Higher testosterone levels in men linked to greater melanoma risk

Study finds testosterone associated with risk of developing potentially deadly skin cancer, but causation not proved

Men with high levels of testosterone have an increased risk of developing a potentially deadly skin cancer, researchers have found.

According to Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, one in 36 UK males and one in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. It said 86% of melanoma cases were preventable, typically caused by use of sunbeds or staying out in the sun, but other factors played a role in who is most at risk, including age and genetics.