Sunscreen can protect against melanoma, says specialist Sunscreen can protect against melanoma, says specialist provided by Ohio State University unscreen can help reduce the risk of malignant melanoma, contrary to the finding of a study that received considerable media attention last February, says a skin-cancer specialist at Ohio State University's Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. There is very strong epidemiological evidence linking sun exposure to malignant melanoma, and there is evidence that sunscreens do provide protection. The February study, which was presented at a scientific conference but never published in a peer-reviewed journal, suggested that sunscreen fails to protect against melanoma and may even increase the risk of developing it. For example, it looked at the findings of five earlier studies, four of which were concluded prior to 1980, before SPF 15 sunscreens the minimum recommended protection were available. Limit your amount of sun exposure, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater on exposed skin, protect exposed skin with clothing if you're going to have excessive sun exposure, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
Epidemiological studies provide the primary evidence linking sun exposure to malignant melanoma.
The closer to the equator, the more melanoma there is. The incidence of melanoma among fair-skinned people is higher in Miami than among the same group in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for example. These people typically have light-colored hair and eyes, and light skin that tends to freckle rather than tan. Recreational risks The exact mechanism for how sun exposure triggers melanoma isn't known yet, but intermittent strong exposures that result in severe sunburns are strongly associated with it. Melanoma is strongly associated with these so-called recreational exposures.