Prolonged prevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin by regular sunscreen use
Abstract
Half of all cancers in the United States are skin cancers. We have previously shown in a 4.5-year randomized controlled trial in an Australian community that squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) but not basal cell carcinomas (BCC) can be prevented by regular sunscreen application to the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Since cessation of the trial, we have followed participants for a further 8 years to evaluate possible latency of preventive effect on BCCs and SCCs. After prolonged follow-up, BCC tumor rates tended to decrease but not significantly in people formerly randomized to daily sunscreen use compared with those not applying sunscreen daily. By contrast, corresponding SCC tumor rates were significantly decreased by almost 40% during the entire follow-up period (rate ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.99). Regular application of sunscreen has prolonged preventive effects on SCC but with no clear benefit in reducing BCC. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(12):2546–8)
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A statistically significant reduction of BCCs with routine use of sunscreens has not been demonstrated.
“A statistically significant reduction of BCCs with routine use of sunscreens has not been demonstrated.”
From Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies (2010) · cites this paper as [48]
In a subsequent study with more than 8 years of follow up, a more dramatic preventive benefit in the reduction of SCC was observed.
“In a subsequent study with more than 8 years of follow up, a more dramatic preventive benefit in the reduction of SCC was observed (48).”
From Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies (2010) · cites this paper as [48]
There is an overall trend showing a decreased incidence of BCCs with routine sunscreen use.
“However, there is an overall trend showing a decreased incidence of BCCs (47,48).”
From Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies (2010) · cites this paper as [48]
The protective benefit of sunscreens for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) is not conclusive.
“As for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), the protective benefit is not conclusive.”
From Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies (2010) · cites this paper as [48]
Routine use of sunscreens reduces skin cancers.
“Nevertheless, routine use has been shown to reduce skin cancers and slow the photoaging process.”
From Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies (2010) · cites this paper as [48]
If used properly, regular sunscreen use can reduce risk for skin cancer.
“If used properly, regular sunscreen use can reduce risk for skin cancer6, 7”
From Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults (2015) · cites this paper as [7]
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References 15 · Cited by 396
- Authors
- van der Pols, J. C., Williams, G. M., Pandeya, N., Logan, V., & Green, A. C.
- Affiliations
- 1Longitudinal Studies Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland and
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (AU)
- 2Cancer and Population Studies Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Venue
- Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
- Published
- 2006-12-01
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 2546-2548
- ISSN
- 1055-9965 (ISSN-L)
- 1538-7755
- OpenAlex
- W2023097924
- Cited by
- 396
- References
- 15
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 25 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 32
- FWCI
- 6.99
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management
- Keywords
- sunscreen use, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, skin cancer prevention, long-term follow-up, UV exposure, skin cancer incidence
- MeSH terms
- Australia, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Skin Neoplasms, Sunscreening Agents
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