Protocol · Oncology Support
Skin Cancer Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Skin Cancer Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 2 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (monitor levels) | Paradoxically important - sun avoidance leads to deficiency; some evidence for anti-cancer effects; supports immune function | Not graded yet | |
| Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) | Amount listed: 500 mg twice daily (for prevention in high-risk individuals) | Reduces new skin cancer development in high-risk individuals; supports DNA repair
| Grade D for Melanoma Risk416 people | |
Confirmed studies for Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) (titles as PubMed lists them) | ||||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; may reduce UV-induced skin damage; supports overall health during treatment | Not graded yet | |
| Green Tea Extract (EGCG) | Amount listed: 250–500 mg EGCG daily (or topical application) | Antioxidant; may provide some photoprotection; laboratory studies show anti-skin cancer effects | Not graded yet | |
| Selenium | Amount listed: 100–200 mcg daily (do not exceed) | Antioxidant; mixed evidence for skin cancer prevention; may support immune function | Not graded yet | |
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–1,500 mg daily with enhanced absorption | Anti-inflammatory; laboratory studies suggest effects on skin cancer cells | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400 IU daily (mixed tocopherols) | Antioxidant; may help protect skin from oxidative damage; topical use studied | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Antioxidant; supports collagen and skin healing; topical formulations studied | Not graded yet | |
| Beta-Carotene | Amount listed: 15–25 mg daily (from mixed carotenoids preferred) | Antioxidant; may provide mild photoprotection; avoid in smokers (lung cancer risk)
| Grade D for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk30,000 people | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
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:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Most common; rarely spreads; pearly bumps, sores that don't heal
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Second most common; can spread; scaly patches, open sores
- Melanoma: Most serious; can be fatal if not caught early; changing moles, irregular borders
CRITICAL: Skin cancer requires medical treatment. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY for overall skin health and cancer recovery.
TREATMENT depends on type and stage:
- Surgical excision
- Mohs surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy (for melanoma)
- Targeted therapy
- Chemotherapy (rare)
PREVENTION is key:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+, broad-spectrum) daily
- Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses
- Avoid tanning beds
- Seek shade during peak UV hours
- Regular skin self-exams
- Annual dermatologist exams
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.