Acne may signal prostate cancer risk

As if being pimply-faced during high school isn't punishment for some guys, it actually may be an indicator of elevated prostate cancer risk, say researchers from Johns Hopkins.

In an analysis of existing data on the matter, scientists discovered that men with a history of acne outbreaks are at a greater risk of developing this disease than men with clear complexions. This comes on the heels of a separate study, wherein it was found that acne-related bacteria existed in over 30 percent of prostate glands removed from cancer patients.

While the cause of this acne/prostate link remains unknown, researchers posit that the acne-related bacteria may cause inflammation in the prostate gland, which, in turn, may boost the risk of cancerous forming and possibly metastasizing.