You may have seen claims that sunscreen causes cancer and be wondering if there is any truth in them. There is no evidence that sunscreen causes cancer. It is developed to protect your skin from UV damage caused by the sun, one of the major causes of skin cancer. Wearing it helps lower your risk of cancer and here we explore the research more and answer some of your questions.
Is it true that "people who wear sunscreen still get skin cancer, so it doesn't work"?
There is some confusion around this caused by something known as the ‘sunscreen paradox’. This concept is about the concern that sunscreen use is rising, but so are rates of skin cancer. This means some people worry that sunscreen is the reason more people are getting cancer.
When you dig a bit deeper though, what researchers find is that sunscreen wearers spend more time in the sun, and may be less likely to use other protective measures, giving them a false sense of protection and increasing their risk of cancer.
Evidence shows that wearing sunscreen helps prevent cancer, but it is best used alongside other measures such as seeking shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Why have I seen claims that the chemicals in sunscreen may cause cancer?
There is misinformation around, particularly on social media, that sunscreen can cause cancer. One concern is around benzene, a chemical which was found in certain sunscreens and other products in 2022, resulting in a product recall.
However, benzene is not normally found in sunscreens and this was a contamination issue. In the UK there are strict rules about sunscreen ingredients and there is no evidence that any of the ingredients used cause cancer. Sunscreen is an effective way to reduce your risk of cancer, and there is no evidence that it causes cancer.
What is the difference between ‘chemical’ and ‘mineral’ sunscreens?
If you’ve been shopping for sunscreen recently you may be overwhelmed by all the different options. All sunscreens protect you against sunburn and cancer. ‘Mineral’ sunscreen does this using ingredients called zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and ‘chemical’ sunscreen uses molecules such as bisoctrizole.
Some people prefer “mineral” sunscreen because they appear to be more natural but their ingredients are also technically chemicals, often manufactured in a lab.
In the UK all sunscreen manufacturers have to follow strict rules to ensure they are safe to use, so whichever works for you, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen when it comes to reducing your cancer risk.
Does sunscreen block vitamin D and increase cancer risk?
Vitamin D is important for to keep your bones healthy and to help prevent osteoporosis and other health conditions. Some observational studies suggest that vitamin D can also reduce your risk of getting cancer, but further research is needed to investigate this idea.
You can get some of your daily vitamin D hit from sunlight, but it is also found in food including oily fish, egg yolks and fortified items such as breakfast cereals.
Some people worry that wearing sunscreen will prevent them from getting enough vitamin D from the sun. The good news from researchers is that sunscreen won’t give you vitamin D deficiency. What research does show us is that unprotected exposure to the sun puts you at risk of skin cancer and other skin conditions.
How does UV radiation cause skin cancer?
All cancers are caused by your cells growing and divide uncontrollably. Although this can sometimes happen randomly, there are a number of factors that can cause cancer and UV radiation is one of them.
There are 2 types of UV ray called UVA and UVB. UVB causes most sunburns but it is important to look out for sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB to give you the best protection.
UV radiation from the sun causes damage to your DNA. Over time this damage can build up, causing your skin cells to grow out of control and eventually lead to cancer.
Sunburn is an indication of DNA damage, but it is possible to be exposed to too much UV radiation without being burned, which is why sunscreen is so important.
Why are myths about sunscreen dangerous?
Rates of melanoma and other skin cancers are on the rise. By 2040 it is predicted that 26,500 people in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma every year. 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma are linked to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds, so by protecting your skin you can reduce your risk.
Misinformation about sunscreen is dangerous because you or your loved ones may find it hard to know what to believe. Worrying research suggests that many young adults believe sunscreen is bad for their health – but if they avoid wearing it they will be increasing their risk of cancer and other health problems.
Why does research into sunscreen and skin cancer matter?
Back in 1999 a landmark trial showed, for the first time, that using sunscreen prevents cancer. Today it remains one of the most effective things you can use to reduce your cancer risk.
All new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer start with discovery research answering questions like this. That's why we fund international cancer research into any type of cancer, with the support of our Curestarters.
How can we make a difference to people with melanoma?
Thanks to Curestarters like you, Dr Joanna Groom in Australia is currently exploring the idea of using precision vaccines to treat melanoma, while Professor Sophia Karagiannis and her team in London (pictured) are investigating a type of antibody that has not been used in cancer therapy before to find out whether it could improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for melanoma patients.
Dr Adam Hurlstone and his team in the UK have also made an exciting breakthrough about how melanoma cells become resistant to immunotherapy and how to stop this happening. They hope these findings will bring us closer to a new cure for patients with advanced melanoma who have few other treatment options.
As a cancer charity we are proud to support innovative research like this around the world to accelerate breakthroughs in melanoma.
Your sunscreen and skin cancer FAQs
Does sunscreen prevent melanoma?
Yes, research shows that sunscreen prevents melanoma and other skin cancers. Around 9 in 10 cases of melanoma are caused by UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds.
Can you get skin cancer even if you wear sunscreen?
Sunscreen use will reduce your risk of skin cancer, but it doesn’t provide complete protection. Experts recommend using it in combination with other measures such as seeking the shade and wearing protective clothing.
If your skin is damaged by the sun it can take years for skin cancer to develop, so even if you wear sunscreen regularly now you could develop skin cancer from previous exposure. But it’s never too late to form new habits and starting to wear sunscreen now will prevent any further damage.
What research is being done into skin cancer?
International cancer research published in 1999 was the first to show that sunscreen prevents skin cancer. Since then research is continuing to help understand this disease and reveal new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it.
Thanks to Curestarters Dr Joanna Groom in Australia is carrying out innovative research into precision vaccines as a treatment option for melanoma. Discovery research like this is the first step towards new cures.
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