title: Sunscreens prevent ultraviolet photocarcinogenesis.
abstract: Sunscreens of low or high sun protection factors (SPF*) were tested for their ability to inhibit ultraviolet (UV) carcinogenesis in two varieties of hairless mice. Low protection (SPF = 2) reduced by 50% the number of albino animals developing tumors. High protection (SPF =15) prevented tumor formation. Tumorigenesis was totally prevented in the lightly pigmented variety with either sunscreen, demonstrating the added protection of melanin. In mice and man, UV-induced cancer is a cumulative process. Reducing the amount of UV light reaching the basal layer will retard that process.
mesh_terms: D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D062365:Aminobenzoates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001577:Benzophenones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000517:prevention & control; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D062365:Aminobenzoates; D001577:Benzophenones; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C005290:oxybenzone; D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid