CONTACT: Donna Stein
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NUTRITION AND SKIN CANCER
ORLANDO, FL (February 27, 1998) - Skin cancer is the most common malignancy affecting Americans. One million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Ultraviolet light is considered to be the major cause of skin cancer. Prevention strategies have focused on behavioral techniques related to sun exposure, such as decreasing sun exposure, using protective clothing and sunscreen.
It has been shown in clinical trials that a low fat diet can reduce the development of new precancers called actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Therefore, one recommendation for patients that are at risk of developing precancerous and cancerous growths is that these individuals should consume a diet containing 20 percent of oneÃs total calories from fat. Speaking today at the American Academy of DermatologyÃs 56th Annual Meeting, in Orlando, Harvey Arbesman, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, Buffalo, New York, discussed recent findings in the published medical literature, regarding the relationship of nutritional factors and the development of skin cancer.
Dr. Arbesman reviewed studies which investigated the effects of dietary fat and various dietary antioxidants on the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer. "There are a number of practical recommendations that dermatologists can incorporate into their practice," Dr. Arbesman said.
In addition, some animal and epidemiologic studies have shown that a diet that contains a higher intake of Vitamin C can reduce the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Another nutritional recommendation is to increase intake of Vitamin C rich foods to obtain 500 mg per day.
"Combining nutrition with sun-reduction techniques presents an interesting and promising approach for the prevention of skin cancer, which warrants further investigation," concluded Dr. Arbesman.
The American Academy of Dermatology is the worldÃs largest society representing 10,000 physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair and nail conditions.
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