Metformin for BCC and SCC prevention? New research...

Posted by groversgirl @groversgirl, 2 days ago

Hi folks! I'm 50 and have had over 20 BCC and SCCs removed and have a family history of melanoma. I just read this research report from December 2024 about the drug Metformin slowing the progression of basal and squamous cell carcinomas... I am very interested in trying. Has anyone heard about this treatment? Discussed it with their doctors? https://jddonline.com/articles/metformin-use-risk-of-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-propensity-matched-case-control-study-S1545961624P8249X
Side effects seem minimal. My MSK doc said (in Feb) that I'm a good candidate for a different oral medication for prevention - I forget the name - but the side effects sounded truly terrible. So I will bring this up with him on my next visit but that's four months away so gathering data in the meantime. THANK YOU!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

itchyrich | @itchyrich | 8 hours ago

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1997. I can't recall exactly when I started taking metformin, but it was probably not long after that. After my melanoma surgery in 1992 I had more than annual skin checks and they started finding BCCs. I would estimate I've had at least 10 of them since then. I've recently had two removed via Mohs surgery and have at least two more that should be removed. I know metformin helps me control my blood sugar. I'm pretty sure it's not preventing BCCs.