Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October 2015 showed that a year of treatment with a form of Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) significantly lowered the risk of common skin cancer in high risk patients.

“This is the first clear evidence that we can reduce skin cancers using a simple vitamin, together with sensible sun protection,” said the study’s senior author, Dr Diona Damian, professor of dermatology at the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. “We hope that these findings can be immediately translated into clinical practice. However, people at high risk of skin cancer still need to practice sun safe behaviour, use sunscreens and have regular check-ups with their doctor”.