Study: Viagra increases the risk of developing skin cancer

ViagraViagra consumption rise by 84 % the risk of developing skin cancer in men, according to a study by American researchers.

Researchers found that men taking Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, have a 84 percent higher risk of developing melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, according to dailymail.co.uk.

Scientists believe that this drug, used to stimulate the potency and treatment of erectile dysfunction, may affect the same genetic mechanisms that favor the development of a more invasive form of skin cancer.

However, researchers have noted that experiments are still in a preliminary stage and it is too early to prohibit the administration of the “blue pill.”

“Because it’s just one early study, no one is suggesting that men stop taking Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction,” said Abrar Qureshi, professor of dermatology at Brown University, who advised patients at risk for melanoma to talk with their doctor before taking Viagra.

The study, conducted on 26,000 men in the United States and in China, analyzed the information contained in the report Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study, which collects data about male employees (including doctors) working in the health system.

The average age of persons included in the study was 65 years and 6 percent of them were taking Viagra.

“This is an observational population study – it’s an association not a demonstration,” said Professor Robert McLachlan, director of Andrology Australia who added: “The drug may also tickle up those early melanoma cancer cells to go feral.”

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that even men taking Viagra only once doubled the risk of developing melanoma.

Abrar Qureshi added that the risk factors for skin cancer – such as exposure to sunlight and family history of each patient on the disease – were taken into account.

Other known side effects of Viagra include heartburn, nausea and headaches. The drug is also not suitable for male with angina pectoris and hypertension.

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