The conversation about Viagra and skin cancer continues with an article published in Harvard Health Publications that assesses the a recent study that found an increased risk of melanoma in Viagra users. 

The concern about Viagra melanoma began in April 2014 when JAMA Internal Medicine published the results of a 10-year study. The Viagra study revealed that Viagra users were 84% more likely to develop melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, than those who did not take the little blue pill. The study happened between 2000 and 2010.

In a group of about 26,000 male patients, over 3,500 cases of Viagra skin cancer were reported. While most were squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma (largely curable forms of skin cancer), there was a small percentage that developed melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The research has prompted some Viagra users who developed skin cancer to take legal action against Pfizer. A Viagra class action lawsuit investigation has also been launched.

Harvard Health Analysis

Daniel Pendick, author of the article published in Harvard Health Publications and Executive Editor, provided a different angle to the JAMA Viagra study. He specified the difference between claiming “Viagra causes dangerous skin cancer” and that “there are connections between Viagra and dangerous skin cancer.” Pendick summarized it as, “[the Viagra study] shows that in a large group of men, those who said they used Viagra ended up being diagnosed more often with melanoma than those who didn’t use this drug.”  

The JAMA Viagra melanoma study was based on the research that found, according to Pendick, “that [Viagra] mimics key parts of a process that lets melanoma cells spread to other parts of the body.” He emphasizes the Viagra skin cancer “connection” over “cause.” 

Dr. Hensin Tsao, a melanoma and skin cancer risk expert, added that other factors besides Viagra need to be considered and studied before final conclusions about Viagra and melanoma are made.

Dr. Tsao said, “Many factors affect a man’s risk of melanoma.” This is true. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), for example, is one of the biggest factors in developing skin cancer. Something as simple as wearing sunscreen and protecting the skin can reduce the chance of developing melanoma.

Tsao and Pendick agreed that melanoma was a greater concern than just Viagra melanoma. Though, both Tsao and Pendick hinted that more research on Viagra melanoma should be done in order to find more conclusive statistics. Even the authors of the JAMA Viagra skin cancer study found the need for further research.

However, because melanoma is such a deadly form of cancer, it is important to remove as many risks as possible. Studies have found a connection between Viagra and melanoma. Erectile dysfunction pills other than Viagra have not been properly studied yet due to the fact that they are relatively new. The statistic still remains that Viagra users were found to be 84% more likely to develop this dangerous skin cancer. 

Join a Free Viagra Melanoma Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer after taking Viagra, you may have a legal claim.