Men who use viagra are more likely to get skin cancer, study claims

It has boosted loved lives across the world - but new research suggests men who take Viagra may significantly increase their risk of skin cancer.

American researchers found those who took sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, were 84 per cent more likely to get melanoma, the most deadly form of the disease, reports The Daily Mail.

It is thought the impotence drug may affect the same genetic mechanism that enables skin cancer to become more invasive.

Study co-author Dr Abrar Qureshi, professor of dermatology at Brown University advised those taking Viagra who have a high risk of melanoma should think about speaking with their doctor.

The study, of 26,000 men in the U.S and China, analysed information from the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study, which collects data about male healthcare workers (including doctors). Of those included in the study, the average age was 65 and six per cent had taken the erectile dysfunction drug.

The research, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine this week, showed that men who took Viagra even once had double the risk of developing melanoma.

Other well-known side-effects of Viagra include heartburn, nausea and headaches. The drug is also unsuitable for men with angina or very high blood pressure.

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