Hovey 1 Michelle Hovey Suzanne Ingram ENGL 1103-029 10/30/12

Is sunscreen doing more harm than good? My topic is whether or not sunscreen is doing its job. Is it really protecting us from the sun and skin cancer, or is it just another multibillion-dollar franchise out to get our money? Even with the multitude of sunscreen products available today, skin cancer is still one of the most common and fastest growing types of cancers in the world. There are always at least two sides to any issue and on this topic there are many conflicting studies and opinions . Some people swear by sunscreen and others believe its the number one reason for the increasing number of skin cancer patients. Although most everyone agrees the use of sunscreen has some benefits when going outside, studies have shown that how and when it is used can limit its protection ability. Over the last decade or so, there has been an increased interest in what goes in or on our bodies. Over 80% of the US population is interested in using sunscreen to prevent skin cancer (Coppertone). More people are asking the question, What am I putting on my body and what is it made of? Numerous studies have been conducted to try and determine the effectiveness of sunscreen .

Hovey 2 There are three main types of skin cancer basal, squamous, and melanoma. Of the three, Melanoma is the only really life threatening cancer. While the effects of Basal and Squamous can be painful and deforming, they hardly ever result in fatalities (Davis, 129). Sunscreen manufacturers have marketed their products as a way to help prevent skin cancer. This statement is very misleading. Companies make these claims because studies have shown that there are significant trends in less cases of Squamous and Basal cancer in users of sunscreen. But, research has found no evidence that sunscreen usage decreases the chances of contracting Melanoma (McKenna, 146). Sunscreen makers willfully take advantage of the ambiguity of the term skin cancer in their marketing, avoiding any open reference to the term melanoma while strongly appealing to melanoma fears, since 79 percent of all skin cancer deaths are due to melanoma. (McKenna some page number) What about melanoma? Like McKenna stated, many people associate skin cancer with the kind that is deadly. When people read labels on sunscreen bottles claiming skin cancer prevention, they assume they are getting the ultimate protection from the deadliest skin cancer. But, in reality, they are only being protected from Squamous and Basal skin cancer. They are setting themselves up for more sun exposure and radiation. Although it has not been proven, because we still know very little about the causes of melanoma, studies seem to indicate that longer exposure to radiation increases the chances of getting melanoma (Melanoma:Causes).

Hovey 3 I am not disputing the fact that sunscreen is useful and has a purpose. It has proven its effectiveness in preventing sunburns (Davis, 129). Squamous and Basal skin cancer have shown a direct relation to sun burning. So, sunscreen is very helpful in prevention of these two types of skin cancer. There are those who condemn sunscreen and similar products. They believe all the sunscreen companies abuse the situation. They believe that the industry is just a massive hoax to produce money (tanning info). The risks of sun exposure are exaggerated. They claim all the research that has been done linking sun exposure and skin cancer has been done in conjunction with these sunscreen companies. So, the reports always favor the use of their products. Of course, the people saying these things are often related to the tanning industry. So, they themselves are endorsing a product or service while denouncing the other companies for doing the same thing. Neither of these approaches have done anything to solve the issue and have only clouded the facts to the average person. Manufactures of sunscreen would negate findings saying their products are linked to longer exposure in the sun and possibly skin cancer. They say these statistics only show the misuse of their products. They claim that peoples attacks on their products are only results of abusing their merchandise. They have certain amounts recommended for people as well as different types of sunscreen for different skin types (BananaBoat). They also have recommended times for reapplying after the first use. But, nowhere on the bottles are these increments and times found. They use terminology such as apply evenly and

Hovey 4 reapply as needed. How can anyone tell when they need to apply more sunscreen? It is no wonder there is a misuse of sunscreen. Sunscreen companies need to specify on their labels what they intend for the reapplication times and amounts to be and whether water or sweat affects these measurements. However, makers of sunscreen are not binded by hardly any FDA regulations. Meaning they are free to say whatever they want on their labels, regardless if its true. There are also no requirements on what are essential ingredients in sunscreen. Sunscreen could be nothing more than a placebo. Over the last 20 years, lawsuits have been fought to limit the freedom of these companies. However, they have had little effect due to heavy lobbying by parties that would be negatively affected. The FDA has put new sunscreen standards in bureaucratic limbo, making them dead letter, useless and unenforceable. (McKenna 154) A group denouncing sunscreen are those that insist that sunscreen is causing more of a problem than it helps, and therefore we all should stop using it. They claim that since the sunscreen industry has so misconstrued their products effectiveness, they are leading people into a false sense of security. With sunscreens claiming their ability to prevent skin cancer, people put it on and simply stay outside thinking they are protecting from all types of radiation related to skin cancer, which is unfortunately not the truth (McKenna, 149). They have research backing up their claims. The results founded that sunscreen users spent significantly more time in the sun than nonusers. They say this is due to

Hovey 5 the alleged sense of protection. People dont feel as compelled to come out of the sun because they do not feel themselves burning (Is There Truly No Benefit with Sunscreen Use and Basal Cell Carcinoma?). While I can relate to this groups opinion, their antidote is too extreme. However, they have identified a key issue. I know from my own experiences, my mother would tell me to wear sunscreen constantly. It was a must when going outside or I might spontaneously get skin cancer. My situation is not unlike the average American home, where sunscreen has seemed to become an imperative. How has it become such a part of our everyday lives? It is a mixture between the industrys catching advertising and our own desires for such a product to exist. Everyone wants a sure way to stay sunburn and skin cancer free while still enjoying the sun whenever they want. But, this thinking must stop. There is not and may never be a product that can accomplish all that we wish from our sunscreen. We must as concerned consumers learn and share the facts. What is sunscreen doing and what is it not. The fact is if we wish to protect ourselves from harmful radiation, we must take extra steps beyond sunscreen. This is often the most difficult part for anyone. It is easiest to just throw some sunscreen in your bag and think youre good for the day. However, we must put in some effort into protecting our skin if we wish to actually succeed. Adjustments are often simply but require a little planning. Staying out of the sun in the peak of the day where the suns rays are the most intense is one of

Hovey 6 the most effect ways of avoiding burning and unnecessary exposure (Skin Cancer Facts). Most people think this suggestion is impractical and unrealistic. In reality, it will most likely to very difficult to avoid being outside during this time period all the time. However, just knowing the fact that this is the most dangerous time of the day will make people more conscious. If youre out in the middle of the day, you can remember to try and seek shade or wear a hat and sunglasses. Along with these simply changes, we must try and reform the sunscreen industry. This may seem like a hefty goal, but strides have already begun to be made. New FDA regulations are being set in place. They are now requiring that the time of effectiveness be clearly labeled on ever sunscreen bottle. They are no longer allowed to use misleading phrases like sun block or prevents skin cancer or aging (FDA announces new sunscreen rules). These adjustments will help clear up some of the misuse and confusion of sunscreen. I encourage everyone however to research more into sunscreen and which ones work the best. There can never be too much inquiry when it comes to ones health.

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Works Cited Cameron Chesnut and Jenny Kim, Is There Truly No Benefit with Sunscreen Use and Basal Cell Carcinoma? A Critical Review of the Literature and the Application of New Sunscreen Labeling Rules to Real-World Sunscreen Practices, Journal of Skin Cancer. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. Davis, Robert J. Health Groups Wear Sunscreen. The Healthy Skeptic: Cutting Through the Hype About Your Health. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008. (127-143) Print. DeNoon, Daniel. FDA Annouces New Sunscreen Rules. WebMD. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. Lebwohl, Mark. 2011 Regular Sunscreen Use Reduces Invasive But Not Overall Melanoma In White Adults. ACP Journal Club 154.5 (2011): 11. Academic Search Complete. Web 20 Oct. 2012. McKenna, Brian. Melanoma Whitewash: Millions at Risk of Injury or Death Because of Sunscreen Deception. Killer Commodities: Public Health and the Corporate Production of Harm. Lanham: AltaMira Press, 2009. (145173) Print. Melanoma:Causes. Mayo Clinic. 12 June, 2012. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. Skin Cancer Facts. American Cancer Society. 23 Jan. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. Sun Safety. Banana Boat. 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. Sunderstanding. Coppertone. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. Tanning Info. Endless Summer Tanning. 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.