Of all the different types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common in the United States. There are different kinds of skin cancer and melanoma is the deadliest form. When detected early it is 99 percent curable, but if allowed to metastasize or spread, it will attack other parts of the body, typically the liver, lungs, and brain, making treatment much more difficult. Melanoma affects men and women disproportionately, and the majority of people diagnosed are white men over the age of 50. The Melanoma Research Foundation estimates that every year 10,000 people lose their lives due to melanoma, or one person every hour of every day.
In 2014 JAMA Internal Medicine published a study showing that users of sildenafil, better known by its brand name Viagra, were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma than non-users. Viagra works on the same cell to cell signaling pathways that melanoma uses to metastasize. In other words, it mimics the key parts of the process that cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body. No link was found to basal or squamous cell skin cancers, which are much less lethal than melanoma. And the study focused solely on the drug Viagra because Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) had not yet been approved for use when the study started collecting data.
More research on the subject is needed as the study proved a definite link or correlation between Viagra and melanoma, but did not prove causation. But given the increase in risk shown in the study, users should be aware of the link that has been established and take appropriate precautions. The Melanoma Research Foundation recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight between the hours of 10am-4pm, and wearing protective clothing to shield the skin.
Cherry Hill Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Represent Individuals Diagnosed With Skin Cancer
The attorneys at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. take on medical malpractice cases in New Jersey and will fight for justice on your behalf. We are passionate about helping clients. Call for a free case review at 856-354-9444 or contact us online. We have three convenient locations in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Contact our Cherry Hill medical malpractice lawyers today to learn more.
