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Does PsA Increase Your Risk of Developing Cancer?

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By Editorial Team

Last Updated:

2 min read

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis. Symptoms of PsA can include joint pain and inflammation, fatigue, and nail changes. PsA often happens along with a skin condition called psoriasis. People with psoriasis often have red, flaky, and irritated skin.1

PsA also can increase your risk of developing other conditions. For example, it is linked to more severe types of arthritis. It may be linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. And it is possible that PsA or PsA treatments may increase the risk of cancer.1-3

PsA and cancer

More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between PsA and cancer. However, some studies have shown a link between PsA and certain types of cancer. These types include:2,4

  • Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC)
  • Lung cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Breast cancer

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It is not clear why PsA may increase the risk of cancer. It may be because PsA causes chronic inflammation, and there may be a link between cancer and inflammation. Another possible explanation is that PsA may impact certain hormone levels that are associated with cancer risk.2,4

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Lifestyle factors might play a role too. People with PsA are more likely to have obesity, smoke, and drink alcohol daily. These factors all also increase the risk of developing cancer.2,4

PsA treatments and cancer

Along with PsA itself, there may be a link between some PsA treatments and cancer. These treatments include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. DMARDs work by slowing the progression of PsA. Biologics are a type of DMARD, but they target different processes in the immune system.3,5,6

Some studies show a potential link between DMARDs, biologics, and some types of skin cancer. For example, there may be a link between DMARDs and NMSC. But the risk of cancer is not the same for all types of DMARDs.3,5,6

The risk of skin cancer may be higher for people who take a type of DMARD called a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. An example of a JAK inhibitor used to treat PsA is tofacitinib (Xeljanz®).3,5,6

So far, studies show that the chance of biologics causing skin cancer seems to be lower. Some research has found no increased risk for skin cancer with biologics. But more research is needed to confirm how DMARDs and biologics impact cancer risk.3,5,6

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DMARDs and biologics are not a good choice for everyone with PsA. But this is often because of more common risks, including:3,5,6

  • Infections
  • Heart problems
  • Liver damage
  • Lung damage

Screening for cancer

If you are worried about your cancer risk, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if you should have screening for any types of cancers. Cancer screenings are tests that happen before you have any symptoms. They may help find cancer in early stages, when it is easier to treat. Screening may include physical exams, lab tests, or image tests.7

Your doctor may be likely to suggest screening if you have other cancer risk factors, like personal or family history of cancer, certain lifestyle habits, and older age.7

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