Medical literature about hydroxyurea and skin cancer

I had been on HU for 15+ years when I was diangnosed with locally advance Basel cell carcinoma.
So yes the correlation is real. No doctor ever warned me about skin cancer and when it was found still would not admit a correlation.

The cancer was found spread over one side of my head. I was usually diligent with a sunscreen on my body but did not think about my head.
I’ve had multiple Mohs surgeries and have been successful with immiquimod cream. But my head is scarred and that’s hard for a woman
I have since switched to Anagrelide as treatment for my ET. I see on these threads most people take HU
Not me anymore……
Just trying to get the word out about long term side affects and the importance of sunscreen if you must take HU

The best website to read about ET which mentions the correlation between HU and skin cancer is http://www.rarediseases.org

I have not seen any medical journal articles or reports, but my hematologist alerted me that Hydroxyurea would make me more susceptible to skin cancers - it's a known side effect of the medication. Be diligent with sunscreen on all exposed skin and see a dermatologist regularly for screenings while you're on HU.

Thank you. On my list for the dermatologist today is to ask if there are any newer hypoallergenic sunscreens. Ones I've tried in the past, including a long list of dermatologist-recommended ones, have caused an allergic reaction where applied. I have one that I can use for a few days before reacting so reserve it for long days backpacking above tree line. My hematologist has moved out of state so I'll have to wait and ask someone new at my next checkup.

Thank you. Unfortunately I've had allergic topical reactions to all sunscreens I've tried in the past including a long list of hypoallergenic ones. On my list for the dermatologist today is to ask if there are any newer hypoallergenic sunscreens.

I have had one skin cancer since starting hydroxurea. I go to the dermatologist every 6 months and no longer accept “we will watch that spot” after having to have a 3 inch scar on my face from a removal of a “watched” spot. I make them do a biopsy now.

Such a great topic information. I have only been on Hydroxyurea for 4 months and haven’t taken the skin cancer that seriously except for my face, but now I’m going to be more diligent with sunscreen because of this conversation. I see my oncologist/ hemotologist tomorrow and will bring up this conversation. Because everything I put on my skin makes me itch, I’ll be sure to look for some good advice. Thx as this is what the forum should be like, helpful information

The hemo told me to avoid sun. I consulted on the free Ask a Nurse line at U-Mich with the onco-pharmacist. He told me to use sunscreen and stay out of prolonged sun exposure because of the link between HU and the less deadly type of skin cancer. He said the risk is not for the more serious melanoma.

As a darker skinned white person, I never really worried about sun protection, but now I do keep covered, use sunscreen, and wear a hat when I mess around in the garden. I stay in the shade at the beach. Those sun shelter tent things are handy.

Six years on HU and no cancer.

If the sun is out, it’s sunscreen, hat, and long sleeves… no exceptions… If I swim, I always find shade immediately after getting out of the pool… I’ve been on HU since 2021… so far no known skin issues…

Good morning my fellow HU people. My situation appears to be different from others in this matter. When I was younger, I layed on the beach all summer. I did surfing, scuba diving, and hang gliding. All of this was done without sunscreen. We did not know what sunscreen was in 1973. Fast forward to 2010. I started getting Basel cell carcinomas and had many Mohs surgeries. I did not join the HU club until 2018. Since then I have had more basel cell carcinomas and more Mohs. I think I have had more Mohs since I started taking HU but it is hard to tell. My doctors think it may be related to HU but since I started having them 8 years before HU who knows? I think we can all agree exposure to the sun is not good long term.

Glad you have had good experiences with the U of M!! I can give you the name of a wonderful Mohs' doc in Ann Arbor if you private message me. He is not affiliated with the U of M.

I have no idea what HU might be. What is it?
I have had dozens of skin cancers-- Melanomas, basal cells, and squamous surgeries. I am recovering from a nasty one on my mouth right now. My 4th on face.
I have also had many other types of cancers, i do believe that I have a bad cancer gene! But a childhood spent as a lifeguard and on a swim team didn't help, we didn't know back then though!