Results of a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, significantly reduces the incidence of recurring non-melanoma skin cancers among people who have had at least two non-melanoma skin cancers in the past five years. The researchers conducted a year-long study of 386 people, who averaged 66 years old and found that people who participated in the study and who took vitamin B3 twice a day reduced their chances of developing new skin cancers by 23 percent. The beneficial effects, however, declined when the participants stopped taking the supplement.
It is thought that nicotinamide assists in protecting the skin’s immune system from UV radiation by giving skin cells with an additional energy boost when they are in recovery mode after being in the sun.
Whilst the results of the study are promising, there is almost certainly much more research to be done to determine whether or not to recommend vitamin B3 therapy for skin cancer prevention. When it comes to skin cancer prevention, Dr. Ian Katz of SunDoctors Skin Cancer Clinics has straightforward advice for people. First, avoid sun during peak hours of the day. Secondly, cover up your skin as much as you can with protective clothing and sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun.
According to Dr. Katz, it is important to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Also, you must apply it generously and repeat the application every 3 to 4 hours. Moreover, you should also be observant of developments on the skin, such as moles, spots or freckles.
All these precautions become more important when you are living in a country like Australia, which reports one of the highest rates of skin cancer cases in the world. So, if you have certain moles, freckles or spots on your skin which do not look normal or change their shape, size or color, bleed or do not heal at all, then you must seek professional, expert assistance to get them checked as soon as possible.
Skin cancer is a serious disease and an early detection holds the key to diagnosis and treatment. In order to get more information on how you can prevent skin cancer or skin cancer detection, you can reach SunDoctors on 13SKIN (13 7546) or visit https://sundoctors.com.au/.
