Does Eating Oranges Increase Risk of Melanoma?
Skin cancer expert advice
As seen in The Daily Express
Dr Ross Perry provided expert medical advice on the potential link between high consumption of oranges and the risk of melanoma for a feature in The Daily Express, which was entitled:
“Skin cancer warning – high orange consumption linked to raised risk of melanoma in study”
The article discussed the findings of a new scientific study by Indiana University which was published in the British Journal of Dermatology. Research was based on data from the UK Biobank together with 5 rounds of questionnaires about consumption of citrus fruit. The sample of 198,964 people included 1,592 with a melanoma diagnosis and 197,372 with no diagnosis.
The results of the research suggest that consuming more than 2 servings of citrus fruit a day (especially oranges and orange juice) is associated with a 63% higher risk of melanoma compared to those who had no citrus fruit.
Those eating more than one serving of oranges per day had a 79% increased risk of melanoma and those drinking more than one serving of orange juice had a 54% increased risk compared to those who did not consume oranges or orange juice.
Those with lighter complexion were found to be at higher risk with consumption of citrus fruit/juice.
However, previous studies have been inconsistent.
Dr Ross Perry, from skin clinics chain Cosmedics, told Express Health readers that potentially detrimental dietary changes are not the key to avoiding melanoma; as there are other more significant issues to consider first, such as sun exposure and regular self-checking. He explained:
“The association with citrus fruits in particular has been suggested in previous studies as increasing the risk to melanoma. Whilst this latest study may add further evidence, given the number of other factors that are well known to contribute to one’s melanoma risk I think these should be more in the forefront of our minds than how many oranges we have.
“Fruits have many positives and rich in nutrients and feel this would outweigh any theorised potential risk of melanoma risk.
“Wear sunscreen, be wary of new or changing moles and don’t worry about having your daily glass of orange juice and keep consumption in keeping with a balanced diet.”
How to spot melanoma
The Express article reminded readers that the most common signs of melanoma are the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
NHS advice reminds us that sun exposure is the main factor here:
“Melanomas are uncommon in areas that are protected from sun exposure, such as the buttocks and the scalp.
“In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and are more than one colour. The mole may also be larger than normal and can sometimes be itchy or bleed.
“Look out for a mole that gradually changes shape, size or colour.”
Anyone with concerns about a mole should make an appointment with a GP as early as possible. Early diagnosis gives the best outcomes.
Read More
You can find the full article at https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1417453/skin-cancer-high-orange-consumption-melanoma-risk.
Mole Removal
By Experienced Doctors & Surgeons
Cosmedics Skin Clinic is a leading provider of mole removal procedures in the UK with clinics in London and Bristol, carrying out thousands of procedures to remove unwanted moles for cosmetic reasons. Consultations and mole removal surgery are carried out by experienced doctors who can remove moles same day using local anaesthetic to make the treatment completely pain-free. The team use the latest methods designed for minimal-scarring results after healing. All moles are sent for independent lab testing as a precaution and the results are sent to the client within a few days.
The team of experts also offer a top to toe mole check, which assesses every part of the skin to identify any potential issues. This is carried out by trained and experienced doctors or surgeons. Most moles do turn out to be ‘cosmetic’ issues rather than a ‘medical’ concern. However, when a mole is found to be suspicious, early treatment tends to lead to the best results.
Dr Ross Perry
Dr Ross Perry is Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
He qualified at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1994. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.
He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is best known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags) and natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic injections (BOTOX® Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Facial Fillers) as well as sun damage.
He regularly advises the press on health matters and has special expertise on matters relating to the skin.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors. The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers and laser treatments; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.
Call 020 7386 0464 or email info@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.
Get In Touch
Please fill in your details and our skin advisors will call you back to give you more information.
You can also add an optional short message.
[elfsight_whatsapp_chat id=”1″]