Skin cancer risk increases due to high blood pressure

High blood pressure and metabolic disorders increase the risk of skin cancer

28/04/2012

According to a study, high blood pressure not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also favors the development of black skin cancer. Just as dangerous is a disturbed lipid metabolism classified by the scientists. This can increase the risk of white skin cancer. Based on the research results, physicians hope for new prevention options and therapies for skin cancer.

Every year, according to the German Cancer Aid, around 171,000 people are newly diagnosed with white skin cancer (basal cell cancer). The rate of new disease in the much more dangerous black skin cancer (malignant melanoma) is estimated at 24,000 patients annually. About 3,000 people die each year from black skin cancer. The most important trigger for the onset of cancer is the unprotected sunbathing and the frequent use of sunbeds. Apparently, however, UV rays are not the only risk factors that contribute to the development of skin cancer. Previously unknown risks were discovered by a research consortium led by Gabriele Nagel from the Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry in Ulm. They found in a long-term study that a chronically elevated blood pressure and a disturbed fat metabolism favor the development of various skin cancer diseases.

Black skin cancer due to high blood pressure
Arterial hypertension appears to increase the likelihood of black skin cancer. They found that this is a body-own mechanisms responsible, on the one hand for hypertension and on the other hand for the black skin cancer is true. The cells are increasingly dividing in both diseases, rather than dying, as the scientists write in the dermatological journal "British Journal of Dermatology". However, the most serious common ground is probably that the organism amplifies the protein VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). The protein is responsible for controlling the growth of new blood vessels. Previous research has already identified this association between hypertension and skin cancer. However, further investigations are needed to clarify the context. "Due to the high prevalence of high blood pressure, it is important to investigate the relationship with the development of skin cancers in more detail," says study director Gabriele nail.

White skin cancer favors metabolic disorders
The risk of white skin cancer is increased according to available results by metabolic disorders. Increased levels of triglyceride (neutral fats) mainly led to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common malignant skin cancer in humans. The cause of the changes in lipid metabolism could be pathogens such as the human papilloma virus (HPV). Physicians primarily associate HPV viruses with malignant cervix cancer. In part, however, there was also a context with the white skin cancer. Again, however, further research is needed. "To better understand the development of skin cancer, we should consider all risk factors and not just UV radiation," argues the researcher.

The report is part of a long-term study titled "Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project". For more than six years, an international research team has been examining the data of more than 500,000 subjects. Participating women and men collect data on blood pressure, the body mass index (BMI) and different metabolic values. The goal should be to identify recognizable relationships with cancer. "Due to the high prevalence of high blood pressure, it is important to investigate the relationship with the development of skin cancer," says Gabriele Nagel.

Healthy lifestyle prevents risks
The main goal of the longer-term main study is the search for new approaches in skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. However, it has already become clear that a healthy diet with lots of exercise can prevent hypertension and overweight. Thus, everyone can make an important contribution to minimize the risk of skin cancer, as the researchers write in a message.

The study is attended by scientists from Germany, Austria, Sweden and Norway. With the help of a cohort, about 541,000 women and men are examined with regard to the metabolic syndrome and cancer. As a "metabolic syndrome" scientists refer to various risks that often occur in combination. Obesity, diabetes and hypertension significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study of the "Me-Can Project" is supported by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). (Sb)

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Picture credits: Dieter Schütz