Scientists find out dangers of excessive fish consumption

June 9, 2022  20:16

Eating more fish, including tuna and uncooked fish, is associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, according to a large study of U.S. adults published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.

Researchers from Brown University found that compared to those whose average daily fish intake was 3.2 grams, the risk of developing malignant melanoma was 22 percent higher in those whose average daily fish intake was 42.8 grams.

They also found that the risk of developing abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin alone - known as stage 0 melanoma - was 28% higher in those whose average daily fish consumption was 42.8 grams compared to those whose average daily fish consumption was 3.2 grams. A serving of fish is approximately 140 grams of cooked fish.

To examine the relationship between fish consumption and melanoma risk, the authors analyzed data from 491,367 individuals who were recruited from across the United States in the 1995-1996 NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Participants, whose average age was 62, reported how often they ate fried fish, uncooked fish and tuna during the previous year, as well as portion sizes.

The researchers calculated the incidence of new cases of melanoma that developed over an average period of 15 years, using data from cancer registries. They took into account sociodemographic factors as well as participants' body mass index, physical activity level, smoking history, daily alcohol, caffeine and calorie intake, family history of cancer, and average UV radiation levels in their area. 5,034 participants (1.0%) developed malignant melanoma during the study period, and 3,284 (0.7%) developed stage 0 melanoma.

The researchers found that higher consumption of uncooked fish and tuna was associated with an increased risk of developing malignant melanoma and Stage 0 melanoma. Those whose average daily tuna intake was 14.2 grams had a 20% higher risk of developing malignant melanoma and a 17% higher risk of developing stage 0 melanoma than those whose average daily tuna intake was 0.3 grams.

 

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