Etanercert and incensed risk of skin cancer

[1ChLoE]

I have been having increased RA flares for over the last 9 months. All extra oral medication so far, either haven’t worked or o can’t tolerate. Seeing my rheumatologist to discuss starting Etanercept. I have been checking the side effects and one is increase risk of skin cancer. I have already had two basal cell carcinomas removed. Im obviously worried about this . Has anyone else had this type of problem? Thanks for any help.

[1ChLoE]

Sorry title should say increased risk skin cancer .

[Belle76]

I think most increase your risk or sensitivity to the sun. Just use a high factor sun cream and keep in the shade

[1ChLoE in reply to Belle76]

Thank you for your reply, I always wear high factor and sit in the shade. It was just the extra risk with the skin cancer I’ve already had that bothered me.

[Runrig01]

The risk of cancer is extremely low, and it’s important to know, that uncontrolled inflammation itself increases the risk of cancer. I’ve been on Etanercept for 8yrs, with no side effects. Follow the advice of wearing good sun cream with a high factor, where a hat at peak times when in full sun, and sit in the shade

[1ChLoE in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you for your reply. It’s the extra risk of skin cancer I was concerned about, having skin cancer twice already. I will see what my rheumatologist thinks.

[Runrig01 in reply to 1ChLoE]

Hi, I understand. There is a review of research to do with RA patients receiving tnf inhibitors, which you may find helpful in deciding. 🤗

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/318...

[1ChLoE in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you I will have a look

[1ChLoE in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you, the article was very helpful.

[MistyDay]

I take benepali which helps my RA considerably. I gave in in the end and put my nagging worry about this, further back in my mind . I have had one bcc removed a few years before taking it. The risk is very low and low for blood cancers.I share your fear, but all powerful meds have side effects. Having RA can cause problems to all organs. They have annual skin checks in France but not in the UK.

[1ChLoE in reply to MistyDay]

Thank you. I will ask my GP for an annual skin check, at my next appointment. If I don’t get anywhere I will ask my rheumatologist, who I see in 3 months. I live in Spain so I will see. I can see how much it would be for a private skin check too.