Broccoli Could Reduce Skin Cancer Risk, But Fear Not Haters - You Don't Have To Eat It

Sunglasses? Check. Bikini? Check. Rubber ring? Check. Broccoli? Ch...what?!

It might make you look like a bit of a weirdo around the pool but broccoli - when rubbed directly onto the skin - is believed to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

According to researchers, the key cancer-preventing compound in broccoli is sulforaphane, crucial in blocking pathways that cause cancer and in protecting tissue from chemotherapy drugs.

Don't worry broccoli-haters, you won't have to eat it

"Sulforaphane may be an excellent candidate for use in the prevention of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays," said study author Sally Dickinson, research assistant professor in the Pharmacology Department of the University of Arizona Cancer Centre.

"It is the kind of compound that has so many incredible theoretical applications if the dosage is measured properly. We already know that it is very effective in blocking sunburns and we have seen cases where it can induce protective enzymes in the skin."

See Also:
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Skin Cancer Charity Warn Against Using Sunburn To 'Deepen' Tan

There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (a common cancer that slowly develops in the upper layers of the skin) and melanoma (an aggressive cancer than begins in the skin - often identified by changing appearance/texture of the skin - and spreads quickly, sometimes to other organs).

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Signs Of Skin Cancer

Itchy Spot(01 of05)

A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed for more than 4 weeks, according to Cancer Research UK. (credit:Alamy)

Healing(02 of05)

A spot or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks, according to Cancer Research UK. (credit:Alamy)

Skin Change(03 of05)

Areas where the skin has broken down or become an ulcer, you can't think of a reason for this change, and it does not heal within 4 weeks, according to Cancer Research UK. (credit:Alamy)

Bowen's Disease(04 of05)

This is a very early form of skin cancer. It usually looks like a red patch that may be itchy. It can appear anywhere on the skin. But it can also develop on the moist membranes of the body. Moist membranes means soft wet skin similar to the skin on the inside of your mouth. Bowen's disease may appear as a white patch in the mouth or a red patch in the genital area, according to Cancer Research UK. (credit:Alamy)

Moles(05 of05)

New moles, itchy or bleeding moles or moles that change colour or shape, can be a sign according to Nuffield Health. (credit:Alamy)

According to the NHS, non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. There are an estimated 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer every year in the UK.

Melanoma is relatively rare, but it is becoming more common. There are currently almost 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.

“Even though there is heightened awareness about the need for limited sun exposure and use of sunscreens, we’re still seeing far too many cases of skin cancer each year,” Dr. Dickinson said. “We’re searching for better methods to prevent skin cancer in formats that are affordable and manageable for public use. Sulforaphane may be an excellent candidate for use in the prevention of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays.”

Researchers believe that their broccoli discovery could lead to a reduction in the number of skin cancer cases.

Sun care broccoli Cancer-Fighting Foods cancer lifestyle

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