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Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Prevention

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Non-Melanoma skin cancer prevention is easier than you think. Still, NMSC is cancer so those of diagnosed with it will want to reduce our risk of it becoming NMSC becoming melan0ma.

For the record I sat in the sun way too much as a teen. A diagnosis of a blood cancer at 34 led to aggressive, high dose chemotherapy (autologous stem cell transplant) and an increased risk of skin cancer. My point is that it is no surprise that in my sixties a number of NMSCs began to appear on my skin.

The challenge of non-Melanoma skin cancer prevention is for me is to figure out how to treat such an early stage form of skin cancer. I have had too many bad experiences with conventional cancer therapies.

I did have my first concern (mole appeared on my face) removed surgically. Minimal scarring, biopsy came back “indeterminate.” This first experience was enough of a warning for me to learn more about what I could do to treat my NMSCs with evidence-based but non-toxic therapies.

Non-melanoma skin cancer statistics-

  • The 5-year relative survival for BCC is 100%-
  • The 5-year relative survival for SCC is slightly less at 95%-
  • Most non-melanoma skin cancers are low grade and grow slowly-
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer is often found and treated early, so the prognosis is very good-
  • BCC, the most common type of skin cancer, rarely spreads to other parts of the body-
  • SCC often has a low risk of coming back after treatment-

What evidence-based non-conventional therapies are their to treat non-melanoma skin cancer?

Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

  • What It Is: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Topical formulations are being studied as adjunct therapies.
  • Evidence: Some preclinical studies and small trials suggest curcumin may help reduce tumor cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in skin cancer cells. Its effect may be enhanced when combined with light-based therapies.
  • Limitations: More research is needed to establish standardized formulations, dosages, and administration techniques for curcumin in non-melanoma skin cancer.

Cannabinoids (CBD and THC)

  • What It Is: Cannabinoids have shown anti-cancer properties in some studies, possibly by promoting cell death in tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. Research is ongoing into topical formulations for skin cancer.
  • Evidence: Preliminary studies suggest potential efficacy, but robust clinical trials in humans are still needed.
  • Limitations: Cannabinoid therapies are not yet approved for skin cancer, and clinical efficacy is still under investigation.

I find it pretty easy to supplement with both curcumin (500 mg daily) and resveratrol (250 mg. daily) as well as squeeze two droppers of CBD oil (Charlotte’s Web) in my mouth before bed nightly before bed. Meaning, non-melanoma skin cancer prevention seems straightforward for me.

It is impossible to prove a negative so I can only report that I have never been diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) nor have any of my moles/NMSC/etc. ever developed into skin cancer (melanoma).

Email me if you would like to learn more about NMSC- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

David Emerson

  • Cancer Survivor
  • Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Effects of Resveratrol on Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC): A Comprehensive Review

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) represents the most prevalent form of skin cancer globally, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common types.

The search for effective chemopreventive and therapeutic agents has led to the exploration of natural compounds, among which resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine, has garnered significant attention.

This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the effects of RES on NMSC, focusing on its mechanisms of action, efficacy in preclinical studies, and potential as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent.

RES exhibits promising chemopreventive and antineoplastic capabilities against NMSC through various mechanisms, including

  • the induction of apoptosis,
  • inhibition of cell proliferation,
  • modulation of oxidative stress,
  • and anti-inflammatory activities.

Studies have demonstrated that RES can significantly enhance the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapeutic agents, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), by inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells.

Furthermore, resveratrol’s antioxidant properties may mitigate the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by UV exposure, thus reducing DNA damage and mutations associated with skin cancer development.

In vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that RES can effectively hinder the growth and spread of various tumor cell types, including human cutaneous SCC A431 cells, and induce apoptosis. The development of advanced delivery systems, such as nanostructured lipid carriers and liposomes, has been recognized for their potential to enhance the therapeutic effects of RES, particularly its anticancer properties.

In conclusion, RES presents a viable candidate for the prevention and treatment of NMSC, owing to its multifaceted mechanisms of action, including its ability to regulate oxidative stress, trigger apoptosis, and inhibit proliferation. However, further clinical studies are required to fully understand its effectiveness and safety in humans, as well as to optimize delivery methods for improved bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes.”

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