Us scientists have shown that coffee can reduce the risk of skin cancer

Coffee helps reduce the risk of skin cancer by killing damaged cells that may turn into tumors, according to a US study published on the 15th. The study shows that drinking coffee in moderation or even applying it only to the skin may help prevent non-melanoma.

The researchers experimented with mice that were genetically altered to inhibit ATR protein and found that the mice protected against cancer even if they were exposed to ultraviolet rays. Previous studies have suggested that drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee a day can trigger the inhibition of ATR protein, which in turn triggers the death of cells damaged by ultraviolet radiation. All the mice in the experiment eventually developed cancer, but three weeks later than normal mice. After 19 weeks of ultraviolet radiation, the transformed mice produced 69% less tumors and 4 times less invasive tumors than the control group.

However, the effect of this resistance is limited. After 34 weeks of ultraviolet radiation, all the mice developed tumors. Aaron Coffey, one of the authors of the study, told AFP: "in the end, if you treat them for enough time, mice will get cancer, so this is not a 100% defense." In fact, all animals will eventually develop cancer when treated with any carcinogen. " Coffey and his team have confirmed the initial hypothesis that drinking or applying coffee to the skin can inhibit ATR protein. They say more research is needed to see if it works in humans.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with 1 million new cases of skin cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Non-melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer and can usually be cured if it is found in time.