When you read the data, most observers remark on the statistic that the number of people who succumb to this disease is growing. Of course it's important to be reminded why but what about any new treatments?

These days many more natural remedies are being sought for what ails us, which includes some thought provoking data between the herb turmeric and skin cancer. Research has shown it to be beneficial in both the stages of prevention and during treatment.

The medical experts tell us that diet and lifestyle are big influences on who catches any one of a hundred different types of cancers. With skin cancer a lot can be attributed to our love of sunbathing and the skin damage which is as a result of over exposure.

Some of us heed the advice of health experts in limiting the time spent in direct sunlight, especially for babies and younger children, while others disregard it or foolishly believe it won't happen to them. The sensible ones have discovered that using dietary and nutrient knowledge can give them a preventative edge and reduce the risks of getting the disease.

One such piece of ammunition is a spice called turmeric, and its extract curcumin which apparently has tumor suppressing powers. One U.S. study whilst not carried out in humans or animals but in laboratory dishes found the herb to cause the melanoma cells to self destruct. It addition, it was quick to comment on the fact that those taking curcumin on a regular basis also have lower rates of some cancers.

We now await future clinical trials on turmeric and skin cancer in both humans and animals, typically in mice. The good news is that this herb extract is more readily available in dietary and nutritional supplements, so that old adage of prevention is better than cure rings true once again.




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Researchers at the University of East Anglia have completed several years work to find a compound that seems to block the movement of the pigment cells that give tadpoles their unique markings. Uncontrolled movement of pigment cells has been linked to cancer in both humans and frogs, which means skin cancer detection and prevention could be improved.

Melanoma cells in particular, are known to migrate (or move) through the body to the organs, causing secondary tumors that are one of the more high-risk forms of cancer.

Melanomas are one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer because they're both invasive and resistant to treatment.

Malignant melanoma is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths, and about 160,000 new cases (over 62,000 in the U.S.) of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year.

If research can learn how to block this process, perhaps cancer spread can be delayed or even halted altogether.

Despite the hopeful outlook, practical applications in terms of medications are likely still years away.

The compound used in this study was selected from 3,000, screened to see if they effected the pigment cells. The compound, known as NSC 84093, produced a visible change in the color markings on the tadpoles when used in very low concentrations. The continuous stripe along the back was replaced by a pattern of blocks of color along the back of the tadpole.

Biologist and lead researcher Grant Wheeler at the University of East Anglia said, "Forty of the compounds gave us an interesting difference which we wanted to follow up."

Apparently its easy to look at the tadpole embryos and see the color change - so many compounds could be tested.

A chemist at the University saw that the structure of the compound they were using had properties that showed it could bind to a zinc molecule. A substance expressed by melanoma tumors, matrix metaloproteinases (MMP) thought to be involved with cell behavior such as migration, is zinc dependent.

The compound identified by the British researchers keeps the MMP from doing what comes naturally. The team saw changes to patterning on the tadpoles depending on the strength of the dose given.

And if you're wondering what tadpoles can tell us about cancer, it helps to understand how much we have in common with the little critters. These simple creatures diverged from man a mere 360 million years ago, though they still have the same organs, molecules and physiology as we do.

This tells us that cancers in the frogs will develop and act just as they do in people.

What's more, the tadpole that becomes the South African Clawed Frog, produces eggs all year round so supplies of subjects are plentiful.

The intriguing study appears in the January 2009 journal Chemistry & Biology and though there is still a lot of work to be done, if these preliminary results hold, we may be one step close to finding an effective skin cancer detection process and treatment for one of many invasive forms of cancer. The next step is to test the compound in other animals.




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Once damage is done to the skin, only time, patience and a slathering of a cool gel like aloe vera can ease the pain. Hands down, the best approach is prevention rather than cure.

What is sunburn?

The skin's reaction to the ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight, sunburn is actually a first degree burn, and often accompanied by the familiar symptoms of tender, reddened skin. More severe burns, with bright red colouring, swelling and blistering indicate that the burn has penetrated the surface layer of the skin and become a second degree burn.

What causes sunburn?

The sun has two types of ultraviolet radiation important in a discussion of damaging effects to the skin. It is UVB rays which cause sunburn and the potential for skin cancer, although UVA radiation is now also considered to contribute to premature ageing and wrinkling.

Reflected sunlight from sand, water or snow can also cause sunburn. Certain drugs can also intensify the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Fair skinned people are more vulnerable to sunburn than darker people, but it is possible for anyone to get burnt if they are exposed for long enough at a time or place when the UV levels are high.

Few cases of sunburn require medical care, however extremely severe cases of sunburn (those involving extensive blistering, dehydration, or fever) usually require medical attention.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

When you've been burnt, you'll experience red or blistered skin. Headache, nausea and fever may indicate sunstroke, and excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer.

Which natural therapies can assist with sunburn?

Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E can help reduce the risk of oxidative damage and promote healthy skin, especially when taken in conjunction with the minerals zinc and selenium.

Aloe vera gel and vitamin E cream are soothing to inflamed skin and assist the body's healing processes when topically applied. You can also apply cold compresses, aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to ease itchiness.

Tips for healthy summer skin

* Eat light meals and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, which can cause further dehydration.

* When your skin peels or the blisters break, gently remove the dried loose skin and apply an antiseptic ointment or cream to the skin beneath to prevent infection.

* Simple precautions will prevent most cases of severe sunburn. Use gel and cream formulations to block the damaging UVA and UVB rays. Try opaque formulations containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block radiation from reaching the skin.

* The best way to prevent sunburn is to limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m (daylight savings time). Take a look at your shadow: If it's shorter than your height, stay under cover.

* UV protective swim wear and shirts offer extra protection, as does wearing a hat.




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