A daily vitamin pill could help prevent skin cancer - particularly among women, the Daily Mail reported Friday. Scientists say taking food supplements containing vitamin A can make people less likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. A study found that retinol - a key component of Vitamin A - could protect against the illness. The strongest protective effects were found in women and in sun exposed sites, suggesting retinol actually combats skin cancer. Previous research with mice has shown retinol and carotenoids can shrink melanoma tumours and improve survival.