Do Muscle-Building Supplements Increase Testicular Cancer Risk?

An article published in the British Journal of Cancer in recent months showed that muscle-building supplements containing creatine (an amino acid derivative) and androstenedione (a steroid hormone) could increase testicular cancer risk by up to %65.

Although testicular cancer, which has many different types, is rare, it is the most common malignant tumor in men aged 15-39. The number of patients diagnosed with testicular cancer has also steadily increased over the last 10 years. Testicular cancer has many subtypes. The most common, accounting for approximately %95, is the testicular germ cell tumor, which arises from the germ cells responsible for sperm production in the testicle. Although its cause has not been fully clarified, many congenital and acquired factors are thought to contribute. Muscle-building supplements are among the factors thought to be associated with testicular cancer.

Muscle-building products are supplements that rapidly replenish amino acids, proteins, creatine, which provides energy to muscle cells by breaking down fats, and many hormones used by the body. Although the factors linking testicular cancer to these supplements are not yet fully understood, studies have shown that some hormones they contain cause testicular cancer in mice and also cause liver damage.

The research published in recent months, the first study to investigate the relationship between muscle-building supplements and testicular cancer, evaluated men aged between 18 and 55: 356 diagnosed with testicular germ cell cancer and 513 without a testicular cancer diagnosis. Researchers conducted individual interviews with participants, asking about factors that could be considered risks for testicular germ cell cancer, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, family history, undescended testicles, and previous testicular injury. The researchers also asked participants whether they used muscle-building products.

According to the study, approximately %20 of participants diagnosed with testicular cancer used these muscle-building supplements. The analysis results also revealed that supplements containing creatine and protein significantly increased testicular germ cell cancer risk. The study further showed a higher risk of developing testicular cancer in those who started supplements before age 25, used two or more different types of products, or used these products for more than 36 months.

Considering the strength of the association and the observed results, the research team concluded that, if the association is confirmed by future studies, reducing muscle-building supplement use could be an important tool in preventing testicular germ cell cancer. While the initial study findings suggest that muscle-building supplements may be among the causes of testicular cancer, many international organizations continue their studies to clarify its other causes.

Keywords: testicular cancer, muscle building, support products, supplements, testicular cancer risk, germ cell tumor, creatine, anabolic steroid