increased exposure to the sun to blame
“We found strong associations between baldness and skin cancer,” said the Australian scientists. However, this association was not linked to testosterone levels in the patients. It is mainly due to exposure to the sun on the head and neck. “Bald men are more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer because they have less hair protection,” said Dr Jue-Sheng Ong, author of the research, in a statement.
According to the team, genes related to hair loss and skin color also appear to play a role. “Interestingly, we found an overlap between genes that cause hair loss and genes that affect skin color or pigmentation. Skin color is a known risk factor for cancer of the skin, and these results suggest that pigmentation may also contribute to this increased risk in people who lose their hair. explained the researcher.
The importance of adequate sun protection for bald people
The authors said Australia had the highest rates of melanoma in the world, with one person diagnosed every 30 minutes. “Men covering their hair less likely explains, at least in part, the higher incidence of melanoma among men residing in countries with high ambient UV radiation,” can we read in the study. Professor Richard Scolyer reiterated that the use of sun protection is essential, as it is the most important preventative measure against melanoma and other skin cancers.