Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. It causes skin cells to grow and replicate much faster than they should, leading to the development of thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface.
Although psoriasis is not contagious, it can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a person’s quality of life.
While psoriasis is not directly linked to cancer, recent studies have suggested that people with psoriasis may have a higher risk for certain types of cancer.
This article explores the potential connection between psoriasis and cancer and what you can do to manage your risk.
Psoriasis and Skin Cancer
The most well-known type of cancer associated with psoriasis is skin cancer. People with psoriasis are more likely to develop certain types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
In fact, studies have shown that people with severe psoriasis may have up to a 75% increased risk for developing skin cancer.
This increased risk is likely due to the fact that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses.
These lesions are caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can damage the DNA in skin cells and ultimately lead to skin cancer.
If you have psoriasis, it’s important to take steps to protect your skin from the sun. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Psoriasis and Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system, which is a network of tissues and organs that help to fight infections in the body.
Although the exact reason why psoriasis may increase the risk of lymphoma is not fully understood, studies have shown that people with psoriasis may have a slightly higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to people without psoriasis.
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The risk of lymphoma may be higher in people with severe psoriasis, especially if they receive systemic treatment for their condition.
Some systemic treatments for psoriasis, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections and cancer.
If you have psoriasis and are receiving systemic treatment, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of lymphoma.
Your doctor may recommend monitoring your lymph nodes and performing regular blood tests to check for signs of lymphoma.
Psoriasis and Other Types of Cancer
In addition to skin cancer and lymphoma, studies have suggested that people with psoriasis may have a slightly higher risk of developing other types of cancer, such as:.
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
Although the exact reason for this increased risk is not fully understood, some researchers believe that chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of psoriasis, may play a role in the development of cancer.
Managing Your Risk
If you have psoriasis, there are steps you can take to manage your risk of cancer:.
- Practice sun safety: Protect your skin from the sun and be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including bladder and lung cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of colon, breast, and other types of cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce your risk of cancer.
- Get screened regularly: Screening tests, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can help to detect cancer early when it’s most treatable.
If you are receiving systemic treatment for your psoriasis, be sure to talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer and the potential benefits and risks of your treatment options.
Conclusion
Although psoriasis is not directly linked to cancer, people with psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer, lymphoma, and others.
By taking steps to manage your risk and working closely with your doctor, you can continue to manage your psoriasis while minimizing your risk of cancer.
