A controversial post recently went viral on social media claiming that sunscreen use increases the risk of skin cancer. This claim contradicts the fact that ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause of skin cancer, especially melanoma, and sunscreen is designed to protect the skin from these rays.
One social media user, who has nearly 60,000 followers, claimed that “it is an undeniable fact that countries with the highest sunscreen use also have the highest incidence of skin cancer.” The post included a chart attributed to the Connecticut Tumor Registry (CTR), but this was denied by Brittany Schaefer, public information officer for the Connecticut State Department of Public Health.
According to Schaefer, “There is no scientific evidence that links sunscreen use to skin cancer risk.” He further explained that the graphic in question is actually neither from CTR nor from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Rising Skin Cancer Rates: Possible Reasons
Despite the increase in sunscreen use, skin cancer cases are still rising worldwide. In December 2023, scientists from the United States, Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary examined five main hypotheses behind the rising rates of skin cancer in a study. These include:
Improved diagnosis and treatment facilities: Skin cancer is now more easily diagnosed early, which has led to an increase in case reporting.
Outdated scientific studies: Studies conducted in the past do not accurately reflect current conditions and modern sunscreen formulas.
Improper use of sunscreen: Many people do not use sunscreen correctly or in the right amount.
Climate change: Ozone depletion and rising temperatures have increased the intensity of UV rays.
Increased awareness: There has been an increase in awareness of the risks of skin cancer among both doctors and the public, which has led to an increase in reporting and documentation.
In light of the data
According to the World Health Organization, skin cancer cases have increased worldwide, but the death rate is decreasing due to improved treatment facilities.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, Australia had the highest number of new cases per 100,000 people in 2022, with 37 new cases reported per 100,000 people, followed by Denmark, Norway, New Zealand and Sweden.
In the same year, the United States reported the highest number of skin cancer cases (101,388), while Germany was second. The United States also led in terms of deaths (7,368).
Sunscreen myths
Experts believe that some people use sunscreen incorrectly — such as applying it only once, not applying the right amount, or not reapplying after sweating or swimming. This creates the impression that sunscreen is not effective, even though the truth is that its effective use provides better protection against UV rays.
It is also worth noting that the US FDA began monitoring sunscreens regularly in 2011. The formulas used before that were probably not as effective as the current modern products, which is why some old studies cannot be applied to today’s conditions.
Conclusion
The claims against sunscreen that are spreading on social media are not based on scientific facts. According to current research evidence, sunscreen is an effective means of protecting the skin from UV rays, and its correct use helps prevent skin cancer. The real reasons for the increase in skin cancer are more complex and deep-seated — which are misleading to link it to the use of just one product.