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This research aims to examine the link between prescribed antidepressants and the risk of various skin cancers.

April 19, 2026Open Access

Association between prescribed antidepressant medication and skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

This research aims to examine the link between prescribed antidepressants and the risk of various skin cancers.
Literature search conducted on MEDLINE and Embase.
Ten studies were selected for review and five were included in the meta-analysis.
Odds ratios and rate ratios were pooled using the Mantel–Haenszel method and inverse variance method.
Heterogeneity of findings was assessed using I2.
Subgroup analyses compared SSRIs to non-SSRIs.
No significant association between antidepressant use and skin cancer risk was identified.
The relative risk (RR) was 0.83 with a confidence interval (CI) of 0.60–1.16.
The odds ratio (OR) was 0.93 with a CI of 0.85–1.02.
Subgroup analysis findings for SSRI users showed no significant differences.
Certainty of evidence was rated very low, necessitating further research.

Abstract

Abstract Background Certain antidepressants act as photosensitizers and may affect skin cancer risk; however, no evidence synthesis has been conducted. With the rising global incidence of skin cancer and widespread antidepressant use, clarifying any potential association is essential for public health. Objectives To assess the association between prescribed antidepressants and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) risk. Methods The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. MEDLINE and Embase were searched on 5 October 2025. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened, and the methodologies appraised by two independent reviewers. The Mantel–Haenszel method (random-effects model) was applied to pool odds ratios (ORs), and the inverse variance method was used for rate ratios (RRs); heterogeneity was assessed using I2. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework assessed the certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses included a comparison of skin cancer risk between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and non-SSRIs. Results Ten studies were included, five of which contributed to the meta-analysis. The association between antidepressant use and skin cancer risk was not statistically significant RR 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–1.16 (P = 0.28, I2 = 87%); OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85–1.02 (P = 0.12, I2 = 69%). The subgroup analysis results for those who did and did not use SSRIs were similar and showed no statistically significant associations with skin cancer risk. The certainty of evidence was very low. Conclusions No statistically significant association was found between antidepressant use and skin cancer risk. Further high-quality research considering important confounders such as skin type, skin cancer type, sun exposure-related behaviour and sufficient follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.

Association between prescribed antidepressant medication and skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

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