Millions of people around the world take medication every day to control high blood pressure. These drugs are proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. But some people have heard concerns that blood pressure drugs might increase the risk of cancer. Is there any truth to this? Let’s look at what the research says in plain language.
Over the past two decades, scientists have studied many different types of blood pressure medications to find out if they are linked to cancer.
The most commonly used drugs include ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. These medicines work in different ways, but they all aim to lower the pressure in your blood vessels to keep your heart and other organs healthy.
Concerns about cancer risk first appeared in the early 2010s when some studies suggested a possible link between ARBs and a higher risk of certain cancers, especially lung cancer. This created a lot of worry among both doctors and patients. However, more recent and better-quality studies have helped clear up the confusion.
A large review published in The Lancet Oncology in 2011 looked at over 60,000 patients from multiple clinical trials. It found a small increase in new cancer cases among people taking ARBs. But this result was not strong enough to prove that the drugs were causing cancer. Other experts questioned the methods used in that review, and newer studies have since found no clear link.
One of the largest and most trustworthy studies was published in The BMJ in 2020. It looked at more than 1 million patients and compared those taking ACE inhibitors with those taking ARBs. The study found that ACE inhibitors were linked to a slightly higher risk of lung cancer after long-term use, especially after five years or more.
However, the increase in risk was small — about 1 extra case of lung cancer per 1,000 people over 10 years. It’s also worth noting that smoking is a much bigger risk factor for lung cancer than any blood pressure medication.
Other studies have looked at whether calcium channel blockers might raise the risk of breast cancer. Some early research raised concerns, but later, larger studies found no consistent evidence to support this. In fact, a massive 2019 review that pooled data from over 260,000 women found no link between long-term use of blood pressure drugs and breast cancer.
The general message from most researchers today is that there is no strong or consistent evidence showing that blood pressure medications cause cancer. If there is any risk, it seems to be very small and likely outweighed by the benefits of controlling high blood pressure.
In summary, while a few studies have raised questions about certain blood pressure drugs and cancer risk, the best available evidence today suggests that these medications are safe for long-term use. They play an important role in preventing serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, there is no need to panic or stop taking it. Always talk to your doctor if you have concerns — they can help you understand the risks and benefits and find the best treatment plan for your health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
