A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology involving nearly 34,000 veterans found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) twice daily for at least one month significantly reduces the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer recurrence, with a 54% reduction among those treated after their first diagnosis.

Overall, the study showed about a 14% reduction in skin cancer risk across all participants, mainly affecting basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with the most notable decrease seen in squamous cell cancers.

The protective effects of nicotinamide were most pronounced when started after the first occurrence of skin cancer, especially benefiting patients with squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer.

Skin cancer rates are rising globally, with UK diagnoses increasing by nearly a third over the past decade, and projections estimate up to 26,500 melanoma cases annually in the UK by 2040, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection.

The study did not evaluate nicotinamide's impact on melanoma, which is more aggressive, and experts emphasize that sunscreen use and protective clothing remain the most effective prevention strategies.

Dr. Lee Wheless, the study’s corresponding author, highlighted the potential for changing screening and prevention guidelines but noted the need for better patient selection, as only about half of at-risk individuals develop multiple skin cancers.

While melanoma is less common but more dangerous due to rapid spread, non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more prevalent and often caused by UV exposure, making early detection critical.

Skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, have different causes and symptoms, and sun protection remains vital given high rates of sun damage and sunbed use.

The study's limitations include its retrospective observational design and a predominantly male cohort, which may limit the generalizability of the findings, although the studied population is at higher risk.

Vitamin B3 is known to protect cells from UV radiation damage, and while topical B3 products are popular for skin appearance, their role in cancer prevention remains uncertain.

Experts suggest that earlier initiation of nicotinamide supplementation could be more effective for prevention, especially for high-risk individuals or those showing early precancerous changes, though more research is needed.

The findings imply that earlier use of nicotinamide might shift clinical practice toward prevention rather than treatment, but identifying who would benefit most requires further study.

In the UK, over 25,000 people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma annually, which can be highly survivable if caught early but may spread and become difficult to treat if untreated.