The Link Between Gut Health & Skin Cancer May Be Stronger Than You Think

The gut-skin axis may be complex, but understanding the concept is essential for optimal skin health. We know that imbalances in your gut microbiome can exacerbate skin concerns like acne, eczema, and psoriasis1, yet it's often overlooked in typical Western medicine treatment protocols. 

However, new research underscores just how important a healthy gut microbiome is for skin health; in fact, it even suggests a link between gut health and favorable outcomes related to skin cancer. Here's what we know right now. 

The case-control study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that melanoma participants had a different gut microbiome structure compared to the control group2. Specifically, they had a significantly lower amount of multiple beneficial commensals (a type of microbe), compared to the control participants.

The trial included 228 participants—49 of whom did not have melanoma. The rest of the group had a diversity of melanoma progression stages to ensure the researchers could track disease development and associated gut microbiome shifts. 

Those with melanoma also had a higher concentration of Fusobacterium bacteria (which has been known to cause infections3) when compared to the control group. 

Participants with early-stage melanoma had more diverse microbiomes than those with late-stage skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of bacteria diversity in the gut. We should note, previous research has found a correlation between decreased microbial diversity and chronic health conditions, like Type 2 diabetes and obesity4, as well. 

Just to be clear, these findings serve as a correlation—not a causation. So while this information may be helpful for physicians to consider when diagnosing and treating early-stage melanoma, there's no saying that keeping your gut healthy will prevent skin cancer whatsoever. 

Instead, the significance lies in understanding some of the full-body effects of skin cancer and reiterating the importance of the gut-skin axis. Nevertheless, more research is needed to confirm these findings, as well as offer specific actionable remedies for those already diagnosed with skin cancer.

Regardless, it's well worth the effort to keep your gut and skin happy whenever possible. Below, some tips to keep in mind: 

A new study found that melanoma patients had a different gut microbiome structure than those without melanoma, reflecting further differences between early- and late-stage melanoma. That's not to say stellar gut health will prevent or treat skin cancer. However, these findings may help physicians diagnose and treat melanoma in the future, and we can't ignore the power of the gut-skin connection. Not sure if your gut is thriving? Here are a few signs to look out for.