Prostate Cancer and Melanoma: Is There a Connection?

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, may seem to have little in common with prostate cancer. But a recent study suggests otherwise. Prostate cancer may actually raise a man's risk for melanoma.

A possible link?

In the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers set out to see if there was a link between prostate cancer and melanoma. They wanted to confirm the findings of past studies. To do so, they looked at the health of more than 60,000 men. Study participants ranged in age from 40 to 84.

Over an average of 14 years, the men responded to periodic questionnaires. They answered questions about their medical history and lifestyle. They were also asked if they had been diagnosed with any type of cancer.

The researchers reviewed the men's responses. After taking into account other factors such as body weight and sun exposure, they still noted a strong link between prostate cancer and melanoma. Namely, men who had prostate cancer in the past had a higher risk of developing melanoma later on. They didn't find the same connection with that type of skin cancer and other cancers.

A common origin?

Experts can't say for sure that prostate cancer causes melanoma. But they do suspect the 2 cancers share a common origin. One theory points to androgens.

Androgens are male hormones. The most well-known is testosterone. Androgens help the prostate—a gland that produces semen—to work as it should. But when levels become too high, they may cause prostate cancer to grow. In fact, doctors sometimes treat cancer in the prostate by limiting how much androgen the body makes. It's called hormone therapy.

Past research has shown that melanoma may also be linked to androgen levels. A high amount of these hormones may affect a man's immune system. That, in turn, may allow cancer to attack the skin's melanocytes. These cells govern the color of your skin.

Another possible reason for the link: age. Older men are more likely to get both types of cancer. Why? Prostate cancer usually grows slowly. It often isn't diagnosed until later in life. As for melanoma, it tends to strike people whose skin has been exposed to the sun for a longer period of time.