A recent study has revealed an unexpected link between early hereditary baldness in men and a lower risk of prostate cancer.

According to the American newspaper New York Post, the study, which included men aged between 35 and 76, showed that those who began losing their hair by age 30 were 29% less likely to develop prostate cancer compared to others, while the risk dropped to 45% among men who started balding at a younger age, for both aggressive and less aggressive tumors.

Although the cause of the relationship between cancer and baldness is unknown, the researchers in the journal Cancer Epidemiology said they suspect a genetic mutation in the male hormone receptor gene that affects both conditions.

They added: "One cause of hair loss is a high level of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone secreted from testosterone, which prevents hair follicles from absorbing nutrients, leading to their shrinkage and consequently hair loss. Testosterone levels do not only affect male pattern baldness but also play a role in prostate cancer, as they help cancer cells grow."

The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Jonathan Wright, a professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in the United States, explained that "baldness and prostate cancer are two common conditions, both associated with aging, have genetic factors, and are linked to male hormones."

He pointed out that previous studies focused on men over the age of 55, whereas the current study took into account the long period that may precede the diagnosis of prostate cancer, adding: "Early baldness may be a more significant indicator, given the long time it takes for prostate cancer to develop and the potential role of the male hormone pathway in both conditions."

In contrast, a study published in 2016 found a link between hair loss in men and death from prostate cancer. Researchers found that any baldness between ages 25 and 44 was associated with a 56% increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer, underscoring that the relationship between baldness and the disease still requires further studies to be resolved.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in them. Often, there are no clear symptoms in its early stages, although difficulty urinating may be a sign that requires a doctor’s consultation. Additionally, the spread of the disease to the bones may cause pain or numbness in the legs and neurological problems.

Experts recommend regular prostate cancer screening for men between 55 and 69 years old, while those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of the disease, are advised to start screening from age 40.