A recent study reveals Viagra, a popular erectile dysfunction drug for men, may be linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. According to the data, men who used Viagra were 84% more likely to develop melanoma than those who did not.

Researchers form Harvard Medical School conducted the Viagra melanoma study over a period of 10 years. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether an association exists between sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, and developing melanoma.

Nearly 27,000 men participated in the Viagra skin cancer study. Each year, every participant reported whether they used Viagra and whether they had been recently diagnosed with any form of skin cancer. The researchers then medically confirmed the statements of any participant who reported a diagnosis of melanoma cancer.

Any man who reported being diagnosed with cancer before the Viagra melanoma study began was excluded from the project. Researchers also took other known melanoma risk factors into account, such as a family history of cancer, exposure to UV light, hair color, and the presence of moles on a participant’s body.

Scientists researching the Viagra melanoma connection theorize that the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, lowers levels of an important cancer-fighting protein naturally found in our bodies known as PDE5A. Lower levels of the PDD5A protein increase the attack power of dangerous melanoma cells which increases a person’s risk of developing the deadly cancer.

Researchers say that more studies need to be performed in order to prove an actual causal connection between Viagra and an increased risk in melanoma. But even if the current amount of available data is insufficient to alter clinical recommendations concerning Viagra use, further investigation on the subject is supported.

Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer, became FDA approved back in 1998. When the Viagra melanoma study began back in 2000, Viagra was the only FDA approved erectile dysfunction drug on the market. Other erectile dysfunction drugs comparable to Viagra, such as Cialis and Levitra, may also pose similar risks.

As research uncovers new potential risks associated with the use of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, personal injury lawyers are working to help victims and their families pursue compensation for their injuries.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is an extremely dangerous form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer society nearly 69,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year.

Although melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma occurs when skin cells begin to excessively multiply in the body at an extremely fast rate. These excess cells eventually form malignant tumors. Although the cancer is considered curable if caught early, undiagnosed cases result in death.

Over 8,000 people die each year from melanoma and more than half of those that die are men.

As scientists continue to examine the link between Viagra and melanoma skin cancer, medical professionals urge everyone to protect themselves from developing the deadly cancer, by avoiding an overabundance of sun, wearing sunscreen, and routinely checking suspicious moles or markings. An early melanoma diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death.