It's Not the UV But the Diet
Dateline: 03/12/98
In last week's feature, Cast Your Vote, I compiled a list of seven potential topics for features. The top two vote getters were: It's Not the UV but the Diet and The MRI into the Heart. I'll discuss the former this week and the latter next week.
We've known for some time that ultraviolet light is a significant causative agent for certain types of skin cancer. Most recommendations for prevention have focused on minimizing exposure to the sun, a significant source of ultraviolet radiation. However, new research suggests that diet may also play a crucial role in the development of certain types of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Approximately 40 to 50 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States are skin cancers. Melanoma cancer, which is very likely to spread, comprises a small fraction of the total. Nonmelanoma skin cancers make up the majority of those diagnosed.
Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. Nonmelanoma cancers can also include less prevalent squamous cell cancers. Though these cancers don't normally spread,they can cause enough significant localized damage to require extensive reconstructive surgery. Risk factors include fair skin, excessive exposure to the sun, blond hair, and previous sunburns. Recent studies have shown an additional causative link between these nonmelanomas and dietary levels of fat and antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
People at risk for developing such cancers could benefit from a low fat diet, particularly in the 15 to 30 percent range of total calories consumed. Antioxidants, such as seleninium, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can also provide protection by neutralizing the so-called "free-radicals" produced during the normal metabolic activity of the body and the exposure to ultraviolet light.
Hmmm, it seems as if mom does know best: eat a low fat, high fruit and vegetable diet, and all might be well.
What do you think? Might diet modifications provide extra protection for people at risk? How much of a reduction in cancer might we see if overall diets were modified? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
For additional information see:
- Low-fat Diet May Reduce Skin-Cancer Risk
News release from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
