Study reveals a form of vitamin B may help prevent skin cancer recurrence | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHarriette BoucherTuesday 07 October 2025 01:40 BSTWhat you need to know about skin cancerA study has found that nicotinamide, an over-the-counter form of vitamin B, can help prevent the recurrence of skin cancer by repairing DNA damage.The research, which analyzed data from over 33,000 US veterans, indicated an overall 14 percent reduction in the risk of skin cancer returning.For individuals who started taking nicotinamide after their first skin cancer diagnosis, the study observed a 54 percent reduction in recurrence risk, though this effect lessened with multiple previous diagnoses.Professor Lee Wheless, one of the study's authors, suggested nicotinamide improves the skin's ability to repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and decreases UV-triggered immunosuppression.The study identified the greatest risk reduction for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma but did not examine melanoma, and experts caution that nicotinamide does not provide protection from the sun.In fullThe over-the-counter medication which could help reduce risk of skin cancerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in