Skin Cancer
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Of these types, BCC is the most common and most treatable, and melanoma is the least common and most likely to be life-threatening.
Quick Answer
What it is
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Of these types, BCC is the most common and most treatable, and melanoma is the least common and most likely to be life-threatening.
Key findings
- Grade D: Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk (Beta-Carotene)
- Grade D: Melanoma Risk (Beta-Carotene)
Safety
- No significant reduction in risk compared to placebo (large RCTs)
- No effect on melanoma risk (meta-analysis of RCTs: RR 0.98)
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Skin Cancer
- Supplements Studied:2
- Research Trials:1
- Total Participants:1,234
- Top Supplement:Nicotinamide (B)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
Paradoxically important - sun avoidance leads to deficiency; some evidence for anti-cancer effects; supports immune function
Reduces new skin cancer development in high-risk individuals; supports DNA repair
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Anti-inflammatory; may reduce UV-induced skin damage; supports overall health during treatment
Antioxidant; may provide some photoprotection; laboratory studies show anti-skin cancer effects
Antioxidant; mixed evidence for skin cancer prevention; may support immune function
Anti-inflammatory; laboratory studies suggest effects on skin cancer cells
Antioxidant; may help protect skin from oxidative damage; topical use studied
Antioxidant; supports collagen and skin healing; topical formulations studied
Antioxidant; may provide mild photoprotection; avoid in smokers (lung cancer risk)
How It Works
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with three main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are non-melanoma skin cancers and are usually curable. Melanoma is more dangerous but also treatable if caught early.
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER:
CRITICAL: Skin cancer requires medical treatment. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY for overall skin health and cancer recovery.
TREATMENT depends on type and stage:
PREVENTION is key:
THE VITAMIN D PARADOX:
Sun exposure causes skin cancer, but we need sun for vitamin D. Solution: supplement vitamin D while protecting skin from excess sun.
* Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) has the strongest evidence - it reduced new skin cancers by 23% in high-risk individuals in the ONTRAC trial.
* Vitamin D should be supplemented since sun avoidance is necessary for prevention.
Expected timeline: Prevention is ongoing. During and after treatment, supplements support general health and healing.
Supplements for Skin Cancer
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (1)
Related Conditions
Skin Health
1 shared supplement · 110 outcomes
Skin health refers to the integrity of skin function. Healthy skin maintains a barrier between the external environment and the inside of the body, and is characterized as smooth, moisturized, clear of blemishes, and radiant.
Lung Cancer
1 shared supplement · 7 outcomes
Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, which includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
1 shared supplement · outcomes
General Cancer Care and Prevention
1 shared supplement · 50 outcomes
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide out of control and can invade other tissues. Cancer care and prevention refers to treatments to try to manage and cure the disease and strategies to reduce the risk of developing it.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
1 shared supplement · 17 outcomes
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, painful skin condition where the skin is inflamed, itchy, and the skin barrier is disrupted. Treatment generally involves addressing each of these aspects.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
1 shared supplement · 113 outcomes
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a degenerative disease of the kidneys. In addition to medication, CKD is managed nutritionally with diets that modify the intake of specific nutrients affected by impaired kidney function.
Cardiovascular Disease
1 shared supplement · 223 outcomes
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that refers to various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is the most common subtype of CVD and causes strokes and heart attacks.
Acne
1 shared supplement · 16 outcomes
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 10% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by inflammatory skin lesions, such as comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) caused by excess sebum production, bacterial overgrowth, and hyper-keratinization. Certain dietary choices and supplements can help to treat these causes while improving skin health and perception.