AUSTIN (KVUE) -- Researchers continue to study a link between a widely used medication for men and melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
The study of about 25,000 men didn't set out to make the connection, but once proven researchers say there is enough evidence to suggest people take the findings seriously.
We know too much exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays can lead to skin cancer – including the most deadly form – melanoma. A 2014 study first revealed a significant link to melanoma and the medications used to treat erectile dysfunction or ED.
"I'm surprised we didn't hear more about it when it first came out," said Dr. Jennifer Gordon, a Board Certified Dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology.
Gordon is surprised because researchers found ED medication users were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma over a period of 10 years. Gordon says the link was discovered at the molecular level first.
"One of the mutations that's seen in melanoma actually leads to this regulation of the phosphodiesterase-5 molecule," she said.
Gordon said ED medications affect the molecule.
"It makes cells that already have this mutation more likely to invade," said Gordon. "It can make it either a worse melanoma, or give it kind of that first hit of becoming melanoma."
At the hike and bike trails where sunshine and good health often go hand in hand, the news of the link came as a surprise to most KVUE talked with.
"I was kind of surprised because you wouldn't think there would be any kind of link, but then I guess the more you think of it any chemical you could put into your body could be harmful," said Molly Ellis, a New York City resident.
Some were not surprised.
"I guess I don't find it that surprising," said Doug Norman of Austin. "The way that drugs get fast tracked and kind of dispersed to the public."
"The important thing is if it is a risk and it is being clinically proven they ought to at least tell people about it so they can make their own decisions on what's more important: skin cancer or a good Saturday night," said Nathan Young of Austin.
Risk factors including age, other medical problems and UV exposure where the men grew up were factored in and still the distinctive link prevailed. Gordon said more data is needed, but in the meantime she suggests ED medication users safeguard themselves in other ways against the sun. This includes wearing protective clothing, sunscreen and make sure to get annual screenings.
Go here to learn more about the study's findings.
