In the seventies and eighties, the scent of piña coladas floated in the sea breeze on beaches across the U.S. During summers, before the invention of sunscreen sprays, my friends and I would sunbathe in tropical fruit oils in search of the perfect tan. We believed we were protecting our skin responsibly with Hawaiian Tropic lotion boasting an SPF of 2. Looking back at the Polaroid photos, it’s clear that we were effectively frying ourselves in oil. Some of us paid for those tans (and, honestly, some sunburns) with sun-damaged skin.
However, could our quest for the perfect glow also be the cause of the alarming rise in skin cancer rates? This year, the American Cancer Society predicts a new record in the U.S.: 2 million cancer diagnoses are expected. The deadliest skin cancer, melanoma, has one of the highest growth rates. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S. and rates have increased by more than 320% since 1975 in most countries with predominantly fair-skinned populations. And in 10 years from 2013 to 2023, there was a 27% increase.
So, what caused this rise? One study suggests that the increase in obesity rates is a significant factor. Obesity is a known risk factor for melanoma because it causes bodily changes such as continuous inflammation and higher insulin levels, which can lead to cancer. Obesity rates have nearly tripled for women and quadrupled for men since 1975. While more research is needed, evidence suggests that environmental factors also play a significant role. Climate change is suspected to be a major factor in the rise of melanoma cases and it is estimated that a 10% reduction in stratospheric ozone will cause an additional 300,000 cases of skin cancer.
Another potential cause could be indoor tanning bed usage. Fortunately, the use of indoor tanning devices has declined in recent years. However, the popularity of their use in the nineties may be contributing to some of the cases we are seeing today. With all the awareness progress made to discourage unprotected tanning, new social media trends could be putting this progress at risk. A recent TikTok trend encourages young people to tan when UV levels are highest, when the sun’s rays are strongest, which is the most dangerous time for exposure.
Protecting your skin from melanoma
Exposure to UV radiation has always been the greatest risk factor for melanoma, but skin color, eye color, freckles, weakened immune systems, and family history also play significant roles (approximately 1 in 10 people diagnosed with melanoma have a close family member with a history of the disease).
Regardless of your risk for melanoma, you can take steps to reduce it. The most effective way to do this is to make sunscreen a habit and undergo regular screenings.
Sun protection: Contrary to what my friends and I used to think, a sunscreen with an SPF of 2 does not provide adequate protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a product with an SPF of 30 to 50 and using broad-spectrum sunscreens, blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
Sun protection should not be limited to the beach. Whenever there is light, you need protection from UV rays. Reef-safe sunscreens function by diverting the sun’s rays using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and they are safer for coral reefs, which play a crucial role in climate balance because they absorb harmful CO2 gases and produce oxygen.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates sunscreens, advises that no sunscreen is truly waterproof, they are only water-resistant, and no sunscreen completely blocks solar rays. For the best protection, apply sunscreen multiple times and frequently.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing with SPF is another very effective way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects and skin cancer.
Regular screenings: You can check your skin for early signs of melanoma. It’s important to note that melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, not just in visible areas. It can form under the nails of your feet or hair or on the membranes of the nose or mouth. Make it a habit to regularly check for changes in your skin in the mirror, including areas that are difficult to inspect. Record the size and shape of moles and marks on your skin. You can measure a mole with a ruler or take photos for comparisons. You can also ask your hairdresser or barber to tell you if there are any suspicious bumps or moles on your scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends consulting with a certified dermatologist if you notice any new suspicious growth or changes that concern you or if you have a non-healing wound.
In your appointment, your healthcare provider will inspect your skin all over your body, measure and carefully examine elements of your skin such as moles, and record any changes compared to previous consultations.
Skin cancer in people of color
While people of color are less likely to develop melanoma, they are more likely to receive diagnoses at later stages and have a higher risk of dying from the disease. These disparities highlight the importance of prevention, screening, and access to treatments.
Protection and detection save lives
The lesson? Everyone, not just former users of SPF 2 sunscreens, should be vigilant.
