Widely Used Blood Pressure Medication Linked to Increased Risk of Skin Cancer, Study Finds

A common blood pressure medication may increase the risk of skin cancer due to photosensitivity. Learn which pill is involved and how to stay protected.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 7:24 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Knowridge Science Report

The Photosensitivity Connection

The investigation focuses on hydrochlorothiazide, a "water pill" prescribed to millions worldwide for hypertension and edema. Scientists have discovered that the chemical structure of this medication can cause photosensitivity, a condition where the skin becomes abnormally sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When the drug is present in the system, it can react with sunlight to cause cellular damage that, over years of consistent use, may progress into cancerous growths.

Quantifying the Risk: Non-Melanoma Types

The research specifically highlights an increased incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. According to the study data, the risk appears to be "dose-dependent," meaning the longer a patient takes the medication and the higher the cumulative dose, the more significant the risk becomes. While these forms of skin cancer are typically less aggressive than melanoma, they can still lead to significant disfigurement and require surgical intervention if not caught early.

Mechanism of Action: DNA Damage

Researchers explain that hydrochlorothiazide may act as a catalyst for DNA damage when the skin is exposed to light. Typically, the body can repair minor UV damage; however, the presence of the drug appears to inhibit certain repair mechanisms or amplify the inflammatory response in the skin. This finding is particularly relevant for elderly patients, who are most likely to be on long-term hypertension medication and already have a higher baseline risk for skin malignancies due to accumulated sun exposure over their lifetime.