By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Broccoli isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite food. In fact, during his term in office, President George H.W. Bush once famously declared, “I do not like broccoli…and I’m President of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” He even went as far as to ban broccoli from Air Force One and the White House. But for all you broccoli haters out there (including former President Bush), be warned that you may be missing out on a great opportunity to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
A recent study conducted by Sally Dickinson, PhD, a research assistant professor in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Arizona and the UA Cancer Center, found that a naturally occurring compound in broccoli called sulforaphane may help lower your risk of skin cancer.
Sulforaphane performs two important functions that aid in the prevention of skin cancer:
- Inhibits cancer-causing pathways such as the AP-1 protein
- Activates chemoprotective genes such as the Nrf2 gene
Dickinson is currently conducting a pilot study in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University that will test the effectiveness of a topical broccoli solution when skin is exposed to solar-simulated light. This study may help us discover other important health benefits associated with sulforaphane.
La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic offers a variety of treatment options for skin cancer. Depending on the nature of your condition, Dr. Mani may recommend one of the following courses of action:
- Excision
- Cryotherapy
- Imiquimod cream
- Mohs Surgery (for melanoma)
In the meantime, start eating your broccoli. It may help you avoid the need for one of these treatments down the road.
Please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today to schedule your skin cancer consultation. Dr. Mani serves patients in the La Jolla, California area.
