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About 1 in 4 adults in the United States live with some type of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. As people continue to live longer, that number is only expected to grow. Aching joints and other symptoms can be hard enough to manage. But people with certain types of arthritis might need to be aware of an increased cancer risk, too.

Arthritis is the name for conditions that cause pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling in the joints? (the places in your body where 2 bones meet). There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. A few of the most common types include:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common type, caused by wear and tear on the bones, joints, and cartilage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks tissues lining the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: An autoimmune disease that affects some people living with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash.
• Gout: A type caused by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Knowing which type of arthritis you have can help you find out if you might have an increased cancer risk. For example, osteoarthritis is not known to directly cause cancer. But links have been found between rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

¡°Patients should ask their doctor to explain whether they have osteoarthritis or an autoimmune arthritis. Then they should ask about any specific cancer risks associated with their diagnosis and medications. They might also ask about recommended cancer screenings, lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk, and any symptoms to watch for that might indicate a need for further evaluation,¡± said Ann LaCasce, MD, MMSc, an expert and Associate Professor of Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

How does rheumatoid arthritis increase cancer risk?

Rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to an increased risk for lymphoma. People with rheumatoid arthritis are about twice as likely to develop lymphoma as people without it. ¡°Lymphoma is thought to be related to chronic malfunction of the cells of the immune system, including lymphocytes,¡± said Dr. LaCasce. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. Lymphoma can start in these types of cells.

Research also suggests that smoking tobacco can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This known link between tobacco and rheumatoid arthritis could also increase a person¡¯s risk for lung cancer and kidney cancer. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor how the condition and other factors might impact your cancer risk. Keep in mind that if you have rheumatoid arthritis and don¡¯t smoke, your cancer risk is likely not as high as it would be for someone who smokes.

Do rheumatoid arthritis treatments cause cancer?

Some treatments for rheumatoid arthritis could increase cancer risk. One reason is because some cells in our immune system are trained to find and attack cancer cells. But certain medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can suppress the immune system, which could allow cancer to grow.

Methotrexate and sulfasalazine are two of the most common medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. ¡°Methotrexate has been associated with a slightly increased risk of lymphoma in some studies, but the true risk is very difficult to assess,¡± said Dr. LaCasce. ¡°Sulfasalazine does not appear to be linked to an increased cancer risk.¡±

Ask your doctor if the arthritis treatment you¡¯re receiving can impact cancer risk. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of any medications.

Can cancer be misdiagnosed as arthritis?

Many types of cancer can affect the bones and joints. This includes cancers that start in the bone and those that spread to the bone from other areas of the body. Arthritis and cancers affecting the bones or joints can have some similar symptoms, but there are several ways your doctor can tell the difference.

1. Bone or joint pain from cancer can vary from sharp to dull, usually gets worse over time, and is often severe enough to wake you up at night. Arthritis generally causes joint pain and stiffness that tend to come on gradually, get worse when you move around, and often affect multiple joints.
2. Arthritis can cause swelling and redness in multiple joints. However, it doesn¡¯t usually create masses or tumors like cancer does.
3. Cancer affecting the bones often comes with other symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue. Arthritis, on the other hand, mostly has symptoms that are limited to the joints.

If you¡¯re experiencing persistent and/or severe bone or joint pain, get evaluated by your doctor. They can help you figure out whether the pain comes from arthritis or another condition.

How can people with arthritis lower their cancer risk?

Arthritis causes joint pain that can affect a person¡¯s ability to stay active. But a lack of physical activity is known to increase overall cancer risk. That¡¯s why it¡¯s important to stay as active as possible, even while living with arthritis. If you¡¯re struggling to stay active due to joint pain and stiffness, talk to your doctor. They can offer advice on physical activities or specific exercises that can help you move more comfortably. Your doctor can also refer you to a physical therapist as needed.

Other ways to reduce your cancer risk while living with arthritis include:

• Eating a balanced diet. Healthy eating is key to reducing your overall cancer risk. But it¡¯s especially important for people with gout. Too much of certain foods that are high in purines, like red and processed meat and some types of seafood, can trigger a gout attack. Drinking alcohol can also be a trigger for gout flare-ups.
• Getting regular medical check-ups. This can help your doctor monitor your overall health and advise on how you might be able to lower your cancer risk.
• Keeping up with cancer screening. Make sure to follow the recommended cancer screening guidelines based on your age and risk. You should also talk with your doctor about whether they recommend additional health screening based on the type of arthritis you have.

Dr. LaCasce is a member of .