"A new study has found no evidence that sunscreen, commonly used to reduce the risk of skin cancer, actually increases the risk, researchers said yesterday.

Writing in Annals of Internal Medicine, the researchers based their findings on a review of 18 earlier studies that looked at the association between sunscreen use and melanoma. Some studies had suggested that using sunscreen reduced the risk of cancer, but researchers may need decades to determine whether newer, more powerful formulas do more than just prevent sunburn, the study said. Advertisement

The researchers, led by Dr. Leslie K. Dennis of the University of Iowa, said they found flaws in studies that had reported associations between sunscreen use and higher risk of melanoma.

Most health experts believe that by protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, which is increasing in incidence faster than any other kind of cancer in the United States.

But questions have been raised about sunscreen and whether it may have the opposite effect, perhaps by allowing people to remain exposed to the sun longer without burning.

Among the problems with some earlier studies, the new report argues, is that the researchers often failed to take into account that those people most at risk for skin cancer "

1502 Also posted to: Home page . At: 9:54:41 AM  . .
Permalink  Top  Search Google  Technorati
Other title(s) for this story: Vital Signs: At Risk: Sunscreen: No Link to Cancer

"The incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has soared by 64 per cent among men and 45 per cent among women"

It goes on, "we need to persuade young people especially to change their attitudes towards tanning and their behaviour relating to the sun and sunbeds."

1440 Also posted to: Home page . At: 9:54:57 AM  . .
Permalink  Top  Search Google  Technorati
Other title(s) for this story: Increases in skin cancer