Rising sunscreen usage is linked to higher melanoma and skin cancer rates, termed the “sunscreen paradox.” Studies suggest misuse and over-reliance on sunscreen, demanding global interventions and emphasis on other sun security approaches.
Sun block is necessary, says Dr. Ivan Litvinov, but it is also the least efficient way to safeguard your skin when compared to sun protective clothes and sun avoidance.
Sunscreen use is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, scientists state, is the sunscreen paradox.
” The problem is that people utilize sunscreen as a consent slip to tan,” stated Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University and co-author with Dr. Sandra Peláez, Dr. Richie Jeremian and Dr. Pingxing Xie of two current studies that check out the sunscreen paradox.
” People believe they are secured from skin cancer due to the fact that they are using an item marketed to avoid a condition.”
Many people do not apply adequate sun block or stay in the sun for hours after applying sunscreen in the morning. “This provides a false sense of security,” said Litvinov.
To comprehend the aspects between differing incidence rates of melanoma in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, a group of researchers including Litvinov and Peláez carried out 23 focus groups.
Despite this, they likewise received more sun direct exposure due to warmer temperature levels and a propensity to engage in outside activities.
In a 2nd study [ 2] of the United Kingdom Biobank by Jeremian, Xie, and Litvinov, the researchers documented that sun block use was remarkably connected with a more than twofold threat of developing skin cancer.
The sun block paradox
” These combined findings recommend a sun block paradox, whereby individuals with greater levels of sun direct exposure also tend to use more however not a sufficient quantity of sun block or other sun-protection measures, offering an incorrect sense of security,” said Litvinov.
Interventions to address knowledge and practice spaces in sun security and skin cancer prevention should consider this sun block paradox and the unique standards of communities around the globe, he added.
” Sunscreen is essential, however it is also the least reliable way to protect your skin when compared to sun protective clothes, rash guards, and sun avoidance. Individuals can and ought to enjoy the outdoors, however without getting a sunburn or a suntan,” said Litvinov.
Recommendations:
” Understanding the Perceived Relationship between Sun Exposure and Melanoma in Atlantic Canada: A Consensual Qualitative Study Highlighting a “Sunscreen Paradox”” by Sauliha Alli, Jonathan LeBeau, Agustina Hasbani, François Lagacé, Ivan V. Litvinov and Sandra Peláez, 26 September 2023, Cancers.DOI: 10.3390/ cancers15194726.
” Gene– Environment Analyses in a UK Biobank Skin Cancer Cohort Identifies Important SNPs in DNA Repair Genes That May Help Prognosticate Disease Risk” by Richie Jeremian, Pingxing Xie, Misha Fotovati, Philippe Lefrançois and Ivan V. Litvinov, 13 September 2023, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & & Prevention.DOI: 10.1158/ 1055-9965. EPI-23-0545.
In spite of this, they likewise received more sun exposure due to warmer temperature levels and a propensity to engage in outside activities.
