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Introduction
A Sigma Nutrition Premium subscriber submitted the following question to us: “What are your thoughts on the recently released study in the US linking 2 servings/week, or more of fish to a 22% increase in risk of developing skin cancer?”
This was referring to a recent study that reported a higher risk of developing melanoma in people who ate a relatively high intake of fish. This study caused headlines and it was picked up by many outlets (including the New York Times, Sky News, etc.).
The current study used data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study which is a large long-term study involving 3.5 million US citizens aimed at improving the understanding of the relationship between diet and health.
In this episode, Alan and Danny dig into the nuances of this study to see if the headlines are justified.
Related resources
- [02.22]Context for the question and study
- [04.20]Participants & study design
- [07.31]Skin phototype (Fitzpatrick skin type)
- [17.04]Study results
- [26.06]Limitations
- [46.50]Pragmatic conclusions
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
One of our Sigma Nutrition Premium subscribers, Vern, recently submitted the following question to us via the AMA page:
“What are your thoughts on the recently released study in the US linking 2 servings/week, or more of fish to a 22% increase in risk of developing skin cancer?”
This was referring to a recent study that reported a higher risk of developing melanoma in people who ate a relatively high intake of fish. This study caused headlines and it was picked up by many news outlets (including the New York Times, New York Post, Sky News, etc.).
As you may suspect, some of the headlines would cause deep concern for some readers:
(I will note that a “well done” should go to any outlets you went for more accurate/sensible headlines, such as the New York Times, whose headline read: “Can Your Diet Really Affect Your Skin Cancer Risk?”)
In this episode of the podcast, Alan and Danny dug into the nuances of this study to see if the headlines are justified.