Increased eating of fish is associated with an increased risk of melanoma

A new study has found that adults who ate fish are more likely to develop melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer, but experts have called for caution in deciphering the findings and noted that the most effective methods we have to prevent melanoma are still limiting sun exposure and skin cancer testing.Researchers from Brown University and the National Cancer Institute followed more than 490,000 older Americans and compared melanoma rates with participants’ eating habits to see if there was a link between cancer risk and eating fish. The average amount of fish eaten in the study ranges from 20 grams or less per week (equivalent to the size of half a box of matches) to about 300 grams per week. They found that people who ate about two servings of fish a week, on average, were 22 percent more likely to develop melanoma, and 28 percent more likely to develop abnormal skin cells than people who ate less than half a serving.

In addition, it was found that people who reported eating more unfried fish or canned tuna were at increased risk for malignant melanoma. Those who ate a lot of fried fish had a reduced risk.

The first study to show this connection

It is not clear why eating fish may affect a person’s risk of developing melanoma, said Yunyong Chu, associate professor of dermatology at Brown University and lead author of the study. “We believe it’s not the fish itself, but probably some contaminant in the fish,” he said, noting that other studies have found that people who eat more fish have higher levels of heavy metals like mercury and arsenic in the body.

“Mercury consumption in the U.S. is primarily from fish,” Cho said in a press release. “So if mercury is linked to skin cancer, then it makes sense that fish consumption may also be linked. This is the first study to show this connection. We need more research to replicate these findings before we can recommend any nutrition. ”

How can the risks of skin cancer be reduced?

Other previous studies have found that eating more fish has no effect on skin cancer risk, and it may even protect. There are of course lots of other reasons to include fish in your diet. Fish is a rich source of important nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Recommend Eat fish in moderation – about a serving and a half a week, and stick to types of mercury-poor fish.

When it comes to correlations between cancer risk and specific foods, “do not be shocked by the evidence that has not yet been proven,” said Dr. Sensei Litchman, director of the Melanoma Research Program at the University of Oregon Health and Science. Exercise well, all in moderation. It gives the greatest resilience that can be obtained against any type of disease, including cancer. ”