Lupus patients have a slightly increased risk of lung cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but appear to be protected against other cancers. Some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of kidney and liver cancer due to inflammation caused by lupus. The link between lupus and cancer is still debated, with some researchers blaming drugs used to treat lupus. Indirect links between lupus and cancer include reduced fertility in women, which may slightly increase the risk of reproductive system cancers.
There are two main connections between lupus and cancer that patients should be aware of after being diagnosed with the condition. The first is that there is a slightly increased risk of certain cancers among those with lupus. Second, patients appear to be protected against some other cancers as well, with fewer deaths reported among them than the general population.
The primary link between lupus and cancer is that there appears to be an increased risk for those with this condition of lung cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the lymph nodes and other areas of the lymphatic system and is often treatable with early diagnosis. The increased risk for these cancers appears to be relatively small, although some drugs used to treat lupus can also place patients at a higher risk for these diseases. Affected patients should speak with their health care providers to discuss potential prevention methods, if available.
Some studies have also shown a slightly increased risk in lupus patients of kidney and liver cancer. This is because the condition often affects these organs causing inflammation. Patients may be able to reduce this risk by following doctor’s instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Another connection between lupus and cancer is that, aside from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lung cancer, those with lupus appear to die fewer from other cancers than most other groups. This is not fully understood. Patients still need to maintain good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle, as additional factors may play a role in overall cancer risk.
Some studies have disputed the link between lupus and cancer. Many researchers believe that having lupus does not increase your risk of cancer at all, but instead places all the blame on the drugs used to treat the condition. This has led to the development of new and potentially safer drugs, although their long-term safety has not been established with certainty. Trials are underway to increase the safety and effectiveness of lupus drugs. Whether there is a definitive link between the condition itself and cancer is still up for debate, although many researchers believe there is a slightly increased risk.
There may be further indirect links between lupus and cancer. Many of these also include the use of medications. For example, some lupus treatments reduce fertility in women and sometimes men. This could lead to a slightly increased risk of reproductive system cancers in women, as it has been shown that women who have never had children may have a higher risk. The risk associated with this, however, is usually very small, assuming a woman does not have a strong family history of gynecological cancer. Furthermore, modern fertility treatments allow many women, even those with difficulty, to become pregnant if they wish.
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