Methatrexate and cancer concerns

[Nicanoo]

Hi

I have been on methatrexate for 4 years, it worked well and my RA have mostly disappeared.

However, my dad was also on Methatrexate from the age of 60 to 73, a healthy tea total, vegetarian. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in march out of the blue and died in may. I have since been reading about methatrexate and its cancer causing issues, in particular lung cancer. It's a real concern at the moment. Anybody have anything to share about this, I will be speaking to my consultant next mth about it.

Nicola

[helixhelix]

That's very sad. Not a good way to loose your dad. But it could be a complete coincidence, this is taken from the cancer society info:

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women (not counting skin cancer). In men, prostate cancer is more common, while in women breast cancer is more common. About 13% of all new cancers are lung cancers.

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; a very small number of people diagnosed are younger than 45. The average age of people when diagnosed is about 70.

My personal view of the drugs is that yes they have risks. But then so does having uncontrolled RA as it can attack the heart, lungs and other organs. So I live as healthily as I can to reduce general cancer risks (no smoking, excess alcohol, weight, or red and processed meat). And then try to forget about it and get on with my life. Hard to do when you have just lost someone so close to you, but hopefully your consultant can reassure you that the increased risk is very small.

[Hidden]

Hi Nicanoo I’m sorry about your dad my mum died of lung cancer too. My mom had throat cancer 11 years before. Throat cancer runs in my family and I saw a genetic doctor to see if was hereditary. He told me we are all prone to getting 3 different types of cancer in our lifetime. As helix says it’s probably a coincidence. Drug companies cover themselves for all eventualities ( in case they are sued)but most people don’t get the worst reactions. You have to weigh it all up. Do I take the drugs now and have quality of life and do suffer the consequences later( or not ) or suffer for years with no quality of life and possibly shorten my life anyway ? Hope you feel less anxious.

[Nicanoo]

Thank you both, I suppose I am pointing the finger at Methatrexate as he led such a healthy lifestyle and I feel cheated. Thank youx

[helixhelix in reply to Nicanoo]

Yes, I can imagine. A healthy lifestyle can make a big difference, but can’t protect you 100% from the shitty disease that is cancer. I hope you at least had time to say your goodbyes and have final good moments together.

[Nicanoo in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you, yes, we had 8 great weeks as he wasnt poorly at all, only on last day. He wasn't a perfect dad, but pretty close. Thank you x

[HappykindaGal]

One of my best friends died this year. He was the healthiest person anyone can imagine. Never smoked, ate very healthily, rarely drank, went to the gym three days a week, cycled 50 miles to work and back every day. He got stage 4 bladder cancer and died.

The methotrexate is more likely to be a coincidence. I’m so sorry for you -it’s an awful thing to happen 💕❤️

[Nicanoo in reply to HappykindaGal]

I'm sorry to hear that, it appears to be so random at times which is why it feels unfair for us. Thank you x