What is Relationship between PsA and Cancer?

Hi ! I did know that those of us with psoriasis were at increased risk for nonmelanoma skin cancers (mostly for those who have done phototherapy or use anti-TNF biologics), but I hadn't heard about the lymphoma. I do know that if you've had cancer previously, some Doctors will hesitate to use biologics because suppressing your immune system can also suppress early immune responses to cancer.

While it does increase your risk, it is only a slight increase (at least, this is what I tell myself to make me feel better!). Even if you say that having psoriasis doubles your risk of lymphoma (as the numbers in the brief suggest), that really only represents an increase to 0.11% from 0.07%, so we're still dealing with very small numbers.

-Victoria, Community Moderator

I've had 2 different types of cancer ovarian and thyroid and neither cancer was caused by biologics. I believe mine was caused by a very heavy steroid use when I was younger although doctors say no.

I have had a solid tumor cancer (esoph) and was told to go off Humira because it suppresses the immune system and prevents it from fighting off a recurrence. I found two case studies on the internet that show no greater incidence of cancer recurrence when resuming a biologic. I will send anyone who is interested the links to the studies if you contact me. I am back on Humira and it has changed my life back for the good after needless suffering for many months of being off it.