A recent study concluded that men with vertex baldness are at “moderate risk” for prostate cancer.

Evidence has emerged which links prostate cancer and hair loss. And this new link could potentially save lives. Until now, risk factors for prostate cancer included age, ethnicity and family history. You can now add hair loss to the list.

A recent study asked one thousand adult men diagnosed with prostate cancer to look at the Hamilton-Norwood scale and select the hair loss pattern that closely resembled their own. The study found that men with vertex (crown) baldness are at greater risk for prostate cancer.

It seems that testosterone is the culprit. Studies suggest that higher levels of free testosterone, seen in men with vertex baldness, can stimulate an abnormality in the prostate gland and increase prostate cancer risk.

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Men with vertex baldness are encouraged to discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctors.