Does sunscreen actually lower the risk of skin cancer?

The use of sunscreen has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people believing that it helps to lower the risk of skin cancer. However, some studies have questioned the effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer. So, is there evidence to support that sunscreen actually lowers the risk of skin cancer?

Benefits of sunscreen

The short answer is yes, there is evidence to support that sunscreen can lower the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the DNA in skin cells and leads to mutations that can cause cancer. Sunscreen works by blocking or absorbing UV radiation, thus reducing the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin and lowers the risk of skin cancer.

Several studies have demonstrated the protective effects of sunscreen against skin cancer. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that daily sunscreen use reduced the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 50 percent over a period of four years. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that regular sunscreen use reduced the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma, another type of skin cancer, by 40 percent.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer depends on several factors, including the type of sunscreen used, how often it is applied, and the amount used. Sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB radiation, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, are recommended by dermatologists for optimal protection. Additionally, sunscreen should be applied generously and frequently, every two hours or after swimming or sweating, to ensure adequate coverage.

Other considerations

Moreover, it is also important to use other sun protection measures, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest. Sunscreen should be used as a supplementary measure in addition to these other sun protection methods.

Risks from sunscreen

While sunscreen can lower the risk of skin cancer, there are also concerns about the safety of sunscreen itself. Some studies have suggested that certain chemicals found in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, may be harmful to human health and the environment. However, the evidence is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed to determine the safety of these chemicals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is evidence to support that sunscreen can lower the risk of skin cancer. However, the effectiveness of sunscreen depends on several factors, including the type of sunscreen used and how often it is applied. Sunscreen should be used as a supplementary measure in addition to other sun protection methods, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing. While there are concerns about the safety of certain chemicals found in sunscreen, more research is needed to determine their effects on human health and the environment.

Sources

1. Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jan 20;29(3):257-63. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078. Epub 2010 Dec 13. PMID: 21149662.

2. Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jan 20;29(3):257-63. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078. Epub 2010 Dec 13. PMID: 21149662.

3. Hughes MC, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013 Jun 4;158(11):781-90. doi: 10