High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in Australia. More than one in three adults live with this condition, which is also called hypertension. Many people do not feel any symptoms, which is why it is often known as a silent killer.
If it is not controlled, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs over time, leading to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious problems. Because of these dangers, doctors often prescribe medicines to help lower blood pressure and protect long-term health.
One of the most widely used medicines for this purpose is a drug called hydrochlorothiazide. It belongs to a group of medicines known as diuretics, sometimes called water tablets.
These drugs help the body remove extra salt and water through urine, which reduces the pressure inside blood vessels. For many patients, hydrochlorothiazide has been an effective and affordable treatment for decades and is often combined with other medications.
However, a new study from UNSW Sydney has raised concerns about possible side effects of this common drug. Researchers found that hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer, especially among older adults.
The medicine can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. When skin becomes more sensitive, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause more damage than usual. Over time, this damage may increase the chance of cancer developing.
Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world because of its strong sunlight and outdoor lifestyle. This makes any factor that increases sun sensitivity especially important.
The researchers used health data from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, focusing on people aged 65 and older in New South Wales between 2004 and 2015. The data included information about medication use, hospital visits, and cancer diagnoses.
The team identified people who had taken hydrochlorothiazide and were later diagnosed with lip cancer or melanoma, which is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. They compared these cases with thousands of similar individuals who did not develop cancer.
The results showed that people who used the drug had a higher risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma and squamous cell cancer of the lip. The risk was even greater for those who had taken the medication for many years.
Despite these findings, experts stress that patients should not stop taking their medicine without medical advice. High blood pressure itself is a major threat to health, and suddenly stopping treatment could lead to serious complications. Instead, the study highlights the need for careful monitoring and informed decision-making by doctors and patients.
Healthcare providers may consider extra precautions for patients who use hydrochlorothiazide. These may include regular skin checks to detect early signs of cancer and advice on protecting the skin from sunlight.
Simple steps such as using sunscreen daily, wearing hats and protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding the sun during the middle of the day can greatly reduce risk.
As a result of the study, information sheets that come with medicines containing hydrochlorothiazide have been updated to include warnings about skin cancer risk. This helps ensure that doctors are aware of the potential issue when choosing treatments and can discuss it openly with patients.
The research also reminds us that managing high blood pressure usually involves more than medication alone.
Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can all help lower blood pressure naturally. Some studies also suggest that omega‑3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, may provide additional benefits for heart health.
Finding the right balance between effective treatment and possible side effects is a key part of modern medicine. This study shows how ongoing research can uncover new information about familiar drugs and help improve patient safety.
With proper guidance from healthcare professionals, people can continue to manage their blood pressure while taking steps to protect their skin and overall health.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about top signs of diabetic skin disease, and Mediterranean diet could help lower the skin cancer risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and results showing how to combat the effects of aging on your skin.
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