Lupus and Psoriasis Linked to Increased Cancer Risk

Research conducted by Italian scientists indicates that individuals battling autoimmune diseases face a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly during the first year following their diagnosis.

According to a report published in the journal Cancers, there is a 32% increase in the odds of cancer occurring within the first year after a patient is diagnosed with an autoimmune condition such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.

The study, which tracked the incidence of cancer among more than 356,000 people in Italy, found that the risk of developing malignancies is not constant. The danger appears to decline once patients begin taking anti-inflammatory medications to manage their condition.

The Role of Chronic Inflammation

The findings suggest that the primary driver of this increased risk is the underlying biological state of the disease rather than the medical interventions used to treat it. Chronic inflammation, which is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, is identified as a key factor in the development of cancer.

The peak risk observed in the early stages suggests that chronic inflammation, rather than treatments, is a key factor in cancer development

Daniela Marotto, head of rheumatology at the Local Health Authority of Gallura, Italy

Autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis are characterized by runaway inflammation. While these diseases have different skin manifestations, research indicates that both have an increased risk of occurrence in patients who already suffer from other autoimmune diseases compared to the general population.

Our results support the hypothesis that inflammation is a determining factor in cancer risk

Dr. Antonio Giordano, professor at the University of Siena and director of the Sbarro Health Research Organization

Associated Cancer Types

The researchers identified specific types of malignancies that showed the strongest association with autoimmune diseases. The most prominent associations were found in the following areas:

• Blood malignancies, including lymphomas and leukemias
• Cancers of the bladder
• Cancers of the lung
• Melanoma

The decline in cancer risk observed after the initiation of anti-inflammatory drugs further supports the theory that controlling the body’s inflammatory response may mitigate the risk of malignancy.

Clinical Implications and Screening

Because the highest risk period occurs in the early stages of an autoimmune diagnosis, the researchers emphasized a change in preventative care for these patients.

The study findings highlight a specific need for healthcare providers to encourage more frequent and rigorous cancer screening for people with autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on the first year after the initial diagnosis.

The research was supported by the Sbarro Health Research Organization and reported on April 6, 2026.