According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 76,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed per year in the United States. Interestingly enough, the majority of these cases show from middle-aged and elderly men who had used Viagra or other erectile dysfunction drugs at some point in their lives.

Viagra has been popular since its release in 1998, garnering billions for the manufacturing company, Pfizer, by allowing men to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in a discreet way. It was the first drug available to treat this condition and after finding success despite the steep price tag, several other drug companies launched their own ED medications: Cialis and Levitra.

However, Pfizer has recently been met with a wave of Viagra lawsuits that allege that their ED drug had caused them to develop melanoma. The concern of the alleged melanoma link stems from a 2014 study, which found that men who used Viagra nearly doubled their chances of coming down with the disease. As for Cialis and Levitra, experts suspect that they also increase the risk for melanoma because they have the same biochemistry as Viagra.

Like other skin cancer variants, melanoma is often assumed to be caused by large amounts of unprotected sun exposure. While it is curable if caught early, it is important to note that it is the most devastating form of cancer, responsible for almost 10,000 deaths per year in the United States. Experts state that it may be important to understand the risks that increase the likelihood of melanoma, but it is just as important as understanding melanoma itself. Essentially, to understand why Viagra and other ED drugs may increase the risk of melanoma, it is vital to understand the biological mechanisms.

Overview of Melanoma Causes and Likelihood

To start with the basics, melanoma specifically attacks the melanin-producing cells, which are responsible for skin color. Under normal circumstances, skin cells cycle through by pushing out older cells to the skin’s surface, where they will eventually die off. However, when some of these cells develop DNA damage, the new cells may starting acting adversely and will eventually form into cancer cells. As of now, it is unknown as to what causes this DNA malfunction, but experts suspect it is largely due to environmental and genetic factors. Some doctors still believe that tanning beds and mass ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the leading cause of melanoma.

It is important to note that UV radiation does not specifically cause melanoma, but may open up certain genetic channels that allow the potential in the skin. However, the more UV radiation a person is exposed to, the more likely it is they will develop melanoma regardless of genetic inclination. Experts state that patients who are prone to extreme reactions to sunlight may be more susceptible to melanoma, especially under these circumstances:

• Fair Skin: While not always the case, people with fair skin tend to be more prone to sunburn because they have less melanin (pigment) in their skin; however, people with darker complexions can also develop melanoma.
• Living Close to Equator or High Elevation: In these locations the suns rays are most direct, resulting in the residents being exposed to heavy sunlight.
• Moles: Patients have increased melanoma risk if they have more than 50 moles, as it is one of the physical side effects of the cancer. Also having larger abnormal discolored moles, dysplastic nevi, indicates melanoma.
• Weak Immune System: Any person with a weaker immune system may be prone to melanoma because the skin is less resistant to cancer cells.

As stated before, scientists are not sure of the exact cause of melanoma but encourage patients to educate themselves as much as possible. Understanding the most likely circumstances of melanoma could allow potential victims to avoid the condition.

Viagra, one of America’s most popular drugs, could be one of these likely scenarios, making research necessary for patients and doctors alike. Experts suggest that Viagra patients should regularly get their skin checked, and consult their doctors about ceasing Viagra if they notice any new discoloration in their skin.