Based on PubMed | Is it true that eating citrus fruits increases the risk of melanoma?

Eating citrus fruits has not been proven to cause melanoma, but some studies suggest a small, possible association that likely depends on sun (UV) exposure and the natural plant chemicals in citrus. The strongest, well‑established risk for melanoma remains ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sun and tanning beds, along with skin type and family history. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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What we know about melanoma risk

• UV exposure is the main driver. Repeated UV exposure can damage DNA in pigment‑producing cells and lead to melanoma. ^[1]
• Other key factors include: fair skin or light eyes, many or atypical moles, family history, and increasing age. ^{[2] [3]}

These are the risk factors consistently confirmed across cancer centers and medical references, and they remain the primary prevention targets (sun protection and avoiding tanning beds). ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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Why citrus came under scrutiny

Citrus fruits (like grapefruit and oranges) contain natural compounds called furocoumarins (also known as psoralens). When psoralens interact with UVA light, they can form bonds with DNA and generate reactive oxygen species, mechanisms that are known to contribute to photocarcinogenesis in experimental settings. ^{[4] [5]}
These same psoralens are used therapeutically in “PUVA” treatments for skin diseases; however, long‑term or high‑dose psoralen plus UVA exposure is associated with increased skin cancer risk, including melanoma, in medical settings. ^{[6] [7]}

Important nuance: the psoralen doses used in PUVA therapy are far higher and are delivered with controlled UVA exposure; this is very different from ordinary dietary intake.

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What epidemiology says so far

Population studies on citrus and melanoma have shown mixed findings, often small in magnitude and sensitive to how UV exposure is measured and adjusted.

• Some nutrition studies suggest protective or neutral associations for vitamins and fruits against skin cancers, including a possible protective signal for higher dietary vitamin C intake in certain subgroups; this does not directly equate to citrus fruit causing harm. ^[8]
• Other large cohort analyses (not listed here in detail) have reported a modest association between high citrus consumption and melanoma, particularly in individuals with greater sun exposure, hypothesizing a psoralen‑UV interaction; however, results are inconsistent and subject to confounding by lifestyle and sun behavior.

Overall, evidence linking citrus intake to melanoma is not definitive, and any potential increase in risk if present appears small compared with the impact of UV exposure. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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How to interpret this for your diet

• Citrus is generally healthy. Citrus provides vitamin C and other nutrients, and has been associated with reduced risk for several cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tract in case‑control data. ^[9]
• Context matters. If citrus‑derived psoralens play a role, the effect would likely depend on UV exposure around the time you consume or handle citrus (similar to how lime juice on skin can cause “phytophotodermatitis” when followed by sun). ^[10]
• The bigger lever is sun protection. Compared to any dietary signal, using broad‑spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, avoiding midday sun, wearing protective clothing, and never using tanning beds make the largest difference for melanoma prevention. ^{[11] [12]}

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Practical guidance

• Keep citrus in a balanced diet. Based on current evidence, you generally do not need to avoid eating oranges, grapefruit, or other citrus for melanoma prevention. The overall health benefits are favorable. ^[9]
• Be sun‑smart, especially if you consume or handle citrus before going outdoors.
  • Wash hands and skin after handling citrus juices or peels before sun exposure to reduce skin photosensitivity. ^[10]
  • Use broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating, wear hats and UPF clothing, and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ^[12]
• Know your personal risk. If you have fair skin, many or atypical moles, or a family history, consider regular skin checks and prompt evaluation of changing spots. ^{[2] [3]}

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Bottom line

• There is no conclusive proof that eating citrus causes melanoma, and any suggested link appears small and possibly tied to UV exposure. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Protecting your skin from UV light remains the most effective way to lower melanoma risk. ^{[11] [12]}

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Quick reference table

Topic	What the evidence indicates	What to do
UV exposure	Strong, consistent risk factor for melanoma	Rigorous sun protection; avoid tanning beds [1] [2] [12]
Skin type and history	Fair skin, many/atypical moles, family history increase risk	Regular skin exams; early evaluation of changing lesions [2] [3]
Dietary citrus	Mixed/limited epidemiology; possible small association in high UV contexts; no definitive causation	Keep citrus in a balanced diet; focus on UV protection [1] [2] [9]
Citrus handling on skin	Can cause sun‑triggered reactions (phytophotodermatitis) due to furocoumarins	Wash skin after handling; avoid sun soon after exposure [10]

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If you’re concerned because you eat citrus often and spend a lot of time in the sun, it may help to double‑down on sun protection and routine skin checks while keeping a healthy, varied diet. ^{[11] [12]}