Amidst a severe heat wave sweeping across Europe, where millions are contending with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), a wave of online misinformation is questioning the safety of sunscreen. As extreme heat and drought conditions become more frequent, some social media users are propagating the idea that sunscreen might actually increase the risk of skin cancer rather than serving as a protective measure.
A recurring claim often cited online asserts that the National Cancer Institute linked the introduction of sunscreen in 1940 to a 200% rise in melanoma. Furthermore, these posts frequently label sunscreens as “poison” that hinders the body’s natural ability to absorb sunlight. However, scientific consensus maintains that regular sunscreen application reduces the risk of developing melanoma, and experts clarify that no credible scientific evidence supports an association between sunscreen use and an increased risk of cancer.
Brittany Schaefer, a public information officer with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, has reiterated that such claims are baseless. Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute has never stated that sunscreen caused a 200% increase in melanoma since 1940. Reliable data regarding new melanoma cases is only available from 1975 onwards. While the rate of diagnosed melanoma has indeed increased by over 220% between 1975 and 2023, there is no evidence linking this statistical rise to the use of sunscreen.
A 2023 international study involving researchers from the US, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary suggests various reasons for the rise in cases, such as changes in lifestyle and sun exposure patterns. Despite clear medical advice to use protection, public adherence remains inconsistent. Data from 2024 shows that in Germany, 51% of respondents use sunscreen only during peak summer or direct exposure, while 17% avoid it entirely. Similarly, a 2024 poll in the United States revealed that 33% of adults never use sunscreen.
The US Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the safety and efficacy of these products, continues to emphasize that individuals should apply sunscreen regularly, even on days when the sky is cloudy.
