The prevention of the two most common types of skin cancer and pre-cancers is possible by taking an inexpensive, widely available, oral pill twice daily. A supplement called nicotinamide or nicotinamide, which is a B vitamin, cut the rate of new squamous cell by 22%, basal cell carcinoma by up to 30%, and precancers by 15% among patients who were at high risk for the development of skin cancer. The dose that was studied was 500mg twice a day. As with any vitamin, this can upset one’s stomach and taking this with food is recommended.
Who should take niacinamide?
Those who have had basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, multiple actinic keratosis, or transplant patients may benefit from taking 500mg of nicotinamide twice daily. Those with fair skin who are exposed to significant sun exposure may benefit greatly as well. Speak with your doctor if you have any questions.
Best way to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer
The number 1 way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer is the regular use of sunscreen! Dr. Bader recommends using a mineral based sunscreen. The active ingredient would be zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.