Claims circulating on social media assert that using sunscreen raises skin cancer risk. However, scientific evidence indicates that sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays, the primary cause of melanoma. Misleading posts reference inaccurate data supposedly from the Connecticut Tumor Registry, which does not support such claims. Experts emphasize that increased skin cancer rates are linked to improved diagnostics rather than sunscreen use. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the misconception and growing cases of skin cancer despite increased sunscreen application.
Claim: "It is an indisputable fact that the countries that use the most sunscreen, have the highest incidence of skin cancer... And the more sunscreen they use, the greater the prevalence."
There is no scientific evidence that supports the association of sunscreen use with a higher risk of cancer, Brittany Schaefer, Public Information Officer with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health told DW.
The original cancer incidence data likely came from the CT Tumor Registry decades ago, but not the added text boxes regarding sunscreens.
Possible reasons for misunderstandings and myths around linking skin cancer risk and sun protection include access to better diagnostics and treatment.
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