Based on PubMed | Does drinking coffee affect the risk of developing melanoma?

Drinking coffee may be linked to a slightly lower risk of melanoma, especially with higher intake of caffeinated coffee, but it should not replace proven sun protection and skin checks. Most studies suggest a modest protective association with caffeinated coffee, while evidence for decaf is not consistent. [PM9 sup] [PM11 sup]

What the research shows

• Large U.S. cohort study: In a prospective analysis of over 447,000 adults followed for inline 10+ years, drinking 4 or more cups of coffee per day was associated with about a 20% lower risk of malignant melanoma compared with non‑coffee drinkers. This inverse link was significant for caffeinated coffee (around 25% lower risk) but not for decaffeinated coffee. ^{[1] [2]}

• Case‑control data: A hospital-based study in Italy found that drinking coffee more than once daily was associated with lower odds of cutaneous melanoma after adjusting for sun exposure and skin type factors. An exploratory genetic analysis suggested the protective signal might be stronger in people with certain detoxification gene variants (GSTM1 and GSTT1 null), though this finding needs replication. ^{[3] [4]}

How strong is the evidence?

• Consistency and size: The prospective cohort provides stronger evidence than case‑control designs because it measures coffee intake before melanoma develops and includes a large sample. Its findings of a modest, dose‑related association and the caffeine-specific signal add biological plausibility. ^{[1] [2]}
• Limitations: Even in high‑quality studies, coffee consumption can track with lifestyle habits (like time spent outdoors), and food‑frequency questionnaires can misclassify intake. Observational studies cannot prove cause and effect, and results may vary across populations. ^{[1] [2]}
• Bottom line: Evidence points to a small, possible reduction in melanoma risk with higher caffeinated coffee intake, but the effect appears modest and should be viewed as supportive not primary prevention. ^{[1] [2]}

Possible biological reasons

• Caffeine has been studied for UV‑related skin effects, including promoting the removal of damaged cells and influencing DNA repair pathways; while these mechanisms are plausible, human risk reduction data remain observational. ^{[1] [2]}

What matters most for melanoma prevention

• UV exposure is the main preventable risk factor for melanoma, far outweighing any dietary factor. Protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation both from the sun and tanning beds is the most important step to reduce risk. ^{[5] [6]}
• People with light skin and eyes, many or atypical moles, a family history of melanoma, or older age may have higher baseline risk and should be especially vigilant with sun safety and skin checks. Early and ongoing UV exposure increases risk, and indoor tanning is a known contributor. ^{[7] [6]}

Practical takeaways

• If you enjoy coffee: It’s reasonable to continue moderate intake, and higher caffeinated coffee consumption may be associated with a small melanoma risk reduction. There is no clear protective signal for decaf coffee. ^{[1] [2]}
• Do not rely on coffee for protection: Sun-safe habits remain essential:
  • Use broad‑spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Avoid indoor tanning. ^{[5] [6]}
  • Seek shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing. Limit cumulative UV exposure. ^{[5] [6]}
  • Perform regular skin self‑checks and consider professional skin exams if you have risk factors or notice changing moles. Early detection saves lives. ^{[6] [7]}

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Quick comparison of evidence

Aspect	Caffeinated coffee	Decaffeinated coffee	Study type
≥4 cups/day vs. none	Lower melanoma risk (HR ~0.75; significant trend)	No significant association	Large U.S. prospective cohort [1] [2]
>1/day vs. ≤7/week	Lower odds of melanoma after adjustments	Not assessed	Hospital-based case‑control (Italy) [3] [4]

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Key message

Coffee particularly caffeinated may be linked to a modestly lower melanoma risk, but UV protection and routine skin monitoring are far more important for prevention and early detection. ^{[1] [2] [5] [6]}