Does Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer?
More than a million cases of skin cancer are reported in the U.S. annually. The American Cancer Society, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and the American Academy of Dermatology consider sunscreen to be the magic potion in skin cancer prevention. While the sales of sun protection products has been growing at about 5% a year so has incidences of basal-cell, and squamous-cell carcinoma and deadly melanoma skin cancer. Some experts suggest that these new cases may come from sun damage suffered decades before. But, why do some studies show sunscreen users suffering more cancers?
In 1998, researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York found sunscreen not only ineffective in stopping skin tumors but, to actually increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form. In a comprehensive review of ten studies, five showed those who used sunscreen had an increased risk of developing melanoma. Since the 1970's, sunscreen use has become increasingly common, yet the occurrences of melanoma continue to rise more sharply than any other type of skin cancer. Does sunscreen cause cancer or is it the chemicals in the product that promote cancer?
In Australia the role of sunscreen is downplayed. Australians consider sunscreen as a very last resort. They consider it far more important to wear protective clothing and stay in the shade. According to one of the designers of Australia's prevention campaign, " relying on synthetic chemicals to prevent skin cancer is laughable. It's like giving people saccharin and then telling them they can eat whatever they want and stay thin." For the most part, scientists continue to be baffled by the causes of melanoma. Many continue to believe that the sun is the main initiator, yet, fail to explain why melanoma cancers most often appear on areas of the body, such as the buttocks or soles of the feet, that are not exposed to the sun.
Until around 1950, melanoma was rare. By the mid 1960's it began exploding into the current epidemic. Yet, beaches were jammed on summer weekends in the 1930's, long before the invention of sunscreen, so why didn't the epidemic start sooner? Melanoma is believed to have a lag time of 20 years, but even factoring that in, the epidemic should have appeared a decade earlier.
As reported in Daily Dose 7/15/03 (William C. Douglas II, M.D.) : " I've been in practice 17 years," says Dr. David Goldberg, who practices at the Mt Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. " Seventeen years ago I saw people in their 50's. Now I see fair-complected women in their 30's. Since these women are probably dousing themselves with more sunscreens than their moms did, because of the incessant propaganda about "sun-causes-cancer' from the sunscreen companies and the doctors, maybe there is some link between the screens and the increase in skin cancers. In other words...Are the skin screens causing skin cancer?"
Sunscreen Provides A False Sense Of Protection
The ultraviolet energy (uv) provided by sunlight is composed of UVA, UVB, and UVC wavelengths. The UVC rays are absorbed in the atmosphere and are of little concern. Sunscreens, categorically block the UVB rays but do not uniformly block all UVA rays. The SPF (sun protection factor), whether it be 8, 15, or 45, only measures UVB protection. According to Michael and Mary Dan Eades, both M.D.s, "this is one of the real dangers in using sunscreens as they offer a false sense of protection for those who feel they can bask in the sun without worry." As reported in Conscious Choice (June, 2000), the Eades have taken a careful, reasoned and research-referenced approach to sunbathing in their book, The Protein Power Lifeplan, which they call "a blueprint for optimal health."
Dr. Zane Kime, author of the book "Sunlight", firmly believes that most suntan lotions, when used in the sun, can stimulate the formation of cancer cells. He says its the fat in the lotions that causes the problem. He recommends gradually building up your time in the sun and to use no sunscreens if you have moderate to dark skin. If you have fair skin or you must be out in the midday sun for more than thirty minutes, he suggests using a sunscreen, but one that does not contain PABA.
The Eades also question the oil bases used in sunscreens and theorize that these unstable oils form damaging and potentially cancer-causing compounds called lipid peroxides. Much like the "bad oils" in the standard American diet, the oil bases in sunscreens could find their way in the skin cells.
One of the biggest benefits of sunshine is that the UVB rays activate a chemical change in our skin that manufactures vitamin D, the nutrient that ensures strong, healthy bones. Research has shown that sunscreen halts the production of vitamin D in the body. Without vitamin D children's bones fail to mineralize and deficiencies in adults can lead to osteomalachia in which bones demineralize and become weak.
People at the greatest risk for skin cancer are those with the lightest skin, hair, and eyes. Light- skinned people with a large number of moles seem to be at the greatest risk for melanoma and should be especially careful to limit sun exposures.
Comment: We are beginning to see how "the bad" fats affect our health both internally and externally as well. Ultimately, gradual, moderate UV exposures, without burning may prove to be the safest defense in minimizing the risk of skin cancer. But, the American lifestyle is one of speed and convenience. We have come to expect fast cars, fast food, and fast tans. Have we become self-destructive?
Optimize Your Sun Exposure Without Sunscreen by Dr. David Jockers 7/11 (NaturalNews,com)
Before you lather up with sunscreen for a long day outside you should look at what is actually in the bottle. These lotions contain chemical mixtures that have been proven to block UVA & UVB radiation exposure and prevent sunburn. These chemical cocktails are now linked to serious health consequences including an increased risk of cancer. Natural strategies allow us to optimize sun exposure without chemical toxins and to boost our health.
The sun provides our body with an essential stress through its UV radiation. This UV radiation stress signals a molecule on the skin (7-dehydrocholesterol) to convert to the active form of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the body. Vitamin D3 synthesis depends upon UVB radiation, which effectively penetrates only the epidermal (outer) layers of the skin. Vitamin D deficiency is a current epidemic in our society today affecting 90% of our world`s population. According to Vitamin D expert Michael Holick, `We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world.` It is clear that most people are not getting enough healthy sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risk of virtually every form of cancer including skin cancer, cardiovascular disease and immune insufficiencies.
Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that has always been associated with excessive sun exposure. However, many recent studies have shown that individuals wearing sunscreen had a higher likelihood of getting melanoma. Additionally, melanoma patients with increased levels of sun exposure were less likely to die than other melanoma patients. Patients, who already had melanoma and a lot of sun exposure, were prone to a less aggressive tumor type. Due to worries over excessive sun exposure many people choose to lather up with sunscreen. In 2007 the FDA admitted that they "are not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer." The International Agency for Research on Cancer recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation. They have written that "sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun."
Up to 30% of the sunscreens on the market contain a form of Vitamin A that may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. The industry uses retinyl palmitate in its formulas because it is an anti-oxidant that enhances skin health. Numerous studies have shown that Vitamin A can cause excessive skin growth (hyperplasia) and that sunlight can damage the anti-oxidant and cause it to form harsh free radicals that damage DNA. All of these ingredients are highly toxic to our skin and bodies. They produce rampant amounts of free radicals that create an excess of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a potent carcinogen that causes genetic mutations. These chemicals are highly estrogenic in that they mimic the effects of estrogen within our body and cause hormonal disruptions that increase cancer cell formation.
Natural sun screen protection comes from tropical oils such as coconut, eucalyptus, jojoba, & shea butter. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide when applied appropriately are powerful protectants from the damaging effects of too much sun. It is always advisable to wear hats and other clothing if you know you are going to spend an excessive time in the sun. Apply aloe vera and/or coconut oil on any area that is overexposed to help ease the pain and nourish the skin. Both of these sources support the skin microflora and harmonize the healing process.
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com
related article:
Why Don't I Have Skin Cancer?
Views & F.A.Q.s
Sun & Tanning News
"Real Health" News
Products Marketplace
In 1998, researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York found sunscreen not only ineffective in stopping skin tumors but, to actually increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form. In a comprehensive review of ten studies, five showed those who used sunscreen had an increased risk of developing melanoma. Since the 1970's, sunscreen use has become increasingly common, yet the occurrences of melanoma continue to rise more sharply than any other type of skin cancer. Does sunscreen cause cancer or is it the chemicals in the product that promote cancer?
In Australia the role of sunscreen is downplayed. Australians consider sunscreen as a very last resort. They consider it far more important to wear protective clothing and stay in the shade. According to one of the designers of Australia's prevention campaign, " relying on synthetic chemicals to prevent skin cancer is laughable. It's like giving people saccharin and then telling them they can eat whatever they want and stay thin." For the most part, scientists continue to be baffled by the causes of melanoma. Many continue to believe that the sun is the main initiator, yet, fail to explain why melanoma cancers most often appear on areas of the body, such as the buttocks or soles of the feet, that are not exposed to the sun.
Until around 1950, melanoma was rare. By the mid 1960's it began exploding into the current epidemic. Yet, beaches were jammed on summer weekends in the 1930's, long before the invention of sunscreen, so why didn't the epidemic start sooner? Melanoma is believed to have a lag time of 20 years, but even factoring that in, the epidemic should have appeared a decade earlier.
As reported in Daily Dose 7/15/03 (William C. Douglas II, M.D.) : " I've been in practice 17 years," says Dr. David Goldberg, who practices at the Mt Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. " Seventeen years ago I saw people in their 50's. Now I see fair-complected women in their 30's. Since these women are probably dousing themselves with more sunscreens than their moms did, because of the incessant propaganda about "sun-causes-cancer' from the sunscreen companies and the doctors, maybe there is some link between the screens and the increase in skin cancers. In other words...Are the skin screens causing skin cancer?"
Sunscreen Provides A False Sense Of Protection
The ultraviolet energy (uv) provided by sunlight is composed of UVA, UVB, and UVC wavelengths. The UVC rays are absorbed in the atmosphere and are of little concern. Sunscreens, categorically block the UVB rays but do not uniformly block all UVA rays. The SPF (sun protection factor), whether it be 8, 15, or 45, only measures UVB protection. According to Michael and Mary Dan Eades, both M.D.s, "this is one of the real dangers in using sunscreens as they offer a false sense of protection for those who feel they can bask in the sun without worry." As reported in Conscious Choice (June, 2000), the Eades have taken a careful, reasoned and research-referenced approach to sunbathing in their book, The Protein Power Lifeplan, which they call "a blueprint for optimal health."
Dr. Zane Kime, author of the book "Sunlight", firmly believes that most suntan lotions, when used in the sun, can stimulate the formation of cancer cells. He says its the fat in the lotions that causes the problem. He recommends gradually building up your time in the sun and to use no sunscreens if you have moderate to dark skin. If you have fair skin or you must be out in the midday sun for more than thirty minutes, he suggests using a sunscreen, but one that does not contain PABA.
The Eades also question the oil bases used in sunscreens and theorize that these unstable oils form damaging and potentially cancer-causing compounds called lipid peroxides. Much like the "bad oils" in the standard American diet, the oil bases in sunscreens could find their way in the skin cells.
One of the biggest benefits of sunshine is that the UVB rays activate a chemical change in our skin that manufactures vitamin D, the nutrient that ensures strong, healthy bones. Research has shown that sunscreen halts the production of vitamin D in the body. Without vitamin D children's bones fail to mineralize and deficiencies in adults can lead to osteomalachia in which bones demineralize and become weak.
People at the greatest risk for skin cancer are those with the lightest skin, hair, and eyes. Light- skinned people with a large number of moles seem to be at the greatest risk for melanoma and should be especially careful to limit sun exposures.
Comment: We are beginning to see how "the bad" fats affect our health both internally and externally as well. Ultimately, gradual, moderate UV exposures, without burning may prove to be the safest defense in minimizing the risk of skin cancer. But, the American lifestyle is one of speed and convenience. We have come to expect fast cars, fast food, and fast tans. Have we become self-destructive?
Optimize Your Sun Exposure Without Sunscreen by Dr. David Jockers 7/11 (NaturalNews,com)
Before you lather up with sunscreen for a long day outside you should look at what is actually in the bottle. These lotions contain chemical mixtures that have been proven to block UVA & UVB radiation exposure and prevent sunburn. These chemical cocktails are now linked to serious health consequences including an increased risk of cancer. Natural strategies allow us to optimize sun exposure without chemical toxins and to boost our health.
The sun provides our body with an essential stress through its UV radiation. This UV radiation stress signals a molecule on the skin (7-dehydrocholesterol) to convert to the active form of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the body. Vitamin D3 synthesis depends upon UVB radiation, which effectively penetrates only the epidermal (outer) layers of the skin. Vitamin D deficiency is a current epidemic in our society today affecting 90% of our world`s population. According to Vitamin D expert Michael Holick, `We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world.` It is clear that most people are not getting enough healthy sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risk of virtually every form of cancer including skin cancer, cardiovascular disease and immune insufficiencies.
Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that has always been associated with excessive sun exposure. However, many recent studies have shown that individuals wearing sunscreen had a higher likelihood of getting melanoma. Additionally, melanoma patients with increased levels of sun exposure were less likely to die than other melanoma patients. Patients, who already had melanoma and a lot of sun exposure, were prone to a less aggressive tumor type. Due to worries over excessive sun exposure many people choose to lather up with sunscreen. In 2007 the FDA admitted that they "are not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer." The International Agency for Research on Cancer recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation. They have written that "sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun."
Up to 30% of the sunscreens on the market contain a form of Vitamin A that may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. The industry uses retinyl palmitate in its formulas because it is an anti-oxidant that enhances skin health. Numerous studies have shown that Vitamin A can cause excessive skin growth (hyperplasia) and that sunlight can damage the anti-oxidant and cause it to form harsh free radicals that damage DNA. All of these ingredients are highly toxic to our skin and bodies. They produce rampant amounts of free radicals that create an excess of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a potent carcinogen that causes genetic mutations. These chemicals are highly estrogenic in that they mimic the effects of estrogen within our body and cause hormonal disruptions that increase cancer cell formation.
Natural sun screen protection comes from tropical oils such as coconut, eucalyptus, jojoba, & shea butter. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide when applied appropriately are powerful protectants from the damaging effects of too much sun. It is always advisable to wear hats and other clothing if you know you are going to spend an excessive time in the sun. Apply aloe vera and/or coconut oil on any area that is overexposed to help ease the pain and nourish the skin. Both of these sources support the skin microflora and harmonize the healing process.
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com
related article:
Why Don't I Have Skin Cancer?
Views & F.A.Q.s
Sun & Tanning News
"Real Health" News
Products Marketplace