Do Blood Pressure Meds Raise Cancer Risk? An Answer at Last

Scientists have long discussed the possibility that hypertension drugs might affect cancer risk. Over several decades of research, the evidence has been inconsistent: Some studies suggested they increase the cancer rate, while others indicated they lower it or don’t change it at all. After a number of news stories focused only on the former, some patients were hesitant to take their meds. But now, the largest analysis to date should put minds at ease. Based on 31 trials involving a total of 260,000 people around the world, the review concluded that no blood pressure drugs raise the risk of cancer. Meanwhile, there is good evidence that these medications help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with high blood pressure.