The idea that testosterone somehow causes prostate cancer has terrified men and their doctors for decades, keeping countless men from the hormone therapy they so desperately need.
But there’s a problem with this somewhat pervasive notion: it’s not true.
And yet, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, this myth persists—causing countless men to suffer unnecessarily from the symptoms of low testosterone as a consequence of avoiding treatment.
Let’s examine from whence this misconception originated, what quality research actually shows us, and why so many men are denied treatment based on outdated fears.
The Origin of the Myth
The testosterone-prostate cancer myth traces back to a single 1941 study done by Dr. Charles Huggins. Huggins observed that castration (which eliminates testosterone production completely) caused pre-existing prostate tumors to shrink temporarily, while testosterone injections caused them to grow.
From this observation, a logical-sounding (but ultimately incorrect) conclusion was drawn: if eliminating testosterone production can shrink pre-existing prostate cancer, then testosterone must cause prostate cancer.
This became medical dogma for decades. The problem? The conclusion was wrong.
Why the Logic Was Flawed
Dr. Huggins’ initial observation was accurate, in that testosterone can stimulate the growth of existing prostate cancer cells. But fueling the growth of existing cancer is completely different from causing cancer in the first place.
Think of it this way: gasoline makes a fire burn hotter and faster; but it does not in and of itself cause fire. The same principle applies to testosterone and prostate cancer.
What Modern Research Shows Us
Decades of research since 1941 have consistently failed to correlate testosterone levels with prostate cancer risk.
Large Population Studies
Multiple large-scale studies have found that men with higher testosterone levels are not at increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Likewise, men with lower testosterone levels are not protected from it. In fact, some research suggests that low testosterone may actually increase prostate cancer risk.
Testosterone Therapy Studies
Studies following men on testosterone replacement therapy have shown no increased incidence of prostate cancer (including the more aggressive forms of it) compared to men who are not on therapy.
The Saturation Model
The latest science suggests that prostate tissue becomes “saturated” at relatively low testosterone levels. Once that saturation point is reached, additional testosterone does not increase the stimulation of prostate tissue. This explains why men with very low testosterone and men with higher testosterone levels have similar prostate cancer rates.
Why the Myth Persists
If the science is clear, why do so many doctors still believe testosterone causes prostate cancer?
Many physicians learned about the mythical association between testosterone and prostate cancer when they were still in medical school, and they simply haven’t updated their knowledge on the subject. Others confuse the fact that testosterone can stimulate existing prostate cancer cells (which is true) with testosterone actually causing cancer (which is false).
What Men Really Need to Know
Testosterone Therapy Is Safe for Healthy Prostates
For men with healthy prostates and no existing prostate cancer, testosterone therapy does not increase prostate cancer risk. Period.
Screening Is Still Important
While testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, screening with a PSA test remains important before starting therapy. At a minimum, PSA should be rechecked every 6 months, and any significant changes to PSA should be investigated.
To be clear, it isn’t that this monitoring is important because testosterone causes cancer. Rather, it’s important because prostate cancer is common among aging men regardless of testosterone levels, and early detection saves lives.
Existing Cancer Requires Caution
Having said all of the above, men with active and untreated prostate cancer should not receive testosterone therapy, as it could accelerate tumor growth.
However…men who have had prostate cancer successfully treated are often candidates for carefully monitored testosterone therapy once they are cancer-free.
Low Testosterone Has Real Health Consequences
Unfounded fears related to prostate cancer risk have resulted in countless men suffering unnecessarily from fatigue, a loss of muscle mass, weight gain, depression, low libido, sexual dysfunction, cognitive decline, decreased bone density, and a reduced quality of life overall.
The Real Risks of Low Testosterone
Ironically, while many doctors continue to worry about testosterone causing prostate cancer (which it doesn’t), they simultaneously ignore the many health risks associated with low testosterone:
- Increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease
- Higher rates of metabolic syndrome and diabetes
- Greater risk for developing osteoporosis (and the fractures that go with it)
- Cognitive decline and increased risk for developing dementia
- Increased all-cause mortality
The bottom line is that low testosterone is dangerous to men’s health, while properly monitored and administered testosterone therapy actually lowers risk factors for the various conditions noted above.
Finding Informed Medical Care
If you’re considering testosterone therapy, it’s important to work with a provider who understands the latest research on testosterone replacement and prostate health, who performs lab testing no less than every six months, who does not deny treatment based upon outdated myths, and who will individualize treatment based on your specific needs.
If you have been told by a doctor that you can’t have testosterone therapy due to unfounded concerns about prostate cancer, seek a second opinion from a provider who is current on the research.
Don’t Let Myths Rob You of Your Vitality
The testosterone-prostate cancer myth has caused immeasurable harm to men, keeping them from receiving treatment for a condition that significantly impacts health and quality of life.
You deserve care that is based on current science, not outdated fears. Testosterone therapy, when properly prescribed and monitored, is safe for men with healthy prostates—and it can be life-changing.
Are you ready to optimize your testosterone levels safely and effectively? Renew Youth provides evidence-based testosterone therapy that includes appropriate monitoring of prostate health. Call us at (800) 859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.