More people have skin cancer than any other type, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nearly 20 percent of people living in the United States will develop skin cancer at some point. To reduce your skin cancer risk, limit sun exposure, especially in the peak daylight hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you do expose yourself to sunlight, cover yourself with clothing and apply sunblock. Additionally, following a few skin cancer prevention diet tips can reduce your skin cancer risk.
Get Vitamin D From Food
Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because you produce this essential nutrient from exposure to sunlight. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor for skin cancer, the Skin Cancer Foundation says. Because sunlight exposure boosts skin cancer risk, it's important to get enough vitamin D. Fortunately, you don't have to sunbathe to get the vitamin D your body needs. You can get plenty of vitamin D from food and supplements. Vitamin D rich foods include dairy products, fortified orange juice, mushrooms and fatty fish. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends 1,000 international units of vitamin D per day for skin cancer prevention.
Eat Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The antioxidants and healthy fats in extra virgin olive oil are particularly good at fighting off skin cancer, says Robert W. Owen of the German Cancer Research Center. In a paper published in the October 2000 issue of "The Lancet Oncology," Owen says that antioxidants in olive oil block precancerous skin cells from becoming cancerous. When choosing olive oil, opt for extra virgin olive oil because it has more beneficial antioxidants than standard olive oil.
Eat Fatty Fish
The omega-3 fats in fatty fish may protect against skin cancer, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Fish rich in omega-3 fats include mackerel, herring, swordfish, catfish, salmon and tuna.
Load Up on Fruit
Fruit are bursting with antioxidants that shield the skin from the cellular damage that can lead to cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that carrots, onions, broccoli and apples may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of skin cancer.
