Have you ever wondered what makes some people develop skin cancer and other types of cancer? Most people wouldn’t think about asking this question, as they assume that genetics play a role. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, environmental factors play a more important role than inherited traits in determining a person’s risk of developing cancer. In fact, studies have shown that sun exposure combined with genetic factors makes up 80% of cases of skin cancer.
If you’re one of the many people who’ve wondered what makes some people more susceptible to developing skin cancer, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re going to tell you about one possible reason why some people with alopecia are more likely to get skin cancer, and what you can do about it.
Alopecia And Skin Cancer
First off, let’s talk about what alopecia is and why you should be aware of it. Alopecia literally means “hair loss”, and it’s a condition that occurs when the hair follicles in your scalp are damaged or suppressed. In most cases, this occurs because of an autoimmune disorder, such as vitiligo or psoriasis, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as chemotherapy or alkylating agents like triethylene melamine (TEM). The condition can affect anyone, but it’s most common among women and people of color.
As you might imagine, people with alopecia are more likely to lose their hair, which in turn makes them more susceptible to skin cancer. Studies have shown that people with alopecia suffer from an 88% higher risk of skin cancer, which is consistent with their 80% contribution to this disease. One epidemiologist even went so far as to say that “the evidence strongly supports the view that people with alopecia have an increased lifetime risk for cutaneous malignant neoplasms, particularly melanoma.” In short, people with alopecia are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
For many people, this might be quite a frightening thought, as they’ve never really considered the relationship between their hair loss and their skin cancer risk. But while it’s scary to think about, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. One of the best things that can help people with alopecia is educating them about the link between the two, so that they’re not afraid to talk about it. In most cases, this can be accomplished with a simple office visit from a medical professional, who can determine the root cause of the problem and help devise a treatment plan. In less severe cases, patients may not need medical intervention, but they should be made aware of the risk that hair loss poses for skin cancer.
Viagra And Alopecia
Now, let’s talk about the possible connection between viagra and alopecia. Viagra is a medication that eases the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, which is when a man is not able to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The most common side effect of this medication is a lack of hair growth, which has led some people to nickname it “the hair-falling drug”. However, this side effect is probably more common among people who also have alopecia, as there’s a strong correlation between the two.
The good news is that while this side effect is very serious, it’s also easily reversible. If you or a loved one is taking viagra and is also suffering from alopecia, then there’s no reason for you to be worried, as this side effect is completely isolated to drug use. You should not be afraid to ask your doctor about this connection, as there’s an excellent chance that he’s never heard of this particular combination. Plus, if you suspect that this might be the case, there are alternative medications to viagra that do not cause this side effect.
Key Takeaways
All of this being said, there are a few key things that we should discuss. First off, let’s reiterate that while people with alopecia are more likely to develop skin cancer, this does not mean that there’s a causal relationship between the two. It just means that they’re more likely to lose their hair, which puts them at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Second, if you’re one of the many people who’ve wondered what makes some people more susceptible to developing skin cancer, then you’ve come to the right place, as here, we’re going to tell you about one possible reason why. Finally, remember that while this condition is commonly associated with sun exposure, it can also be caused by other factors, such as chemotherapy or alkylating agents like TEM.