Sunscreens Don't Prevent Deadly Skin Cancer, Researchers Say

Sunscreens don't prevent deadly melanoma, a new study shows.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Cancer Research UK's Manchester Institute, found that sunscreen delayed melanoma development in mice, but did not prevent the cancer occurrence.

Melanoma, according to PubMed Health, is the most deadly form of skin cancer. This year, the National Cancer Institute estimates that about 76,100 cases of melanoma will occur in the U.S.

The Centers for disease Control and Prevention advises people to stay in the shade during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when exposure to UV rays might prove to be most hazardous), wear clothing that cover arms and legs, and use sunscreens to avoid skin cancer. The new research supports the idea that a combination of preventive measures, rather than a single one, is effective in preventing cancer.

"We've known for some time that sunscreen, when applied properly, can help protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays. But people tend to think they're invincible once they've put it on and end up spending longer out in the sun, increasing their overall exposure to UV rays," said Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK.

Ultraviolet radiation from sun damages DNA in skin's pigment cells. The changes in the genetic material increase chances of developing melanoma. Research has shown that UV light damages p53 gene that normally helps the body to resist cancer development.

For the study, researchers used mice models to see if sunscreens prevented melanoma. The team found that sunscreen delays melanoma development, but doesn't prevent cancer occurrence.

"UV light targets the very genes protecting us from its own damaging effects, showing how dangerous this cancer-causing agent is. Very importantly, this study provides proof that sunscreen does not offer complete protection from the damaging effects of UV light," Richard Marais, study author and Cancer Research UK scientist, based at the University of Manchester, said in a news release.

The study is published in the journal Nature.