The Tribune and Jon Van should be complimented on a well-balanced report that presents recently reported complex information on sunscreen and skin cancer (“Sunscreens don’t guarantee safety, researchers find,” Main news, Feb. 18).
No sunscreen prevents all ultraviolet change (e.g., immunologic effects, all UVA, etc.), so it should not be used to prolong sun exposure but rather to protect while limiting exposure. I tell patients this would be like putting on a seat belt and then driving 100 miles an hour. The increased risk may now more than cancel the good prevention.
It may be true that ozone thinning may not be a major factor with melanoma if UVA light is the most significant factor. Ozone thinning can, however, significantly increase UVB that does cause basal cell and squamous cell cancers and does have some adverse immune system effects.
I must take issue with the statement that those without light or sensitive skin “probably can enjoy the sun with little fear.” If this translates into not using good protection and smart sun practices for those patients, that would be most unfortunate. No one is immune from the DNA damage, immune system effects and even cancer-causing effects of the complete spectrum of ultraviolet radiation. I have treated many skin cancers in all types of skin. These patients should not “fear” the sun but continue to respect it.
