Debunking the myths about sunscreen causing skin cancer
Finding accurate information about melanoma prevention, sunscreen safety, and vitamin D absorption can be challenging in view of the misinformation that is being circulated on the internet. Here’s what you need to know.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Research suggests that nearly 90 percent of melanomas are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from natural or artificial sources.
Finding accurate information about melanoma prevention and sunscreen safety can be challenging in the context of the often confusing and contradictory information that is being circulated on the internet.
Common misconceptions about sunscreen
- Using sunscreen increases the risk of melanoma
- Sunscreen causes cancer
- Regular sunscreen use prevents vitamin D absorption
How to protect your skin
- Sunscreen is only one way of protecting your skin from harmful UV exposure.
- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
- Apply broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Only sunscreens marked “broad spectrum” protect against both types of damaging UV radiation – UVA and UVB.
Sunscreen and Melanoma
In 2011, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a randomized clinical study of more than 1 600 people showing that regular sunscreen use reduced the incidence of melanoma by 50 to 73 percent. When used as directed with other sun protection measures, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of early skin aging and skin cancer (melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas) associated with UV radiation.
In addition, several scientific research studies disprove claims that sunscreen use increases melanoma risk. These comprehensive assessments of thousands of people found that sunscreen use does not increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Over the years, a few controversies have developed regarding the safety of sunscreen. The safety of sunscreens has been studied in labs by reputable research scientists for many years. The results of these studies provide overwhelming evidence that sunscreens are safe and effective.
Sunscreen and vitamin D
Vitamin D, which is produced in the skin after sun exposure, is known to improve bone health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Getting enough vitamin D depends on the following:
- Eating foods that contain vitamin D
- Taking a vitamin D supplement
- Getting a small amount of sun exposure. It is not necessary to tan or burn your skin to produce vitamin D.
UV radiation allows the body to create vitamin D. It has been suggested that sunscreen use makes it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin D. Large epidemiologic studies reflecting real life conditions prove that sunscreen use does not cause vitamin D deficiencies.
Adequate vitamin D can be obtained safely and cheaply through food and dietary supplements without the risks associated with overexposure to UV radiation.