Is there a link between grey hair and cancer?

Recent scientific research from Anglia Ruskin University suggests that grey hair may signal more than just aging, it could reflect the body’s complex internal defence against cancer. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

What is Going on with Grey Hair: Hair turns grey when pigment producing cells (melanocytes) diminish or stop working. The research emphasises that these changes begin deep in the hair follicle’s stem cell reservoir, which is also linked to how our tissues manage DNA damage. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Role of DNA Damage: According to the study, when melanocyte stem cells suffer DNA damage (e.g., double strand breaks), the stem cells permanently differentiate then leave the stem cell pool that leads to greying. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Is Grey Hair a Protective By Product? Greying hair is not a direct shield against cancer, but as a sign that some stem cells may have “sacrificed” themselves (via differentiation and removal) to avoid letting damaged cells persist and potentially become malignant. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

When the Protection Fails: If the stem cell damage response is overridden (by strong carcinogens or certain micro-environmental signals), the damaged stem cells may self renew instead of exiting the pool. That process may lead to cancer. Hence, grey hair and skin cancers (especially melanoma) might share a cellular origin. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

What It Doesn't Mean: Grey hair does not mean you will get cancer. It’s also not proof that you won’t get cancer. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Practical Takeaways: Protect your skin from UV radiation and minimise exposure to known carcinogens, those are among the stressors triggering stem cell damage. Maintain overall cellular health via balanced diet, sun protection, avoiding smoking, excess chemicals, since ageing, damage repair, and cancer risk are all interlinked. (Source: Photo by unsplash)