Scientific studies associate hair loss with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, but did you know that baldness is also a risk factor for skin cancer? In this article, we explore why baldness increases the risk of skin cancer and share essential tips for prevention.
Baldness: More Than an Aesthetic Concern
Baldness is not just a cosmetic issue—it is a health concern that can be addressed effectively. Protecting the skin from sun exposure is not always easy. While many people apply sunscreen at the beach, factors such as the amount used, frequency of application, and the type of product can affect its effectiveness.
Is Baldness a Risk Factor for Skin Cancer?
Areas of skin exposed to the sun require extra care, and men with alopecia face a higher risk. Without the natural protection of hair, the scalp is continuously exposed to harmful UV rays, increasing the likelihood of sun damage and skin lesions.
This risk is especially concerning during outdoor activities like cycling or running, where sunscreen and hats may be avoided due to heat discomfort. As a result, the scalp remains directly exposed to sunlight, leading to an increased incidence of skin damage. Alarmingly, more people are experiencing scalp lesions at younger ages due to prolonged sun exposure.
What Does Science Say?
The relationship between baldness and skin cancer is backed by scientific evidence. A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Cancer examined sun exposure in bald men and concluded that “male pattern baldness may be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.”
What Does Anagen Hair Restoration’s Medical Team Say?
The good news is that baldness has a solution: hair transplantation.
Hair transplantation is a safe, painless, and effective procedure that delivers guaranteed results. It involves extracting healthy hair follicles from a donor area on the scalp and redistributing them in balding areas.
At Anagen Hair Restoration, we specialize in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)—one of the most advanced and precise techniques for natural-looking, permanent hair restoration.
Skin Cancer: A Growing Concern
Skin cancer cases are on the rise, with three new melanoma cases diagnosed daily. However, the good news is that early detection makes skin cancer highly treatable.
How to Check for Signs of Skin Cancer
Our medical team recommends the following self-examination routine:
✔ Examine your skin monthly for any new or suspicious spots. Pay close attention to sun-exposed areas.
✔ Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas.
✔ Check your face thoroughly, including your nose, lips, mouth, and ears (front and back).
✔ Examine your scalp by parting your hair in sections. If you have thinning hair, inspect your entire scalp carefully.
✔ Inspect your hands, including palms, backs, and spaces between fingers.
✔ Check your neck, chest, and torso, paying special attention to areas exposed to the sun.
✔ Women should examine the skin between and under the breasts.
✔ Bend your elbows to inspect your arms and underarms.
✔ Use a hand mirror to check the back of your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
✔ Examine your lower back, buttocks, and genital area.
✔ Check your legs, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your toes.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s crucial to address both aesthetic and health concerns. Hair restoration not only enhances your appearance and confidence but also reduces sun exposure risks.
Take the first step toward hair restoration and skin health today! Call us at (301) 591-6552 or email [email protected] to schedule your consultation.