New Study Sheds Light on the Relationship Between a High Fat Diet and Skin Cancer
A high-fat diet has long been proven to be detrimental to one’s health. For years, medical practitioners have established its relationship to life-threatening ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. However, the connection between a high-fat diet and skin cancer is also slowly coming to light.
A recent study done by the Department of Dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University looked into the relationship between dietary fat intake and various skin cancer types such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous malignant melanoma. The findings of two prospective studies (Nurse’s Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow Up Study) have been analyzed as well. These studies included the consumption of total and different types of fat, which were regularly assessed and recorded every 4 years.
The data showed that patients with a high intake of polyunsaturated fats have a higher risk for developing both SCC and BCC. Meanwhile, a high intake of foods rich in omega-6 is thought to increase the risk for SCC, and melanoma. Yet, BCC was solely associated with a high omega-3 intake.
According to Dr. Eunyoung Cho, further studies need to be done in order to establish a solid relationship between excessive fat consumption and skin cancer. However, there is no downside to managing our daily fat intake. While fat reduction treatments may address unwanted fat, It is also important to be vigilant with sun protection in order to further reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Do you have any questions regarding skin cancer treatment or prevention? Schedule an appointment at the nearest Advanced Dermatology clinic and speak with our skin experts today. Advanced Dermatology has multiple locations in key areas of New York and New Jersey including Long Island, Nassau County, Brooklyn and Queens.