Blood pressure drug increases the risk of skin cancer

Hydrochlorothiazide used for treating high blood pressure may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Researchers examined the link between the common drug hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. HCTZ is a popular diuretic used to treat water retention and high blood pressure.

The researchers were prompted in their endeavor by the fact that HCTZ has been linked with an increased risk of lip cancer in the past. The drug makes the skin more sensitive to the damage of ultraviolet (UV) rays, due to its photosensitizing effects. This was a further reason for the researchers to examine the drug.

The researchers considered the use of other antihypertensive medication.The research revealed that those who took HCTZ were up to seven times more likely to develop skin cancer. More specifically, the antihypertensive drug raised the risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – a less serious form of skin cancer. By contrast, none of the other antihypertensive drugs examined seemed to raise skin cancer risk.

Hydrochlorothiazide made the skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun's UV rays, but what is new and also surprising is that long-term use of this blood pressure medicine leads to such a significant increase in the risk of skin cancer. Living in sunny environment while taking hydrochlorothiazide seems to be life-threatening for some patients.
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Facts about gullet cancer

The gullet, also known as oesophagus is the tube that carries food from mouth to stomach. Smoking, persistent acid reflux, drinking of alcohol, being overweight and obese can cause gullet cancer.

There are two types of gullet cancer – squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Eating foods low in fruit and vegetables can also increase the risk of developing gullet cancer.

If the disease is detected early it is possible to be cured. However, because the disease doesn’t usually cause symptoms until a later stage, it can be quite developed before it is detected.

The main symptom of gullet cancer are difficulty swallowing, heartburn, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pain, croaky voice, fatigue and dark poo.

Advanced stage of gullet cancer can spread to another part of the body.
Tumor that has not spread beyond the gullet can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

For squamous and adenocarcinoma cell cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and chemoradiotherapy are recommended as the first treatment. Surgery may be used after checking the result of the chemoradiotherapy.

Bowel cancer can be prevented by avoiding smoking, eating fruits and vegetables, avoiding alcohol and seeking medical help when you have heart burn and when you experience any form of difficulty in swallowing food.
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