A recent study has shown that coffee might lower the chance of one getting basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is identified as a bleeding or scabbing sore that will not heal, and is usually found on the neck or face (though it has been found on the legs and abdomen occasionally as well). This type of skin cancer is locally invasive and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Nearly one million people in the United States are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma every year, but this study has proved that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop it. Men who drink at least three cups of coffee daily are abut nine percent less likely to get basal cell carcinoma, while women who drink at least three cups of coffee daily are twenty percent less likely to get it. Dr. Fenju Song explains the relationship: “Mouse studies have shown that oral or topical caffeine promotes elimination of UV-damaged keratinocytes via apoptosis (programmed cell death) and markedly reduces subsequent SCC development.”
I recently wrote a blog post about how coffee drinkers are less likely to get depression, and how interesting that was to me since I myself am an enthusiastic coffee drinker. This article, therefore, also came as great news to me. I find it particularly important since skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, especially amongst young people my age. It is very encouraging to know that something I love so much can prevent something so serious. I hope that scientists discover many more helpful properties of coffee in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment