3 ms·
It would be interesting to hear more about potential evidence linking sun exposure and sunscreen to malignant melanomas as opposed to basal and squamous cell ca
by specular 12y ago
It would be interesting to hear more about potential evidence linking sun exposure and sunscreen to malignant melanomas as opposed to basal and squamous cell carcinomas. BCCs and SCCs, while malignant, do not pose the same risks of metastasis as melanoma, so I would be much more inclined to alter my behavior given such evidence.
In general (but not always) I like to assume that balance is the key. Life is carcinogenic, and too much of anything is probably harmful.
- a8da6b0c91d 12y agoI think focusing in on skin cancers and skin aging is myopic. This is what all these analyses do. Yes, sunscreen probably reduces skin cancers and aging from sun exposure. But there is evidence that depriving yourself of sun exposure leads to a higher overall death rate. You dodge melanoma but increase risk of a heart attack or various internal cancers. People who work outside live longer, despite looking "weathered" in their old age.
- kalleboo 12y agoSun screen doesn't block sun exposure though. It screens it. You're still getting sun exposure, just not amounts that are going to burn you.