Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty fish, like mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, and salmon. Vitamin D – Milk, cheese, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice.
Australian researchers have found that a form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide or niacinamide), significantly reduces the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers in those with a previous history of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
"Cancer-fighting foods"
The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.
Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to reduce the number of skin cancers. In a randomized controlled trial performed in Australia (published in the New England Journal of Medicine), the risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly reduced — by 23%.
Having a weakened immune system due to medications or infections increases the risk of aggressive SCC. History of radiation exposure or use of psoralen UVA treatment are other risk factors for aggressive SCC.
Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Avoiding UV light helps reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.
Vitamin D is one of the most studied supplements for cancer prevention and treatment right now. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene contain antioxidants once thought to help prevent cancer.
Researchers found in cells and in mice that a low-protein diet blocked the nutrient signaling pathway that fires up a master regulator of cancer growth.
Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be completely removed with relatively minor surgery or occasionally with a medicine applied to the skin. Which treatments are best for you depends on the size, location and aggressiveness of the tumor, as well as your own preferences.
Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma can be cured when found early and treated properly. Today, many treatment options are available, and most are easily performed at a doctor's office.
Treatment overview
In June 2020, pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic SCC that is not curable by radiation or surgery. In July 2021, the FDA expanded this approval to include SCC that is locally advanced and not curable by radiation or surgery.
The high level of monounsaturated fats in avocados is also relevant for cancer prevention. Studies have found monounsaturated fats to be inversely related to risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers (14), pancreatic cancer (15), and bladder cancer (16).
Almonds appear twice as protective, halving cancer cell growth at only half the dose as pine nuts, cashews, and macadamias. Walnuts, pecans, and peanuts come out as the clear winners, causing a dramatic drop in cancer proliferation at just tiny doses.
Interestingly, about 60% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, including up to 60% of patients who are critically ill. In regard to cancer, magnesium intake has been associated with the incidence of some cancers and has been studied as a protective agent against chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
While some studies have reported positive anticancer effects of vitamin D supplementation, others have shown no effect or even increased cancer risk.
Stress and Skin Cancer
However, stress may also play a role, as it causes the body to produce unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. Those can increase inflammation and damage your skin's DNA, leading to mutations and, possibly, skin cancer.
Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC and OPSCC) represent the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important etiologic factor together with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
In general, the squamous cell carcinoma survival rate is very high—when detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. Even if squamous cell carcinoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the cancer may be effectively treated through a combination of surgery and radiation treatment.