The Important Role Sunscreen Plays In Preventing Skin Cancer

When it comes to malignant diseases, skin cancers are the most common. Although the chances of a lethal form of skin cancer (melanoma) are relatively low, at least 15% of skin cancer cases are life-threatening.¹

Nonmelanoma skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually treated with surgery. While deaths are rare among these two types of cancer, they can be disfiguring because they occur mainly in sun-exposed areas (e.g. the face).¹

Because many malignant skin diseases are caused by sunlight exposure, skin cancer prevention messages and programmes are common in countries where most of the population has a lighter skin colour.¹

What does sunscreen contain to protect against UV rays?

Sunscreen blocks and absorbs UV rays with a mix of particles in a physical and chemical nature.² The ingredient that will provide the physical or chemical particles depends on the components approved by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Usually, the physical particles that reflect UV radiation would originate from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide: This broad-spectrum UV filter does not penetrate the skin’s outermost layer. For improved preservation of the skin condition, the compound will usually undergo downsizing of its particles. The shrunken version of titanium dioxide provides photoprotection against UVB and, to an extent, UVA.³

Zinc oxide: A safe and effective ingredient in photoprotective products because it is photostable, nonphotoreactive, and does not absorb sunlight. Moreover, it does not irritate or sensitise the skin. Microfine zinc oxide is perceived as a broad-spectrum UV protectant.³

Although zinc oxide is not as efficient as titanium oxide for UVB range, this UV filter is excellent in covering the UVA spectra.

The complicated chemical ingredients in sunscreen causes a reaction with radiation by absorbing the rays before it reaches the skin. The chemicals then release the energy as heat.

When it comes to sun protection, both blocking and absorbing UV radiation is essential against UVB and UVA rays. Sunburn and skin cancer are mainly caused by UVB radiation.

On the other hand, UVA penetrates skin deeper to cause skin ageing and wrinkling. Recent research has also revealed that UVA is a significant factor in causing skin cancer.

Nevertheless, most sunscreens usually only contain components that protect against UVB rays, and the protection against damaging radiation is not enough. Undergoing regular skin cancer screening or mole checks is also key to preventing health issues down the line.

How effective are sunscreens against UV rays?

Results collated from observational studies, randomised controlled trial and smaller, nonrandomised experimental studies has revealed that sunscreens can help prevent signs of photoageing such as wrinkles, dilated small blood vessels on the skin and altering of pigmentation that UV radiation may cause.⁴

For instance, experimental studies conducted around the 1980s and 1990s proves that sunscreens protect against cellular damage, which is consistent with the process of normal cells transforming to cancer cells in animal models.⁴

Moreover, an experiment involving 1621 adult Australians that lasted for more than ten years found the number of cases of squamous cell carcinomas among participants who use sunscreen daily are 40% lower compared to those who use sunscreen on a voluntary basis.⁴

However, possibly due to the way basal cell carcinomas develop, the incidence of that type of skin cancer remains the same.⁴

On the other hand, they show a visibly reduced risk of invasive melanoma, although few incidents were noted because of its long lead time.⁴ The trial confirmed that consistent sunscreen usage over four to five years could also halt signs of skin ageing via photodamage.⁴

A single study involving 120 patients has also proved the importance of the SPF system. The usage of sunscreen that is at least SPF 50 for over two years has reduced the development of skin cancer and other skin conditions such as actinic keratoses.⁴

Hence, the research results suggest that sunscreens can prevent skin cancer to a certain extent.

Be vigilant and consistent in sun protection

Just because sunscreen can prevent skin cancer, doesn’t mean that you can get careless under the sun. After all, there is no 100% protection in the sunscreen.

Thus, a rational strategy for skin cancer prevention must also be combined with other methods, such as wearing protective clothing and accessories or standing in the shade when possible.

Should you encounter photodamaged skin, Dr Angeline is here to lend a hand. As an expert dermatologist in Singapore, she will review your case thoroughly to provide the ideal treatment for you.

AYD also has a mole mapping machine. Also known as Automated Total Body Mapping (ATBM), it involves a specialized computer taking photos of your entire body, before piecing those photos to complete the image of your body.

This is a non-invasive imaging technology to observe new or developing moles. This high-tech, digital 3D imaging system allows us to capture your entire skin surface and examine them in macro quality.

Combined with traditional full skin check, this machine helps us detect skin cancer by identifying suspicious lesions early, since the mole mapping machine has a higher diagnostic pick-up rate of melanomas than benign moles.

With this machine and our skin cancer treatment in Singapore such as mohs micrographic surgery, we will be able to deliver a quality diagnosis as well as the most effective treatment to leave you free of any skin condition.

Besides being a highly trained skin dermatologist in Singapore, Dr Yong has also earned numerous professional dermatology memberships all over the world. Repairing photodamage is made easy with us – contact us to book a consultation today.

References

Gallagher R. P. (2005). Sunscreens in melanoma and skin cancer prevention. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal, 173(3), 244–245. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.050762

Isguven, S. (2012, May 9). How does sunscreen protect you? Yale Scientific. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.yalescientific.org/2012/05/how-does-sunscreen-protect-you/

Rai, R., Shanmuga, S. C., & Srinivas, C. (2012). Update on photoprotection. Indian journal of dermatology, 57(5), 335–342. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.100472

Sander, M., Sander, M., Burbidge, T., & Beecker, J. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal, 192(50), E1802–E1808. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.201085

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The Important Role Sunscreen Plays In Preventing Skin Cancer