Skin Cancer: Sun Exposure,
Immunity, and the TCM Viewpoint
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Though many cases are relatively low-risk—such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma—melanoma is more dangerous. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society projects over 100,000 new melanoma cases in 2025, with more than 8,000 related deaths. Early detection is key: when caught before spreading, melanoma has a high survival rate. But advanced melanoma can be aggressive and challenging to treat.
Western medicine typically treats skin cancers with surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiation, or topical chemotherapy. In melanoma cases that spread beyond the skin, immunotherapy and targeted drug therapies are common. Side effects may include fatigue, inflammation, skin sensitivity, and immune-related reactions affecting other organs. Even after treatment, patients often face long-term sun sensitivity, emotional anxiety, and immune imbalance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not categorize skin cancer as a single disease. Instead, practitioners look at the underlying internal patterns that allow it to develop. In TCM theory, healthy skin reflects the strength of the Lung, Spleen, and defensive wei qi. A breakdown in this system—especially due to heat toxins, dampness, or stagnation—can lead to chronic skin conditions. When those conditions are severe and unchecked, they may be seen as fertile ground for deeper disorders like cancer.
For melanoma, TCM practitioners often identify patterns involving toxic heat in the blood, Liver qi stagnation, or long-standing damp-heat accumulation. These imbalances may reflect an environment where inflammation, poor circulation, and immune suppression have taken root. Treatment focuses on supporting the body's ability to clear toxins, regulate the immune system, and recover after aggressive Western therapies.
Herbal support is highly individualized. A formula might include sheng di huang (生地黄, Rehmannia root) to cool the blood, jin yin hua (金银花, honeysuckle flower) to clear heat toxins, or huang qin (黄芩, Scutellaria root) to reduce inflammation. However, herbal formulas must be used with caution during immunotherapy or other advanced drug regimens. Acupuncture may help regulate immune function, ease fatigue, and reduce stress levels—particularly in patients recovering from surgery or facing long-term monitoring.
Prevention and lifestyle are also central. TCM emphasizes seasonal living and appropriate protection from external elements. Overexposure to intense summer sun—especially without balancing fluids, rest, and a cooling diet—can lead to internal heat and dryness. Foods such as cucumber, mung beans, and watermelon are traditionally used in the summer to cool the body and protect the skin. Regular qigong and emotional regulation also support the Liver and immune systems, helping the body respond more calmly to environmental stressors.
While TCM does not offer a direct cure for melanoma, it provides a system of care that views the skin not as a separate surface—but as a reflection of the body's internal harmony and vitality.
Vocabulary Guide:
- Wei qi (卫气): Defensive qi; the body's protective energy that guards against external pathogens.
- Damp-heat (湿热 shī rè): A pathological combination of excess moisture and internal heat, often causing inflammation or infection.
- Liver qi stagnation (肝气郁结 gān qì yù jié): A pattern where emotional or energetic flow is blocked, often linked to stress or suppressed feelings.
- Toxic heat (热毒 rè dú): A TCM term for intense internal inflammation or infection, seen in severe conditions.
- Sheng di huang (生地黄): Rehmannia root; used to cool the blood and nourish yin.
- Jin yin hua (金银花): Honeysuckle flower; clears heat and resolves toxic conditions.
- Huang qin (黄芩): Scutellaria root; used to reduce heat, inflammation, and microbial activity.
- Qigong (气功): A system of mindful movement and breath that cultivates internal energy and emotional balance.
