Some blood pressure pills could increase skin cancer risk in older adults

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Patients who have a higher baseline risk of skin cancer and are concerned about the medications’ potential side effects should speak to their physician and consider other treatment alternatives. Photo: Pexels

 

(Saba Aziz/ Global News) — Some common pills used to treat high blood pressure may cause an increased risk of skin cancers in people aged 66 and above, according to a new study.

The peer-reviewed research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Monday found that the prolonged intake of antihypertensive medications called thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, were associated with higher rates of non-melanoma and melanoma – the two major types of skin cancers.

Other blood pressure drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, did not increase this risk, research showed. (…)

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