Self-reported acne is not associated with prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Previous research suggested a potential inverse relationship between acne vulgaris and prostate cancer (PCa).
• Self-reported acne history has been considered as a potential, easily obtainable marker for PCa risk stratification.
• The role of acne and its associated bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, in PCa development requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between self-reported acne and the risk of developing prostate cancer (PCa).
• To determine if acne history can serve as a predictive marker for identifying men at lower risk of aggressive PCa.

Main Methods:

• A case-referent study design was employed, including 942 PCa patients and 2,062 population-based referents.
• Data were collected via questionnaires assessing risk factors, including self-reported acne history.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• A history of acne was reported by 33.9% of PCa cases and 35.8% of referents.
• Self-reported acne history showed no statistically significant association with overall PCa risk (adjusted OR = 0.95).
• No significant association was found between acne history and aggressive PCa (adjusted OR = 0.97).

Conclusions:

• Self-reported acne history is not a suitable marker for identifying men at low risk of prostate cancer.
• The findings do not support the use of acne history in PCa risk assessment tools or calculators.