Increasing incidence of skin cancer – purely sun exposure alone?
It has been known for some time that exposure to the sun increases the risk of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. (1)
This week the media have been highlighting Cancer Research UK statistics showing more than 13,000 people develop malignant melanoma each year here in the UK as compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s.
The experts are blaming inexpensive package holidays and increasing use of tanning beds as the main reason for the increase. I have no doubt this is very relevant although I am not certain that studies have been done to conclusively prove this is the reason.
I mention in my book, Live Longer Live Younger (2), about Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs). These are proteins formed by the heat produced when our bodies metabolise sugars. There are also ‘caramelised’ sugars created directly by body heat that form shard-like crystals in body tissues, including the skin and can damage the surrounding area. I hypothesise that heating the skin affects those with higher sugar levels in their diet and this is why some, but certainly not the majority, of those exposed to the sun end up with a cancer. Of course, there are genetic aspects to this as well and those of us with a more Celtic, pale skin type have less protective melanin.
Prof Brian Peskin in his new book “PEO solution” (3) considers that the rising skin cancer rates are associated with the use of fish oils. He sites evidence including the fact that Australia and New Zealand whilst having the highest rate of skin cancers also have the highest usage of supplemental fish oils. He argues that the Omega 3 oils taken in non-physiological (high) dosage displace the protective Omega 6 oils (that we have to date vilified as inflammatory – he argues that is wrong) that are a very important part of the skin’s anti-cancer protective effect.
As we approach summer. The simple rules might be:
- Avoid burning. Learn how long your particular skin type can stay in the sun before it goes pink. Do not exceed that.
- Use light covering and sparing sun protective creams especially on exposed skin like face and hands.
- Avoid refined sugar and high carb meals when you intend to sun-bathe.
- Stop using fish oils through the summer months, unless specifically prescribed by a practitioner and try and encourage them to read Prof Peskin’s book – it may change their view of fish oils.
- If you are worried that you may be at risk, consider having digital photographs of your skin taken by specialist units. Pay particular attention if you have a family history of skin cancer and share similar skin type to those affected. Please look at the Melanoma Mobile website Http://melanomamobil.co.uk/
- Consider discussing with your doctor, the use of Curaderm. This natural extract as several studies supporting its use in skin cancers (4)
References
- Association of Use of Sunbeds with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Cancer 120, no. 5(2006): 1116 - 1122)
- http://www.watkinspublishing.co.uk/shop/live-longer-live-younger-by-dr-rajendra-sharma/
- http://www.pumpkinseed.net.au/media/docs/Cancer-PEO-CAMB.pdf
- http://www.curadermcream.com/clinical-studies/
