Check your Blood Pressure Meds: Some Increase Skin Cancer Risk

This article is compiled and summarized from several sources and all attributions are linked within.

Potential links to skin cancer from blood pressure have been shown in some studies but more research is needed to confirmPhoto byCDConUnsplash

Several older and more recent studies in Denmark, Canada and other areas have shown a potential link between certain blood pressure medications containing Hydrochlorothiazide and skin cancer. These specific medications are thought to make the skin more sensitive to light and hence increase the risk. Though not conclusively proven, and more studies are needed any new cancer risk should be explored, if you are taking a blood pressure medicine that includes Hydrochlorothiazide, you may want to consult your physician.

The MedicinePlus Drug Information website lists the following brands as containing this drug.

• Apresazide ® (containing Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Accuretic ® (containing Quinapril, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Benicar ® HCT (containing Olmesartan, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Diovan ® HCT (containing Valsartan, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Dutoprol ® (containing Metoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide)

Despite more research being necessary, one fact stands out: “other blood pressure medications that do not contain hydrochlorothiazide have not been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.”

The Danish research was ”unable to determine whether the patients had other risk factors for skin cancer, such as lack of sun protection or exposure to tanning beds” and proposed more research.

Canadian researchers, in 2021, concurred this medication can “increase the risk of developing melanoma.” They excluded participants with a history of melanoma which adds credence to their findings.

Given this potential connection between certain blood pressure drugs and skin cancer, it’s important to have awareness of other factors, and to prevent further exposure to risks such as ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most common steps to reduce risk are:

1. protect your skin using sunscreen, protective clothing, as well as hats and sunglasses.
2. Avoid sun lams and tanning beds as both can increase the risk of skin cancer
3. Be aware of any new or changing moles on your body
4. If you have a history or suspicious moles or diagnosed skin cancer, maintain regular dermatology visits.

Despite Southern California being sunny a good portion of the time, and a place where beaches are plentiful, you may be surprised to learn that it is not the number one state for skin cancer caused by UV rays.

Hawaii tops the list, followed by Utah with over 95 percent of their skin cancer caused by UV rays. Alaska and District of Columbia had the lowest rates from the same root cause.

Though melanoma is the most common type of cancer in woman aged 25-29, nearly half of all new melanoma cases are for patients 55-74. Given the new proposed link to blood pressure meds, there may be a causality beyond UV for the spike in that age range.

Melanoma causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. The current projection per year, per cancercenter.com is that cases will increase from 5.5 percent of all cancers diagnosed to 7.1 percent (97,000 versus 151,000).