Hand pattern indicates prostate cancer risk

January 01, 0001

Hand pattern indicates prostate cancer risk

The ratio of digit lengths is fixed in utero, and may be a proxy indicator for prenatal testosterone levels. The researchers from the UK analysed the right-hand pattern and prostate cancer risk in 1524 prostate cancer cases and 3044 population-based controls.

Compared with index finger shorter than ring finger (low 2D:4D), men with index finger longer than ring finger (high 2D:4D) showed a negative association, suggesting a protective effect with a 33% risk reduction (odds ratio, OR, 0.67). Risk reduction was even greater (87%) in age group less than 60 (OR 0.13).

The researchers concluded: "Pattern of finger lengths may be a simple marker of prostate cancer risk, with length of 2D greater than 4D suggestive of lower risk."

It will be interesting to see how this information is used.


For the full abstract, click here.

British Journal of Cancer published online 30 November 2010 © Nature Publishing Group
Hand pattern indicates prostate cancer risk. A A Rahman, A Lophatananon, S S Brown et al. Correspondence to Kenneth Muir: [email protected]

Category: Y. Male Genital System, Breast. Keywords: prostate cancer, hand pattern, case-control study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 7 January 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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