The effect of sunscreen on melanoma risk.
Total cumulative sun exposure is associated with the development of squamous cell and basal cell cancers, whereas intense intermittent sun exposure is associated with the development of melanoma. Exposure to UV radiation is the only known modifiable cause of melanoma, but the role of sunscreen in melanoma prevention remains somewhat controversial. This article discusses how UV radiation contributes to the pathogenesis of melanoma, how sunscreen modulates the action of UV radiation on the skin, and the effect of sunscreen on the risk of developing melanoma. A review of available sunscreen agents and their sun-protective properties is also included.
New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Jennifer S
JS
Mulliken
Julie E
JE
Russak
Darrell S
DS
Rigel
D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012306:Risk; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification
D013473:Sunscreening Agents