Page 33 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • HEALTH

Skin smart

CANCER
Tropic’s health columnist Dr
Chris Donohue explains how
a vitamin supplement added
to your usual sun protection
routine could help prevent some
skin cancers.

We are blessed to live in the tropics
with plenty of sun, water and outdoor
living. Unfortunately, Queensland is
known as the sunshine state, and it is What more can you do?
also the skin cancer capital of the world. There is growing research that an over-
A small amount of daily sun exposure the-counter supplement can significantly
is important for overall health and the reduce your risk of non-melanoma skin
Cancer Council has some excellent guides cancers. An Australian study has found
for different UV indexes. However, too that regular vitamin B3 - also known as
much sun exposure and associated UV nicotinamide - taken twice daily reduces Are there any side effects associated
radiation can damage skin and increase the rate of non-melanoma skin cancers with vitamin B3?
our risk of sun cancers, specifically by 23 per cent after 12 months. It also Some people will experience nausea and
melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell reduces the number of precancerous gastrointestinal side effects.
skin cancers. lesions by 13 per cent. Unfortunately,
there is no research as yet that there is a Can vitamin B3 cure skin cancer?
Obviously, prevention is better than cure reduction in melanoma, a less common This is an important takeaway.
and the old slip, slop, seek and slide is but serious form of skin cancer. Vitamin B3 cannot cure skin cancer and
still the old adage that should be the It is thought B3 reduces skin cancer by cannot prevent all skin cancers. Overall,
core message. helping cell DNA repair and reduce the it is important to be mindful of your
immune suppression caused by the own skin and have new or changing skin
Slip on sun protective clothing. UV radiation, which contributes to lesions seen to by a doctor experienced in
skin cancer. skin cancer detection, along with regular
Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum The most effective dose of vitamin B3 is as skin checks. If you have had previous
sunscreen liberally to dry skin at a nicotinamide 500mg tablet, twice daily skin cancers, chat with your doctor about
least 20 minutes before swimming. in the nicotinamide, and not the nicotinic vitamin B3.
Reapply every 2 hours. acid form. Most importantly, if you haven't had a
skin check there are many doctors in
Slap on a broad brimmed hat. Should everyone take vitamin B3? Cairns with special skills in this area.
Vitamin B3 has not been shown to reduce I encourage you to book an appointment.
Slide on sunglasses that meet the risk of skin cancer for people without It might be a consult that saves your life.
Australian standards. a prior history of sun cancer. So, it is only
recommended for people with a past Best,
Seek shade. history this should be discussed with
your regular GP. Dr Chris

33 • tropicnow.com.au