CancerAnswer

There's a very good chance you know someone personally who has had skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

This year, skin cancer is expected to claim the lives of 9,600 people. according to the American Cancer Society. Unfortunately, a person born today is twice as susceptible to malignant melanoma--the most dangerous form of skin cancer--as someone born 10 years ago, and 12 times as susceptible as someone born 50 years ago.

Clearly, to reduce your risk of skin cancer, your first step is to reduce your exposure to UV radiation. In addition, certain foods may reduce your risk of skin cancer, as well as other types. Consider adding the following to your diet:

*Cruciferous Vegetables--Such as Cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage--contain phytochemicals called indoles and isothiocyanates. These compounds have been found to block or reduce cell damage.

*Green or Black tea--provide polyphenols that may inhibit the development of cancer.

*Garlic-- has been found to effectively destroy cancer cells. In one study, white blood cells from garlic eaters were able to kill 139 percent more tumor cells than white blood cells from non-garlic eaters.

*Onions-- including leeks, shallots, scallions, and sweet white onions-- can protect against cancers. Onions and other Allium vegetables contain a compound that helps prevent cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. Also, quercetin, a specific bioflavonoid in onions, has been shown to stop the growth of tumors in animals.

*Green and Orange Fruits and vegetables-- have been shown to stimulate immune function. These foods contain carotenoids, of which beta-carotene is the most well-known.

*Lemons, Grapes, plums, grapefruit, cherries, blackberries and rosehips are some of the richest dietary sources of bioflavonoids. Two particular compounds of bioflavonoids demonstrate a remarkable ability to slow down cancer growth and even reverse cancer cells to normal, healthy cells.

"PABA".....protects against ultraviolet radiation and soothes sunburned skin."

These foods fit in with the American Cancer Society's dietary guidelines: Eat five or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day; eat other foods from plant sources, such as whole grains or beans, several times a day; avoid foods that are high in saturated (hydrogenated) fat or transfatty acids (found in most margarines and many types of snack foods and baked goods); and limit consumption of meats, especially high-fat meats.

Besides covering up and eating right, certain natural supplements are known to promote skin health. They include:

*Carotenoids-- are a class of compounds related to vitamin A. They are known to reduce free-radical destruction that may cause premature aging of the cells. In addition, growing evidence indictates that mixed carotenoids, taken internally, can help reduce the damaging effects of the sun. The authors of a 1995 German study concluded, "Mixed carotenoid supplements (50 mg/day) protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

*Selenium-- may protect against ultraviolet radiation that can lead to cancer, according to animal studies. Since selenium is potentially toxic, it's important to take no more than the recommended amounts.

*Coenzyme Q10-- provides significant immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Personal friends and relatives have been healed taking this supplement. 300 mgs or more daily.

"Quercitin--

works with Vitamin C to fortify connective tissue,

and helps block the

development of tumors."

*Pycnogenol-- an extract of French maritime pine bark, has demonstrated impressive benefits for skin health. Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin indicates that Pycnogenol can protect against ultraviolet radiation-induced damage to the skin. Pycnogenol also promotes the skin's flexibility and strength, and appears to protect it from premature, sun-related aging.

*Quercetin-- is a powerful, antioxidant bioflavonoid found in onions, apples, kale, sweet cherries, grapes, red cabbage, green beans, and green tea. It works with vitamin C to fortify connective tissue, and helps block the development of tumors.

*Pau-d'arco--(Tahehuia spp.) contains a substance that triggers cancer cell death without damaging healthy cells, according to nutritionist, author, and radio host Gary Null, Ph.D.

*Tea Tree Oil--(Melaleuca alternifolia), while not specifically recommended for skin cancer, effectively treats sunburns. It provides quick relief for red and sore skin. When combined with calamine lotion, tea tree oil adds anti-infective and anti-inflammatory activity.

Clearly, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to the sun. By covering up, avoiding tanning booths, eating a whole-foods, anti-cancer diet, and taking skin-protective supplements, you can dramatically reduce your risk of this widespread-- and potentially deadly-- condition.

We love sunshine, but we need to treat it with respect. Enjoy the sun, but protect yourself. Instead of that "healthy-looking" tan, opt for a truly "healthy" skin!