Meds cause increased cancer risks???

[Chris G]

It seems like I remember reading that some of our meds cause an increased risk of certain cancers. Specifically, I'm concerned about skin cancer.

I have had a flat colorless mole on my face my entire life. No, it's not square in the middle of my nose with a hair growing out of it........ it's nothing anyone would really ever notice. It has never changed in any way.......until now. It seems like overnight (but surely it's taken a month or so), one section of it is no longer flat - it is quite raised and noticeable. The color has not changed, but it's definitely morphing into something new.

I have an appt with a dermatologist on the 13th.

I took mtx for about 8 months, have had one round of rtx, and am still on 10mg pred daily. Am I correct that my meds could be causing this?

[me2]

About a year ago I started to notice lots of new skin growths on my right arm and discoloration around my neck. I was concerned about cancer too and saw a dermatologist. She checked me over thoroughly and none of it was cancer. I don't know if long term meds are contributing to this situation but it put my mind at ease. I am over 50 years old, I suspect this lumpy bump business is something normal with age too.
Its good you are getting looked at.

[pberggren1]

I know that ctx can cause bladder cancer and other cancers and I am sure the other chemo drugs are the same. Not sure about pred though. Pred is nasty too.

[Psyborg]

I thought I read somewhere that Pred made you more sensitive to sunlight, which might in turn make you more susceptible to skin cancers maybe? Just speculating.

[Sangye]

Being on immunosuppressive drugs in general increases your risk of cancer. The reason is that there are WBCs called Natural Killer cells that circulate and identify cells that are behaving oddly-- eg, multiplying faster than normal. Those are usually cancer cells and NKCs kill them. If you have fewer NKCs the chances of cancer cells going unnoticed is much higher.

Also, the chemo drugs (ctx, mtx, imuran) are carcinogens. They mutate the DNA, making it more likely to develop cancer.

Pred disrupts the entire endocrine system. Many cancers are hormone-based.

There isn't much we can do about it if we need these drugs. That's why we should eat healthier, decrease our exposure to toxins whenever possible and make sure our docs don't keep us on any of the drugs unless absolutely necessary.

[Chris G]

Thanks guys. Not exactly what I hoped to hear sangye.....but good info as always!

I'm certain this thing on my face has to go. It grew so fast it can't be normal tissue. Will try to move my appt. up....but the chances are slim.

[drz]

Unfortunately the numerous X-rays and CT scans we often needed as part of treatment also increase our risk of cancer, especially when combined with the meds that also increase our risk of cancer. On the upside some of our meds are same drugs (RTX, CTX ) often used to treat many types of cancers. So is radiation so maybe we kill off some of those nasty cancer cells before they get us.

[Sangye]

Thanks guys. Not exactly what I hoped to hear sangye.....but good info as always!

I'm certain this thing on my face has to go. It grew so fast it can't be normal tissue. Will try to move my appt. up....but the chances are slim.

Did you tell the receptionist what is going on? It might still be benign but I'd push them to get an urgent appointment.

[ArlaMo]

I've been very careful about sun exposure most of my life (fair skinned, blue eyes, reddish hair) but I've been absolutely vigilant since starting all these meds for Wegs. I know the documentation I received with my Imuran scrip definitely mentions an increased risk of skin cancer and the bactrim and ctx both had warnings about sun exposure. I carry my big umbrella everywhere I go - if you want to find me on a Saturday, I'm the one sitting under the giant rainbow umbrella on the soccer sidelines.

[norcalian]

Imuran can cause skin cancer...but not malignant melanoma...more of the Basil Cell type. My sister had malignant melanoma...so I've been seeing a dermatologist for the past few years to check my moles annually. Your mole changing like that sounds sketchy...I would definitely get in and get it biopsied ASAP.