Australian research shows taking Vitamin B3, which is found in Vegemite and beer, reduces the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer recurring in patients.
People with a history of non-melanoma skin cancers who took a form of vitamin B3, nicotinamide, twice-daily cut their chance of developing new ones by 23 per cent.
"The study involved almost 400 skin cancer 'frequent flyers', ranging from bronze to platinum one, those who had lots of sun spots, lots of skin cancers," Professor Diona Damian said.
"At the end of a year, the people who were on the vitamin B3 ended up with about a quarter-less new skin cancers than the people on the placebo and had 15 per cent less sunspots.
"This is the first clear evidence that we can reduce skin cancers using a simple vitamin, together with sensible sun protection."
Professor Damian led the University of Sydney research published in the .
The study didn't look at melanoma patients, only those with skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which will affect half of all Australians.
Professor Damian also stressed the study didn't involve nicotinic acid, another form of vitamin B3 associated with side-effects.
Basal and squamous cancers are four times as common as all other cancers combined, and cost the nation more than $500 million annually.
"The incidences of skin cancer continue to increase as the population gets older so it's nice to find some way of helping to pare that back a bit, to put a handbrake on the numbers."
Professor Damian said the study participants who were the hardest hit by skin cancer got the most benefit from the vitamin.
"It is a medication, not just a vitamin supplement for these people.
"It is a treatment for people who already have dermatologists and they should discuss it with their doctor before starting to ensure they are suitable."
And of course they should still practice sun safe behaviour, using sunscreen and having regular check-ups.
