According to the American College of Gastroenterology, patients that suffer from inflammatory intestinal diseases, who are being treated with immunosuppressive drugs, have an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer.
An American study examined 26 403 people with Crohn’s disease and 26 974 people with ulcerative colitis.
The study revealed that there was an increased incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers in these patients compared to others. This may be due to the use of immunosuppressants, which increase the photosensitivity of the skin.
Researchers suggest that these patients should be monitored closely and recommend the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen to prevent skin cancers.