Heart transplant
And it's risk with cancer
Skin cancer
Heart transplant recipients have an especially high chance of skin cancer. This is because they take more intense immunosuppression medicines than other types of transplants. Some research has found that heart recipients have a 50 times greater chance of skin cancer compared to the general public.
Transplant recipients have a higher chance of non-melanoma types, including basal and squamous cell cancers. Squamous cell cancer is a more aggressive type of skin cancer for heart recipients. It tends to return more than other types of skin cancers.
Over time, the chances of skin cancer increase, especially if someone has fair skin or gets a lot of sun (and the more years a person uses the medicine that suppresses their immune system):
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Before 11 years, it is around a 7% chance (about a 7 in 100 chance)
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After 11 years, it increases to a 45% chance (about a 45 in 100 chance)
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After 20 years, there is a 70% chance (about a 70 in 100 chance)
But, if skin cancers are found early, they are easy to treat. This type of cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body and can be easily removed.
Prevention tips
This makes it very important for people who have had a transplant to:
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Use a strong sunscreen to avoid sunburns
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Do monthly skin checks
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See a dermatologist 2 times per year
Learn how to stay safe in the sun.
Other types of cancer
Some research has found that heart transplant recipients have a higher chance of developing these cancers:
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Lung cancer
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Bladder cancer
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Cervical cancer
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Colon cancer
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Kidney cancer
Other reported cancers include:
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Kaposi’s sarcoma: Cancer in the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels
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Adenocarcinoma: Cancer in the glands that line the organs, such as the lungs, stomach, pancreas, and colon