Many Citrus Juice Consumption Increases the Risk of Melanoma

Increases the Risk of Melanoma - People who consume large amounts of citrus, either as juice or in fruit, may have an increased risk of getting melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, researchers say. In a study of 100,000 Americans, an unexpected association was found between high consumption of citrus, specifically orange juice or whole grapefruit, and risk of melanoma, they say. A 36 percent higher risk of the cancer was seen in those who had a serving of citrus fruit or juice 1.6 times each day when compared with who had a serving less than two times a week, the researchers report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. They were quick to emphasize that a link or association is not the same thing as determining a true cause-and-effect relationship.

citrus juice

citrus juice increases the risk of melanoma

However, the researchers pointed out a plausible mechanism for how citrus might increase a skin cancer risk. Oranges and grapefruit contain "photoactive" compounds that can affect the skin and its cells, they explain; one is furocoumarins, which can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. The other is psoralen, which along with furocoumarins can cause melanoma cells to multiply. Until 1996, psoralen had been added to suntan lotion as a tanning activator. Their presence in citrus has been demonstrated to affect the skin, says researcher and dermatologist Dr. Abrar Qureshi from Brown University.

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Overall, the risk of melanoma is small - fewer than 2 percent of the 100,000 people in the 25-year study got melanoma. Although the findings are "intriguing," it's far too soon for any changes to dietary recommendations regarding grapefruit and oranges, the American Society of Clinical Oncology said in a statement. Qureshi agrees, urging people to protect their skin by limiting their sun exposure, staying in the shade, wearing a hat and using sunscreen.

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