Recent research indicates that metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, may offer protective benefits against non-melanoma skin cancers, specifically basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A study led by Dr. Tiffany Libby at Brown University, published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us research database. The findings revealed that individuals taking metformin had a significantly lower risk of developing BCC and SCC compared to those not on the medication. This protective effect was consistent across various demographics, including different sexes and ethnicities, with the exception of Black patients, where metformin use did not correlate with a reduced SCC risk.
The potential anticancer properties of metformin are thought to stem from its ability to disrupt cancer cell metabolism, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation. By regulating pathways that control energy and nutrient access within cells, metformin may impede the progression of cancerous cells. While these findings are promising, further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms by which metformin may prevent skin cancer and to evaluate its efficacy across diverse populations. Click for More Details
