By Joe Gorelick, MSN, FNP-C
Rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer continue to rise, even as sunscreen use increases. According to researchers from McGill University, this “sunscreen paradox” reflects the tendency of individuals to view sunscreen use as permission to tan.
The research team conducted 23 focus groups with residents of Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Canadians living in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island–provinces with high melanoma incidence rates–were more likely to report using sun protection, more aware of the health risks of sun exposure, and more apt to follow the UV index. Despite this, they were more likely to report sun exposure. Findings appear in the journal Cancers.
A second study in the UK has found that sunscreen use was associated with more than a twofold risk of developing skin cancer.
“The problem is that people use sunscreen as a ‘permission slip’ to tan,” said Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University and co author of studies with Dr. Sandra Pelaez, Dr. Richie Jeremian and Dr. Pingxing Xie.
“People think they are protected from skin cancer because they are using a product marketed to prevent a condition.”
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen or stay in the sun for hours after applying sunscreen in the morning. “This gives them a false sense of security,” said Dr. Litvinov.
Researchers stress that sunscreen use is important but emphasize that it should not be considered the primary mode of UV protection. They call for interventions to address knowledge and practice gaps in sun protection and skin cancer prevention with an eye toward this sunscreen paradox and the unique norms of communities around the world.
Dermatology NPs and PAs as well as NPs and PAs of all disciplines can take this opportunity to dispel myths and misconceptions related to sunscreen use and educate patients on effective forms of sun avoidance behaviors, sun protective clothing, and the proper use of sunscreen. Patient education regarding sunscreen use must include applying the correct amount to use and the frequency of application needed to provide effective protection.