Research On Skin Cancer & Diet

Skin Cancer Navigation

As mentioned, the link between coffee and skin cancer prevention still needs work, although is interesting for coffee drinkers.

---

There is a significant volume of research on diet and overall cancer prevention. Conclusions suggest that diet influences the onset of some types of cancer more than others, yet is not a key driver of the disease.

Even so, diet can add to prevention and impacts on other areas of health, or lifestyle factors which do cause cancers.

Smoking, over use of alchohol and lack of exercise are part of the story, although obesity is also problematic. This is related to diet and may be a reason that research ties in poor diet with higher cancer rates.

In the field of skin cancer, we do know this is one of the areas where diet is a direct influence, with more evidence emerging.

A Mediterranean Diet

In August 2019, a review focused on women in France and the Mediterranean diet brought together a large amount of data, with a 30 year time scale. This type of diet has long been associated with reducing skin cancer.

They were assessing the intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, cereals, olive oil, fish, alchohol, dairy and meat products. With the Mediterranean diet traditionally having a higher volume of many of those items.

You can see more on the study, which backed up an inherent belief. A Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of skin cancer, particularly in the case of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Whilst the research happened to be on data relating to women only, there is no reason to think the same would not apply to men.

The findings also tie in with points on antioxidants, in our entry on skin cancer and diet. There may be additional biological, or chemical reasons but this type of diet is by nature rich in antioxidants.

Rational Interpetation

That a suitable diet can help to prevent skin cancers is helpful and worth thought. We should still remember that the principle cause of skin cancer is the sun and no diet will protect you from over exposure.

In a similar vein, the web pages and Youtube videos offering dietary supplements to cure skin cancer are not trustworthy. Most forms of the condition are curable but only through specialist skin cancer treatment.

Prevention still helps and we would encourage everyone to adopt a healthy diet. You can reduce the chance of skin cancer and will assist your health in other ways, making life more enjoyable for longer.