The risk of cancer It is higher in people fighting autoimmune diseases, but the danger decreases after starting anti-inflammatory medications, according to a new report.

Italian researchers who reported in the journal Cancers found a 32% increase in the odds of cancer in the first year after diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

However, after patients begin taking medications to relieve the uncontrolled inflammation that characterizes these diseases, their risk of cancer decreases.

“The maximum risk observed in the early stages suggests that chronic inflammation, rather than treatments, is a key factor in the development of cancer”said Daniela Marotto, co-lead author of the study. She is head of rheumatology at the Gallura Local Health Authority, Italy.

Marotto and his colleagues tracked the incidence of cancer among more than 356,000 Italians. They found that lung and bladder cancers, as well as hematobacterial malignancies (such as leukemias and lymphomas) and melanoma were most associated with autoimmune diseases.

“Our results support the hypothesis that inflammation is a determining factor in cancer risk”said study co-author Dr. Antonio Giordano, a professor at the University of Siena in Italy. He is also founder and director of the Sbarro Health Research Organization.

The researchers noted that this finding highlights the need to promote cancer screening among people with autoimmune diseases, especially in the first year after diagnosis.

Author: Ernie Mundell, HealthDay reporter.

© 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Follow Uno TV on Google Discover and check the news instantly.

Do you have a complaint or information you want to share? Write to us on Uno TV WhatsApp: +52 55 8056 9131. Your message can make a difference.