A recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reveals that metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, significantly reduces the risk of developing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. These are the two most common types of skin cancer.
Key Findings:
Lower Risk for Basal and Squamous Cell Cancers: The study found that metformin users had a notably lower risk of both basal cell and squamous cell cancers.
Discrepancy in Black Patients: However, Black patients did not experience the same protective effects against squamous cell cancers. This may be due to the nature of the cancer in these patients, which tends to develop in sun-protected areas and is often linked to chronic scarring and inflammation.
Mechanism of Action: Metformin’s protective effects are believed to be due to its ability to disrupt cancer cells’ access to nutrients and energy, block their proliferation, promote cell death, and boost the body’s immune response to cancer.
The study strengthens the case for metformin as a potential chemopreventive agent for non-melanoma skin cancers. Metformin’s role in preventing skin cancer, alongside its other health benefits, warrants further research.
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