Balding men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a new study. Scientists have found that men undergoing prostate biopsy are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer if they are also affected by baldness. The relationship is not yet clear. According to the researchers, the reason may be due to higher levels of the hormone testosterone, which can trigger the development of cancer cells but also inhibit hair growth. Although further research is needed to confirm the results, men with balding should consider the possibilities of early diagnosis and prevention of prostate cancer, according to the leader of the study, Dr. Neil Fleshner of the University of Toronto. It is also important to clarify that the study does not prove that baldness causes cancer, the expert explains. 214 men between the ages of 59 and 70 participated in the study. Participants underwent a biopsy because of elevated blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland in men. Its higher values ​​may indicate an enlarged prostate, inflammation or prostate cancer. The degree of baldness in the participants was assessed on a 4-point scale. The results show that the more severe the pattern of hair loss, the higher the risk of developing cancer. NEWS_MORE_BOX The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Atlanta, Georgia. Another 2011 study also found that men who started balding in their 20s had a 2x higher risk of developing prostate cancer later in life. French and Canadian researchers studied 669 men. 388 of them had a history of prostate cancer. The study matched the two groups on age and other factors. 9.5% of men with prostate cancer report balding after age 20. For comparison, at the same age, the process begins in 5% of men who are not affected by cancer.