Researchers from Italy have reported that the Mediterranean diet may protect persons from cutaneous melanoma. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Epidemiology on June 11, 2008.¹

Cutaneous melanoma is thought to be related to sun exposure. Preventative measures include avoidance of sun exposure, avoidance of tanning beds, and the use of sunscreens. However, the role of sunscreens in preventing cutaneous melanoma is controversial. As well, a recent report suggested that women taking antioxidant supplements had a fourfold risk of developing melanoma.

These researchers looked at the intake of fish, shell fish, fish rich in n-3 fatty acids, as well as vegetable and fruit consumption in relation to the development of cutaneous melanoma in 304 incident cases and 305 controls. They found that high consumption of the following items was associated with a lower risk of cutaneous melanoma when corrected for other risk factors:

• Fish (OR=0.65)
• Fish rich in n-3 fatty acids (OR=0.52)
• Daily tea drinking (OR=0.42)
• Vegetables including carrots, cruciferous and leafy vegetables (OR=0.50)
• Fruits (OR=0.50)

They did not find an association for alcohol consumption or other food items.

Comments: These data suggest that there may be another reason to favor the Mediterranean diet other than for the cardiovascular benefits.

Related News:

Melanoma Rates Increasing in Young Women (7/15/2008)

Antioxidant Supplements Linked to Increased Rates of Skin Cancer in Women (8/27/2007)

The Role of Sunscreen in Increasing or Decreasing Risk of Melanoma Still Uncertain (12/29/2003)

Sun Burn and Tanning Salons During Adolescence and Young Adulthood Confirmed as Risk Factors for Melanoma in Women (10/15/2003)

Reference:

¹ Fortes C, Mastroeni S, Melchi F, et al. A protective effect of the Mediterranean diet for cutaneous melanoma. International Journal of Epidemiology [early online publication]. July 11, 2008.