Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and prostate cancer risk in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
2011

Finger Length Ratio and Prostate Cancer Risk

Sample size: 6258 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): D C Muller, G G Giles, J T Manning, J L Hopper, D R English, G Severi

Primary Institution: Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Cancer Council of Victoria

Hypothesis

Is there an association between the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and prostate cancer risk?

Conclusion

The study found no overall association between 2D:4D and prostate cancer risk, but a weak inverse association for early onset cases cannot be excluded.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study included a large sample size of 6258 men.
  • 686 incident prostate cancer cases were identified during the follow-up.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using advanced survival models.

Takeaway

The length ratio of your fingers might not be linked to prostate cancer risk, but it could be slightly related for younger men.

Methodology

The study assessed 2D:4D in 6258 men and identified 686 prostate cancer cases over a median follow-up of 16 years.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to non-attendance at follow-up could affect the associations observed.

Limitations

Not all participants attended follow-up, and the number of early onset prostate cancer cases was relatively small.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly aged 40-69, with 71% born in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 0.92–1.08 for right, 0.93–1.08 for left

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/bjc.2011.253

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