It’s possible to develop shingles and colon cancer at the same time. But shingles doesn’t cause colon cancer, nor does it mask its symptoms.

Having any type of cancer can weaken your immune system, which increases your risk of developing shingles.

Shingles (herpes zoster) occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox) becomes active again, usually when the immune system is weaker.

Yes. People with any form of cancer have a higher chance of developing shingles.

A 2019 study analyzed the data of over 240,000 older adults over an eight-year period of follow-up data. People with cancer had a 40% greater risk of developing shingles than people without cancer.

The risk was notably higher among people receiving treatments like chemotherapy.

Another 2019 study showed that people with solid tumors — like colon cancer — faced up to four times the risk of shingles compared to others. The recombinant zostervaccine (RZV) for shingles was found to be safe and effective in people with cancer.

No. Shingles doesn’t cause or increase your chance of developing colon cancer, and it doesn’t mimic its symptoms.

A 2023 study, which included data from over 200,000 outpatients in Germany, found that shingles doesn’t increase the risk of developing any form of gastrointestinal cancer.

Memory loss, rashes, and nerve pain may happen with shingles — but colon cancer typically presents with other issues like blood in stool, weight loss, or abdominal pain.

Yes — as long as it’s not a live-virus vaccine.

The newer recombinant shingles vaccine (like Shingrix or RZV) is safe and recommended for people with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatment.

Research has found that recombinant shingles vaccines can be particularly effective and safe when administered before or at the start of a chemotherapy cycle.

Earlier live vaccines, such as Zostavax, are not safe during chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments.

If you have cancer and you’re concerned about developing shingles, there are a few ways to reduce your risk:

  • Vaccination: Get the recombinant shingles vaccine before or during cancer treatment, if cleared by your healthcare team.
  • Support your immune system as best as you can: Eat well, manage stress, and rest when you can.
  • Know the symptoms and seek medical care: If you develop the early symptoms of shingles, contact your care team. Starting treatment quickly can help limit the severity or complications.

Shingles isn’t contagious — you can’t contract shingles from someone with shingles. However, the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can be spread to another person, causing chickenpox.

Chickenpox can be painful, especially if you already have a health condition like cancer. Avoid people who have chickenpox or an active shingles rash — if the shingles blisters are oozing, the zoster virus may spread to you.

Shingles can be more painful and severe in people with weakened immune systems. Skin rashes may last longer, and complications like postherpetic neuralgia (lasting nerve pain) are more likely.

Managing shingles during treatment typically involves:

  • Antiviral drugs like acyclovir or valacyclovir
  • Pain medications, like ibuprofen or prescription-strength pain drugs
  • Topical creams, like corticosteroids, to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Good wound care to keep blisters from getting infected
  • Close communication with your oncology team to coordinate timing and treatment

Good home treatment for shingles can help ease the symptoms. You can try the following:

If you have colon cancer — or another form of cancer — you’re at an increased risk of developing shingles. Cancer and cancer treatments can weaken your immune system.

Shingles doesn’t cause colon cancer, and its symptoms don’t resemble those of colon cancer. But if shingles does appear during treatment, acting quickly with medical care can greatly improve outcomes and comfort.

As always, speak with your oncologist or healthcare professional to plan vaccination and manage risks according to your treatment plan and immune health.