While the rates of using sunscreen have been surging, this rise comes alongside increasing rates of skin cancer and melanoma. This is something that researchers have dubbed "sunscreen paradox."
Sunscreen Paradox
Associate professor Ivan Litvinov from McGill University's Department of Medicine, who is also the chair of the dermatology division, explains that the issue is that individuals use sunscreen as a go-signal for tanning. Professor Litvinov adds that people think this protects them from skin cancer since the marketed product is meant to hamper the development of a condition.
However, the quantity of sunscreen applied by several people is not sufficient. Sometimes, they also do not bathe in the sun for hours after applying sunscreen to their skin. This, in turn, leads to a sense of false security.
To learn more about differing melanoma incidences across Canada's Atlantic provinces, the researchers performed 23 different focus groups.
For the first study, the researchers discovered that Canadians from Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, which both have high incidence rates of melanoma, had a higher likelihood of reporting sun protection use and greater awareness of sun exposure health risks. They were also more apt to follow the UV index.
However, these people received greater exposure to the sun because of warmer temperatures and their tendency to have outdoor activities.
A second similar study conducted with the UK Biobank reported that the usage of sunscreen was linked to a doubled risk of getting skin cancer.
Litvinov explains that both findings suggest the existence of a sunscreen paradox, wherein individuals who get greater sun exposure tend to use more but not sufficient sunscreen or other measures to protect themselves against the sun.
The professor notes that though sunscreen is important, it is least effective for skin protection relative to sun avoidance, rash guards, and sun protective clothing.
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Melanoma and Skin Cancer
While there are various types of skin cancer, melanoma is considered the most serious one. This condition develops in the melanin-producing cells. This pigment is what gives the color of one's skin. Melanoma could also form in the eyes or inside the body.
In most cases, the first signs and symptoms of melanoma include changes in a mole already existing or the development of an unusual-looking or newly pigmented growth over the skin. However, the condition does not always start with a mole. There are times when the condition surfaces over the skin that seems normal.
Some telltale signs may indicate that an unusual mole has melanoma. These include asymmetrical shapes, irregular borders, color changes, diameter, and evolution.
Melanoma's exact cause remains unclear. However, sunlight, UV radiation, or tanning beds and lamps may boost melanoma risks. To lower the chances of getting melanoma, it is crucial to limit UV radiation exposure.
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