Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSkin Cancer RiskScreeningPreventionSun and Vitamin DTanning Beds
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Skin Cancer Risk
Screening
Prevention
Sun and Vitamin D
Tanning Beds
Skin cancer risk for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is higher than average simply because they have IBD and also because of certain medications they may take.Skin canceris a public health problem, particularly in sunnier areas of the world. In the United States, the rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer has been on the rise.The good news is there are many ways to limit sun exposure and reduce skin cancer risk, such as usingsunscreen, wearing UV-blocking clothing, seeking shade, and more.Most people who develop skin cancer will be able to get treatment and avoid serious complications, especially if it is found early.Susan Chiang / iStockWho Gets Skin Cancer?People withIBD, and especially those with Crohn’s disease, are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer (melanomaand nonmelanoma). One large meta-analysis showed the risk may be as high as 37%.Medications used to treat IBD may also contribute to increased skin cancer risk. Research shows:Taking drugs in the class called thiopurines (such as Imuran and Purinethol) can increase the chances of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer in people with IBD.Taking biologics (Remicade,Entyvio,Humira) may increase your risk of melanoma.If you’re taking one of these medications, it is important to consider skin cancer risk along with the risks of untreated inflammation and other symptoms associated with IBD. Irritable bowel disease can cause serious complications in the intestines and other parts of the body.Talk to yourgastroenterologistabout your overall risk. Adermatologistmay also have recommendations to limit sun exposure and determine your individual risk.How Often Should I Get Checked?People with IBD should typically getscreened for skin canceronce a year.For people who may be at greater risk, more frequent screening may be recommended.One study showed when people withCrohn’s diseasewere screened once a year, it was the most cost-effective means of detecting skin cancer early and treating it.If you have IBD, ask your healthcare provider about the importance of skin cancer screening and how often you should be screened.Limiting Sun Exposure for PreventionSince IBD may increase your risk of skin cancer, limiting sun exposure is an important preventative measure. Ways to limit your sun exposure include:Sunscreens:The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 on exposed skin every day—even on cloudy days. If you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period, it’s best to use a water-proof product with an SPF of at least 30 and to reapply sunscreen every two hours.Face creams or makeup:Many moisturizers or foundations have built-in SPF, but they may not provide adequate protection. To be safe, apply sunscreen under your makeup.Clothing:There are many types of clothing available with built-in sun protection—some with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) as high as 50. For everyday wear, dark, tightly woven fabrics provide the most protection. Wearing a hat with a broad brim all the way around can shield your face and the back of your neck as well.Umbrellas:Using an umbrella to create some shade is wise, especially while at the beach or pool.Staying inside:Stay inside or seek shade during peak UV hours. The hours can vary, but in general, staying out of the sun or using good sun protection between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is recommended.Checking a weather app for the UV index is also useful to be aware of UV exposure on any one particular day or at a particular time.Do I Need Sun for Vitamin D?Adequate blood levels of vitamin D are important for overall health and the body does make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. In addition, people with IBD may have lower blood levels of vitamin D compared to those without IBD.Since exposing skin to the sun regularly, and especially burning, is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, people with IBD should find other ways to get the vitamin D they need.For example, takingvitamin D supplementsand choosing foods that contain vitamin D (such as salmon, tuna, eggs, fortified milk, and fortified plant-based milk) can help you get the vitamin D your body needs.Your healthcare provider can advise you on how much vitamin D you need each day.Tanning BedsIndoor tanning is associated with all types of skin cancers—melanoma and nonmelanoma. There are many myths about tanning beds, including they’re safer than sun exposure; they’re useful for getting vitamin D; and getting a “base tan” is a good idea.There is no benefit to tanning beds, and people who use them, even just once, are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.SummaryPeople with IBD have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Taking preventive measures, such as using adequate sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds, can significantly limit sun exposure and help lower your risk. If you’re concerned about your skin cancer risk or getting enough vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider.
Skin cancer risk for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is higher than average simply because they have IBD and also because of certain medications they may take.
Skin canceris a public health problem, particularly in sunnier areas of the world. In the United States, the rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer has been on the rise.
The good news is there are many ways to limit sun exposure and reduce skin cancer risk, such as usingsunscreen, wearing UV-blocking clothing, seeking shade, and more.Most people who develop skin cancer will be able to get treatment and avoid serious complications, especially if it is found early.
Susan Chiang / iStock
Who Gets Skin Cancer?
People withIBD, and especially those with Crohn’s disease, are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer (melanomaand nonmelanoma). One large meta-analysis showed the risk may be as high as 37%.
Medications used to treat IBD may also contribute to increased skin cancer risk. Research shows:
If you’re taking one of these medications, it is important to consider skin cancer risk along with the risks of untreated inflammation and other symptoms associated with IBD. Irritable bowel disease can cause serious complications in the intestines and other parts of the body.
Talk to yourgastroenterologistabout your overall risk. Adermatologistmay also have recommendations to limit sun exposure and determine your individual risk.
How Often Should I Get Checked?
People with IBD should typically getscreened for skin canceronce a year.For people who may be at greater risk, more frequent screening may be recommended.
One study showed when people withCrohn’s diseasewere screened once a year, it was the most cost-effective means of detecting skin cancer early and treating it.
If you have IBD, ask your healthcare provider about the importance of skin cancer screening and how often you should be screened.
Limiting Sun Exposure for Prevention
Since IBD may increase your risk of skin cancer, limiting sun exposure is an important preventative measure. Ways to limit your sun exposure include:
Do I Need Sun for Vitamin D?
Adequate blood levels of vitamin D are important for overall health and the body does make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. In addition, people with IBD may have lower blood levels of vitamin D compared to those without IBD.
Since exposing skin to the sun regularly, and especially burning, is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, people with IBD should find other ways to get the vitamin D they need.
For example, takingvitamin D supplementsand choosing foods that contain vitamin D (such as salmon, tuna, eggs, fortified milk, and fortified plant-based milk) can help you get the vitamin D your body needs.
Your healthcare provider can advise you on how much vitamin D you need each day.
Indoor tanning is associated with all types of skin cancers—melanoma and nonmelanoma. There are many myths about tanning beds, including they’re safer than sun exposure; they’re useful for getting vitamin D; and getting a “base tan” is a good idea.
There is no benefit to tanning beds, and people who use them, even just once, are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
Summary
People with IBD have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Taking preventive measures, such as using adequate sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds, can significantly limit sun exposure and help lower your risk. If you’re concerned about your skin cancer risk or getting enough vitamin D, talk to your healthcare provider.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.004Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun Protection.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12(2):210-218. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2013.04.033Solitano V, D’Amico F, Correale C, et al.Thiopurines and non-melanoma skin cancer: partners in crime in inflammatory bowel diseases.British Med Bulletin.Dec 202O;136(1):107–117. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldaa033Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of medications on risk of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a population-based cohort study from olmsted county, minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.024Kimmel JN, Taft TH, Keefer L.Inflammatory bowel disease and skin cancer: an assessment of patient risk factors, knowledge, and skin practices.J Skin Cancer. 2016;2016:4632037. doi:10.1155/2016/4632037Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19(13):2787-2795. doi:10.1097/01.MIB.0000435850.17263.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Cancer Society.Spend Time Outside and Stay Sun-Safe. Apr 15, 2020.Ananthakrishnan AN.Vitamin d and inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(8):513-515.Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Myths “D”-bunked.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Vitamin D.Food and Drug Administration.Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. CDC.gov. 5 Jan 2016.Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1.Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19:2787-2795.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:210-218.Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of Medications on Risk of Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study from Olmsted County, Minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.004Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun Protection.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12(2):210-218. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2013.04.033Solitano V, D’Amico F, Correale C, et al.Thiopurines and non-melanoma skin cancer: partners in crime in inflammatory bowel diseases.British Med Bulletin.Dec 202O;136(1):107–117. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldaa033Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of medications on risk of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a population-based cohort study from olmsted county, minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.024Kimmel JN, Taft TH, Keefer L.Inflammatory bowel disease and skin cancer: an assessment of patient risk factors, knowledge, and skin practices.J Skin Cancer. 2016;2016:4632037. doi:10.1155/2016/4632037Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19(13):2787-2795. doi:10.1097/01.MIB.0000435850.17263.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Cancer Society.Spend Time Outside and Stay Sun-Safe. Apr 15, 2020.Ananthakrishnan AN.Vitamin d and inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(8):513-515.Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Myths “D”-bunked.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Vitamin D.Food and Drug Administration.Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. CDC.gov. 5 Jan 2016.Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1.Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19:2787-2795.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:210-218.Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of Medications on Risk of Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study from Olmsted County, Minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.004Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun Protection.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12(2):210-218. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2013.04.033Solitano V, D’Amico F, Correale C, et al.Thiopurines and non-melanoma skin cancer: partners in crime in inflammatory bowel diseases.British Med Bulletin.Dec 202O;136(1):107–117. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldaa033Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of medications on risk of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a population-based cohort study from olmsted county, minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.024Kimmel JN, Taft TH, Keefer L.Inflammatory bowel disease and skin cancer: an assessment of patient risk factors, knowledge, and skin practices.J Skin Cancer. 2016;2016:4632037. doi:10.1155/2016/4632037Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19(13):2787-2795. doi:10.1097/01.MIB.0000435850.17263.13American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Cancer Society.Spend Time Outside and Stay Sun-Safe. Apr 15, 2020.Ananthakrishnan AN.Vitamin d and inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(8):513-515.Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Myths “D”-bunked.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Vitamin D.Food and Drug Administration.Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays.
Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.004
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun Protection.
Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12(2):210-218. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2013.04.033
Solitano V, D’Amico F, Correale C, et al.Thiopurines and non-melanoma skin cancer: partners in crime in inflammatory bowel diseases.British Med Bulletin.Dec 202O;136(1):107–117. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldaa033
Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of medications on risk of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a population-based cohort study from olmsted county, minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.024
Kimmel JN, Taft TH, Keefer L.Inflammatory bowel disease and skin cancer: an assessment of patient risk factors, knowledge, and skin practices.J Skin Cancer. 2016;2016:4632037. doi:10.1155/2016/4632037
Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19(13):2787-2795. doi:10.1097/01.MIB.0000435850.17263.13
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.
American Cancer Society.Spend Time Outside and Stay Sun-Safe. Apr 15, 2020.
Ananthakrishnan AN.Vitamin d and inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(8):513-515.
Yale Medicine.Vitamin D Myths “D”-bunked.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Vitamin D.
Food and Drug Administration.Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. CDC.gov. 5 Jan 2016.Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1.Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19:2787-2795.Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:210-218.Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of Medications on Risk of Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study from Olmsted County, Minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. CDC.gov. 5 Jan 2016.
Long MD, Martin CF, Pipkin CA, et al.Risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterology. 2012;143(2):390-399.e1.
Okafor PN, Stallwood CG, Nguyen L, et al.Cost-effectiveness of nonmelanoma skin cancer screening in Crohn’s disease patients.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013;19:2787-2795.
Singh S, Nagpal SJ, Murad MH, et al.Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:210-218.
Yadav S, Singh S, Harmsen WS, et al.Effect of Medications on Risk of Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study from Olmsted County, Minnesota.Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(6):738-746.
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