Men with higher levels of testosterone and a growth hormone in their blood are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a new study.
A research of more than 200,000 men is one of the first to show strong evidence of two factors that could possibly be modified to reduce prostate cancer risk.
"Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide after lung cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths. But, there is no evidence-based advice that we can give to men to reduce their risk," said study lead author Ruth Travis, Associate Professor, University of Oxford, the UK.
"We were interested in studying the levels of two hormones circulating in the blood because previous research suggests they could be linked with prostate cancer and because these are factors that could potentially be altered in an attempt to reduce prostate cancer risk," Travis added.
The researchers studied 200,452 men who are part of the UK Biobank project. All were free of cancer when they joined the study and were not taking any hormone therapy.
The men gave blood samples that were tested for their levels of testosterone and a growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).
The researchers calculated the levels of free testosterone which is circulating in the blood and not bound to any other molecule and can therefore have an effect in the body.
A subset of 9,000 men gave a second blood sample at a later date, to help the researchers account for natural fluctuations in the hormone levels.
The men were followed for an average of six to seven years to see if they went on to develop prostate cancer. Within the group, there were 5,412 cases and 296 deaths from the disease.
The researchers found that men with higher concentrations of the two hormones in their blood were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
For every increase of five nanomoles in the concentration of IGF-I per litre of blood (5 nmol/L), men were nine per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer.
For every increase of 50 picomoles of testosterone per litre of blood (50 pmol/L), there was a 10 per cent increase in prostate cancer risk.
According to the researchers, 25 per cent greater risk in men who have the highest levels of IGF-I, compared to those with the lowest.
Men with the highest testosterone levels face an 18 per cent greater risk of prostate cancer, compared to those with the lowest levels.
"This type of study can't tell us why these factors are linked, but we know that testosterone plays a role in the normal growth and function of the prostate and that IGF-I has a role in stimulating the growth of cells in our bodies," Travis said.
The study was presented at 2019 NCRI Cancer Conference in London.
Successful Hernioplasty surgery performed at Unakoti District Hospital
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Unakoti District Hospital witnessed the successful completion of a complex hernioplasty surgery on February 22.
New surrogacy law changes will uphold right to parenthood for all individuals: Experts
The latest amendment to the surrogacy law will uphold the right to parenthood for all individuals, said experts on Friday.
Cardiology Triumph: GB Hospital makes history with successful heart holes closure
In a groundbreaking achievement, the cardiology department of GB Hospital in Agartala has marked a historic milestone by successfully closing a heart hole through device closure, a procedure conducted for the first time in the hospital's history.
New sensor can detect breast cancer using saliva in just five seconds
This produces a change in the output signal, which can be measured and translated into digital information about how much biomarker is present.
New heart treatment to help grow a replacement valve inside body
Researchers at the Imperial College London and Harefield Hospital in the UK have developed a novel treatment that harnesses body's natural repair mechanisms to build a living heart valve.
Tripura Govt allocates land to CCHRC for establishing cancer hospital in North Tripura
To further strengthen cancer treatment in the state of Tripura, the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) is eyeing to establish a cancer hospital in North Tripura district, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Sunday.
Kajal Memorial Football Tournament: Tripura Sports School to face Mungiakami School in final
Tripura Sports school once again played with lots of dominance and continued their good record in this tournament as previously they won the title for three times.
Souradip Wins Mayor Cup in international Chess Event
The tournament which was started from June 4 ended today at Lottery International School where 350 chess players from across the country took part.