Preventing skin cancer with our diet

Intake of shrimps and salmon can prevent skin cancer

 In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can prevent skin cancer with our diet.

Skin cancer is more common in Caucasians, but the incidence is on the rise in the black com­munity according to WHO.

The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell car­cinoma. These usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin can­cer, melanoma, is more dangerous but fortunately less common.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more com­mon in people who:

● Spend a lot of time in the sun or suffered sunburn.

● Have light coloured skin, hair and eye.

● Have family history.

● Older than 50 years.

Because the sun’s ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays promote cancer causing changes in the skin, learning sun safe prac­tices is one way to protect one from skin cancer. Another way is to know the signs of skin cancer. This is usually a mole that is oddly shaped, strange­ly coloured, or unusually large, may be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it grows. That’s why it is important to check your skin regularly for moles and/or changes in already existing moles. You should also have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. These steps can help in early diagnosis and management of skin cancer- the stage when cancer is most likely to be treated successfully. Catching cancer early may also prevent certain types of skin cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.

In the misdt of all this, diet plays an important role which has to be harnessed.

Foods to include

● Astaxanthin rich foods such as; salmon and shrimps.

● Catechin rich foods such as green tea.

● D-limonene rich foods such as, grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, and bell peppers.

● Monounsaturated fatty acid rich foods such as; almonds, avocado, and walnuts.

Lifestyle modification

● Avoid direct exposure of the skin to the sun.

● Wear sunscreens when visiting the beach or pool.

● Wearing of protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for people who work directly under the sun and people with light coloured skin, hair and eye.

● Avoid excessive bleaching of the skin.

● Avoid cigarette smoking.

In conclusion, managing skin cancer can be very stressful and uncomfortable. A well-tailored diet and lifestyle can go a long way to prevent skin cancer. By following the recommendations above skin cancer will become the least of our worries.

The writer Dr. Bernice Asare Korkor is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult.

“Your diet your health, your health your wealth” Email holistichealthconsult.gmail.com