Gout & Cancer: Understanding the Connection

While gout can begin in your big toe, did you know it can also increase the risk of cancer?

This connection makes it more important than ever for gout patients to stay educated on preventative measures and risks.

The Connection

High uric acid levels, or hyperuricemia, can cause gout. But it’s also considered a risk factor for cancer. In particular, gout patients are at an increased risk for cancers of the:

  • Urological system
  • Digestive system
  • Lungs

In fact, a recent study found that rates of cancer in people with gout are more than double that of those without gout. Comorbidities associated with gout can further exacerbate the connection.

Additionally, hyperuricemia may reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Reduce Your Risk

The connection between cancer and gout requires both of them to be taken seriously. If you have gout, do not wait to seek treatment. Talk to your doctor about your uric levels and how you can bring them down with medication, including:

  • Allopurinol & febuxostat to lower uric acid levels
  • Colchichine to help manage gout attacks when used along with uric acid-lowering medications
  • Pegloticase, an infused medication, can lower uric acid levels when traditional treatment doesn’t work

In addition, following a healthy diet and exercising can help lower your risk.

It’s important to advocate for yourself when it comes to your health, and if you don’t feel like your doctor is taking your gout seriously, seek a second opinion.

Find Community

A gout diagnosis and its connection to cancer may feel overwhelming. Connecting with others who live with gout can help you find community and remind you that you are not alone. There are over 14 million Americans living with gout. By taking control of your gout, you will be well on your way to reducing your risk of cancer.