Photosensitizing Drugs and Risk of Skin Cancer in Women—A Prospective Population‐Based Study
Clinical Summary
View sourceWhat was studied
A prospective, population-based cohort of women examined whether use of commonly prescribed photosensitizing drugs (grouped by ATC) is associated with risk of basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and cutaneous melanoma using multivariable Cox models; dose-response was assessed via defined daily doses.
Key findings
Estrogen-containing hormone therapy increased risk of BCC (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11-1.39), cSCC (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.03-1.47), and melanoma (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01-1.69), with higher estrogen doses linked to higher BCC and melanoma risk. Among diuretic users, loop diuretics increased cSCC risk (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-2.0) with a dose relation, thiazides increased BCC (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.44) and melanoma (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.03-1.93), and NSAIDs showed a possible curvilinear association with BCC and cSCC.
Clinical implications
Counsel women prescribed estrogen therapy, thiazides, or loop diuretics to limit sun exposure and practice photoprotection, given observed increases in skin cancer risk.
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