Incidence of skin cancer has tripled in recent years with 54,000 cases annually. According to Mark Henderson, a science correspondent for “The Sunday Times” (London) the main chemical used in sun lotions to filter out ultraviolet light may be toxic, particularly when exposed to sunshine. The main chemical in sunscreens, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), which is present in 90% of sunscreen brands, was found to kill mouse cells even at low doses in a study by Norwegian scientists.
Sunscreens can prevent the most common types of skin cancer, which are basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it doesn’t prevent against melanoma according to a researcher from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Instead, genetic factors such as a tendency to develop moles, combined with fair skin and fair hair increase melanoma susceptibility. Those with red or blond hair and light colored eyes and pale skin were six times more likely to develop melanoma than those with darker features. Those with numerous moles also had six times the melanoma risk as those with fewer moles.
Most sunscreens do not block against the UVA spectrum of ultraviolet sun rays. Those who used sunscreen did not have a lower risk of melanoma, even though it has been theorized that preventing sunburns in childhood with sunscreen might lower the risk of cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 75% of skin cancer deaths.
The sun’s rays are very beneficial for us because they stimulate our bodies to produce vitamin D, which has been shown to protect us from diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, infertility, PMS, fatigue, depression, seasonal affective disorder, autoimmune disorders, obesity and many cancers.
Here are a couple tips from Dr. Joe Mercola, leading author and founder of the number one health website, Mercola.com.
• One of the most important protectors from melanoma is to have a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3-fatty acids. There are a number of studies showing the benefits of taking a fish oil supplement.
• Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide are less toxic than sunscreens with OMC and do very well at reflecting the damaging UV rays.
This summer enjoy the sun, but use these simple steps so you can enjoy the beauty Maine has to offer.
Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Back Cove Family Chiropractic in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.