High Bone Mass Associated with Increased Prostate Cancer Risk

A long-term study has found that men with high bone mass appear to be at an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The study involved 1,012 men without prostate cancer who had undergone posteroanterior hand radiography between 1967 and 1970. The second metacarpal cortical area was used as an indicator of bone mass.

Although the precise mechanisms linking bone mass to prostate cancer risk are not understood fully, researchers believe cumulative exposure to sex hormones, insulin-like growth factor 1 and calcium intake may play a role.

(Source: American Journal of Medicine)