Three quarters of young UK adults risk skin cancer by seeking suntan
BMJ 2004; 328 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7443.786-b (Published 01 April 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;328:786
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It is interesting to see how, with predictable regularity, comments
about skin cancer caused by sun exposure appear in the public media and,
it seems, everywhere.
I will not take the time to point to specific studies or statistics today
but intend to point out a few minor glitches.
Melanoma in the area of Britain, including the British Isles, has
increased noticeably. Melanoma has doubled in Queensland, Australia in the
last decade.
Public health efforts in both locations have been very visible and it
stands to reason that the time people spend in the sun has not increased
(much less doubled) in the last few years. Also, ozone phenomena
notwithstanding, the actual amount of sunshine reaching potential victims
surely has not increased significantly, if at all.
I notice that, in the British Isles, many melanomas occur on the feet that
are normally covered because of the climate conditions.
Some friendly Japanese researchers propose that melanoma is caused by the
"pre-conditioning " of the site by excess consumption of vegetable oils.
This would lead to vulnerability concerning solar rays (DNA damage).
If this sounds far-fetched to you let me remind you that the cholesterol
hypothesis is much more laughable.
Whether these researchers have a point is hard to determine now. As for
myself, I would not for a minute believe that suntanning -whether done in
the studio or on the beach- is the cause of skin cancers.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: Sunnyside - up okay ?
Sir
Dr Nehrlich has a point.
Statistics tell us that those using sun blocks are more likely to
develop skin cancer than those who do not - a fact usually ignored by the
media which continually represents a 'professionals' view that the sun,
rather than unnatural chemicals in sun blocks and creams and radiation
from UV-Ray machines people subject their delicate skin to, is responsible
for the sudden increase in such cancers.
Such statistics ought to require government to apply the
precautionary principle to protect the public through the suspension of
sale of all sun blocks/creams until satisfactory epidemiological research
is performed on populations to ensure they are safe; if governments are
not prepared/able to protect the public in that way, perhaps warning
notices can be displayed on such products (including UV radiation -
'tanning' machines) so people are aware of the probability. At the moment
many 'advisers', including medical, on skin cancer tell the public to
increase sun-blocks/creams and, statistically, this cannot be acceptable
advice.
Regards
John H.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests