Diet and basal cell carcinoma of the skin in a prospective cohort of men

Background: Low intake of fat and high intake of specific vitamins have been hypothesized to reduce risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC). Objective: Our objective was to examine intakes of fat, antioxidant nutrients, retinol, folate, and vitamin D in relation to risk of BCC. Design: In 1986, diet was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire in 43217 male participants of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who were 40-75 y of age and free of cancer. During 8 y of follow-up, we ascertained 3190 newly diagnosed cases of BCC. Results: Total fat consumption was associated with a lower risk of BCC [relative risk (RR): 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.90 for the highest compared with the lowest quintile of intake; P for trend