Sprawled on a sunny beach while on vacation, the last thing most people want is a steaming cup of coffee. But according to a new study by UW researchers, that's exactly what they should drink to help prevent skin cancer. The scientists, who partnered with a team from Rutgers University in New Jersey, found that caffeine decreases levels of an enzyme called ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related, or ATR, which in turn decreases one's risk of getting non- melanoma skin cancer. A reduction in ATR was associated with 69 percent fewer tumors overall, and four times fewer invasive tumors. So far, they've only tested mice, but hope to conduct a human study in the near future.
The research goes back a decade, with original efforts focusing on whether green or black tea reduced skin cancer in mice. Caffeinated versions of both teas proved effective, while decaffeinated types did not.
A topical solution of caffeine, applied directly on the mice, also resulted in 72 percent fewer cases of squamos cell carcinomas, a type of skin cancer.
Some companies are taking notice and beginning to incorporate caffeine into their sunscreens. Fourth on a lenghty list of ingredients for SkinMedica's Environmental Defense Sunscreen, which costs $40 for a three-ounce tube, is caffeine.
Starbucks, take notice.