Low Testosterone and Cancer Risk in Men: What New Research Reveals

A major 2026 analysis suggests that very low testosterone may be linked to cancer-related death—but does not show that testosterone causes cancer or that treatment prevents it.

Can Low Testosterone Increase Cancer Risk?

Testosterone supports muscle, bone, sexual function, and overall well-being. Levels often decline with age, but researchers are still determining what unusually low levels mean for long-term health.

A study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity examined whether testosterone and related hormones were associated with cancer diagnoses, cancer deaths, and prostate cancer.

What the Researchers Studied

The researchers combined 11 prospective studies involving approximately 26,000 men. Ten contributed individual-level data from 24,510 men for cancer-death analyses; one contributed summary data from 1,535 men.

They examined testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol. Testosterone was measured using mass spectrometry, a highly accurate laboratory method. Analyses accounted for age and several health and lifestyle factors.

STUDY SNAPSHOT

Approximately 26,000 men across 11 studies; 3,031 cancer deaths in the combined cancer-mortality datasets. Observational results show associations—not cause and effect.

Low Testosterone Was Linked to Higher Cancer Mortality

Men in the lowest fifth of testosterone levels had an 18% higher relative risk of dying from cancer than men in the highest fifth. The association became apparent below approximately 245 ng/dL. Very low levels—below about 210 ng/dL—were also associated with greater incidence of cancer.

KEY FINDING

Testosterone below approximately 245 ng/dL was associated with higher cancer mortality; below about 210 ng/dL, with higher cancer incidence. These are study-level associations, not clinical cutoffs for cancer prediction.

The study cannot determine whether low testosterone contributes to disease or reflects other underlying health problems. It also does not show that raising testosterone reduces cancer risk.

Does Testosterone Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?

Despite testosterone’s role in prostate biology, the investigators found no statistically significant association between circulating testosterone and new prostate cancer diagnoses. DHT and estradiol were likewise not significantly associated with prostate cancer incidence.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

These findings concern naturally occurring hormone levels, not the safety or effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy. They should not be used to justify testosterone treatment for cancer prevention.

Other Hormones May Offer Clues

DHT and cancer mortality

Men in the lowest DHT group had a 21% higher relative risk of cancer death compared with those in the highest group.

SHBG and prostate cancer

Men with mid-range SHBG had lower cancer-mortality risk than men with the highest levels. Those in the lowest SHBG group had a 28% higher relative risk of prostate cancer than those in the highest group.

LH and prostate cancer

Men in the lowest LH group had a 45% higher relative risk of prostate cancer than those in the highest group. Some intermediate LH concentrations were associated with lower cancer mortality.

What This Means for Men’s Health

The results suggest that testosterone and related hormones may help researchers understand cancer risk, but they do not establish an ideal testosterone level for cancer prevention.

A single blood test cannot diagnose testosterone deficiency. Men with persistent symptoms should discuss clinical assessment and, when appropriate, repeat morning hormone testing with a healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways

• Lowest testosterone group: 18% higher relative risk of cancer death.

• Very low testosterone: higher incidence of cancer below approximately 210 ng/dL.

• Testosterone itself: no significant association with new prostate cancer diagnoses.

• Lowest DHT group: 21% higher relative risk of cancer death.

• Lowest SHBG and LH groups: 28% and 45% higher relative risks of prostate cancer, respectively.

The Bottom Line

Very low testosterone may be a marker of poorer health and greater cancer-related risk, but this research does not prove causation.

Maintaining routine medical care, appropriate cancer screening, physical activity, and balanced nutrition remains important. Testosterone treatment should be considered only after an individualized clinical evaluation.†

Take the Next Step Toward Better Men’s Health

If you have symptoms of low testosterone, ask your healthcare professional whether hormone testing is appropriate and how the results fit your overall health profile.

REFERENCE:

Marriott RJ, Murray K, Antonio L, et al. “Associations of testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and related hormones with risks of cancer death, incident cancer, and incident prostate cancer in men: individual participant data meta-analyses.” The Lancet Healthy Longevity. June, 2026.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical conditions, symptoms, diagnosis or treatment.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.