It has been well known that limiting sun exposure lowers the risk of skin cancers. According to research, caffeine consumption might also lower the risk. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of slow growing and locally destructive skin cancer. Patients should be encouraged to watch areas and moles of the skin for a change in the appearance, border, color, size, and texture. The American Cancer Society promotes having a qualified health professional examine the skin every 3 years between tha age of 20 and 40 and then annually after the age of 40. Risk of skin cancer is lowered by reducing exposure to the sun and by the use of sunscreen.
Basal cell skin cancer and caffeine:
Caffeine may reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma (BCC), according to a study of 112,897 participants (72,921 female nurses and 39,976 male health professionals). When participants were ranked according to caffeine consumption, with the highest consumption at the top and the lowest at the bottom, they found for women, the top 20% of caffeine consumers had an 18% lower risk of BCC than the bottom 20%. For men, the risk was lowered by 13%. The researchers also found that drinking 3 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked to a 21% lower risk of developing BCC in women and a 10% lower risk in men, compared to drinking less than 1 cup per month. And caffeine from other dietary sources (tea, cola, and chocolate) also had a similar effect: the higher the intake, the lower the risk of BCC.
Conclusion: Basal cell skin cancer
- Patients should be encouraged to watch areas and moles of the skin for a change in the appearance, border, color, size, and texture.
- The American Cancer Society promotes having a qualified health professional examine the skin every 3 years between the age of 20 and 40 and then annually after the age of 40.
- The risk of skin cancer is lowered by reducing exposure to the sun and by the use of sunscreen.
- Based on a population study, caffeine may reduce the risk of basal cell skin cancers, but more research is needed. It is possible that the anti-oxidants in coffee might play a role.
References:
1.Song F, Qureshi AA, Han J. Increased caffeine intake is associated with reduced risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Cancer Res. 2012 Jul 1;72(13):3282-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22752299