Cancer-preventive Effects of Sunscreens Are Uncertain

Provocative findings have been published suggesting that the use of sunscreens may promote skin cancer. A recent meeting of international experts on the use of sunscreens and skin cancer was held at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon. The workshop concluded that the topical use...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment ＆ Health Environment ＆ Health, 2000-12, Vol.26 (6), p.529-531
Main Authors: Vainio, Harri, Bianchini, Franca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Carcinoma, Basal Cell - epidemiology
Carcinoma, Basal Cell - prevention & control
Children
Commentaries
Condoms
Diseases of the skin. Cosmetics
France - epidemiology
Genetic mutation
Humans
Medical sciences
Melanoma
Melanoma - epidemiology
Melanoma - prevention & control
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced - epidemiology
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced - prevention & control
Nevus
Phenotypes
Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects)
Skin cancers
Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control
Squamous cell carcinoma
Sunburn
Sunscreening agents
Sunscreening Agents - standards
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Summary:Provocative findings have been published suggesting that the use of sunscreens may promote skin cancer. A recent meeting of international experts on the use of sunscreens and skin cancer was held at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon. The workshop concluded that the topical use of sunscreens reduces the risk of sunburn and that sunscreens probably prevent squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin when used mainly during unintentional sun exposure. No conclusion could be drawn about the cancer-preventive activity of topical sunscreens against basal-cell carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma. The use of sunscreens can extend the duration of intentional sun exposure, such as sunbathing. Such an extension may increase the risk for cutaneous melanoma. The workshop warned against relying solely on sunscreens for protection from ultraviolet radiation.
ISSN:0355-3140
1795-990X
DOI:10.5271/sjweh.578