A major breakthrough is emerging in skin cancer prevention as new research highlights that a common vitamin supplement may help prevent many cases of the world’s most frequently diagnosed cancer. The supplement in question is nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3.
While previous studies hinted at potential benefits, the latest research—covering over 33,000 US veterans—indicates that incorporating this simple vitamin into daily routines could significantly reduce skin cancer risk, particularly for those who have already experienced their first case. The scale and clarity of the evidence are prompting calls to reconsider strategies for preventing skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer globally. Non-melanoma types, including basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, account for millions of new cases each year. These cancers are linked to cumulative sun exposure, fair skin, and ageing. Current preventive measures focus on avoiding ultraviolet (UV) rays and using sunscreen, yet incidence continues to rise, and patients diagnosed with one skin cancer often face repeated recurrences.
Enter nicotinamide: a low-cost, widely available supplement. Research shows that this form of vitamin B3 enhances the skin’s natural repair mechanisms after UV damage, reduces inflammation, and helps the immune system detect and eliminate abnormal cells.
In the new study, more than 12,000 patients taking nicotinamide at 500 mg twice daily for over a month were compared to over 21,000 who did not. Those on nicotinamide had a 14% lower risk of developing new skin cancers, with the protective effect strongest when supplementation began immediately after a first diagnosed skin cancer—leading to a 54% reduction in the risk of additional cancers. The benefit diminished if supplementation started after multiple recurrences, highlighting the importance of timing.
The effect was observed across the main types of skin cancer, but was especially pronounced for squamous cell carcinoma, which is more aggressive and carries higher complication risks.
Experts emphasise that nicotinamide does not replace existing prevention methods such as sun avoidance, sunscreen use, and routine skin checks. However, its simplicity, safety, and low cost make it an accessible daily “add-on,” particularly for those with a history of skin cancer.
For dermatologists, nicotinamide presents an attractive alternative to some prescription medicines used to prevent recurrence, which may be more expensive or carry side effects. As a secondary prevention tool, it is both practical and effective. Prompt intervention appears critical, with the greatest benefits seen when supplementation begins immediately after the first cancer diagnosis, reinforcing the first diagnosis as a call to act decisively.
It is important to note that the findings come from an observational study using real-world data, meaning researchers analysed health records and identified statistical associations. Most participants were white males, leaving broader applicability uncertain. While observational studies cannot definitively prove cause and effect like randomized trials, the results align with earlier smaller studies showing similar benefits.
The research does not answer every question. Long-term effects and benefits in more diverse populations remain uncertain, and the study did not focus on individuals who have never had skin cancer. Consequently, broader recommendations will likely remain limited to those with a prior diagnosis.
Nonetheless, for individuals confronting the stress of a first skin cancer diagnosis, nicotinamide offers a readily available, low-cost, and well-tolerated supplement, providing a new sense of control in managing their health.
With PTI inputs