Mercy's Dr. Vadim Gushchin Discusses Skin Cancers and Cancer Risk

A new study suggests a possible relationship between frequent skin cancer episodes and other cancers.

According to the study, patients at Stanford University who developed at least six basal cell carcinomas over 10 years showed higher-than-average risks of breast, colon, prostate and blood cancers.

Surgical oncologist Dr. Vadim Gushchin, Director, The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center at Mercy, cautioned not to be alarmed. The study was very small in that it only involved 61 patients. According to Dr. Gushchin, studies like these are carried out in an effort to focus the search for cancer risk factors.

"In this case, frequent or recurring or regrowing basal cell carcinoma is something to pay attention to and to look for other cancers not related to skin cancer. That's how I would put it," Dr. Gushchin said.

Researchers conducting the study said people who have had frequent basal cell carcinomas should make sure they get the recommended screenings for other cancers like breast and colon cancers.

To view Dr. Vadim Gushchin’s interview regarding skin cancer and cancer risk, click here.