Do Sunscreens Cause Skin Cancer?
One of my family members who is an avid Facebook reel consumer, recently sent me a popular circulating Facebook reel. You can check it out yourself, but please don’t give it even more traction, lol.
In this video the Epidemiologist, with a Master in Public Health, not a dermatologist or an MD, reviews a study published in 2023 in a journal called Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prevention. This study’s primary aim was to look for common genetic factors in approximately 20,000 patients with skin cancer and compare to 448,000 patients without skin cancer. As a side note in the findings, one of the conclusions of the study was that self-reported sun protection was associated with a higher risk of skin cancer.
The data was obtained from the UK Biobank. A biomedical database of adults aged 40-69 with self-reported details combined with genetic analysis. This included self-reported information on sex, age, hair color and sun exposure history.
According to the article, in the sun/UV protection area, patients were asked about “use of sun/UV protection” Choices for the answers included: do not go out in sunshine, and use of UV protection “never/rarely, sometimes, most of the time and always”.
The self-reported answer to this question is the basis for the expose above. We all know that our self-reporting is never very accurate.
This does not account for the type of sunscreen, level of SPF, sunscreen ingredients or reapplication. Furthermore, it does not specifically ask about sunscreen use, but sun/UV protection in general which could include a hat or protective clothing.
Nonetheless, this is just the kind of thing that patients latch on to when trying to avoid protecting their skin and justifying their golden-brown tan.
For me, it is frustrating. For each article like this that says sunscreen is harmful, there are many more that show its efficacy in protecting the skin from UV damage. As a dermatologist who witnesses the effects of lack of sun protection each day, I like to dispel the myths, but also admit some truths.
TRUTH: This article is one of many that question sunscreen efficacy and safety.
TRUTH: Most of us do not adequately apply the right amount of sunscreen, reapply, or use the most effective types of sunscreen.
TRUTH: Chemical sunscreens may get into our bloodstream and may have a negative impact on the coral reef.
MOST IMPORTANT TRUTH: Mineral based sunscreens, THINK ZINC!, are proven, safe and effective in a myriad of studies. Use of mineral based sunscreens is a proven way to reduce development of skin cancer.
EVEN BETTER: UV Protective clothing and hats are often even more user friendly than sunscreens, so don’t forget them as well.
Please don’t be sucked into social media hype. Use a mineral based sunscreen! For suggestions on sunscreen, please visit our annual sunscreen guide and check out organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org.
