Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2A — probably carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Self-administered, usually injected. Non-medical use for muscle building in some athletic and bodybuilding communities.
Summary
Used non-medically for muscle building. IARC found limited evidence linking them to liver and prostate cancer.
Detail
IARC classifies androgenic (anabolic) steroids as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans (IARC Monographs Supplement 7, 1987). IARC's current table lists them under limited evidence in humans for liver cancer, bile duct cancer and prostate cancer. Non-medical use is widespread in some athletic and bodybuilding communities.
What's not established
This classification is based on sufficient evidence in humans that this factor can cause cancer. It does not establish a safe exposure threshold, your personal risk, or how this factor's risk compares in size to other Group 1 agents — hazard classifications are not ranked by magnitude.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
IARC
IARC Monographs — Classifications by Cancer Site, Vols 1–140
Supporting sources
ACS
ACS — Known and Probable Human Carcinogens
NTP
NTP — Report on Carcinogens (US National Toxicology Program)
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.