Being severely sunburnt as a child more than doubles the chance of developing future skin cancer but less than half of primary schools questioned in new research have a sun safety policy.
Katie Lee, The University of Queensland and Anne Cust, University of Sydney
Collarium sunbeds are promoted as a means to tan quickly, and reduce the effects of aging on the skin. Two experts explain what to make of their claims.
Sunburn can cause cancer, heat stroke and changes to the immune system. Choosing the right sun protection, even for darker skin, is more complicated than it looks.
Enrique Torchia, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Neil Box, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Tamara Terzian, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Widespread screening for skin cancer may not be necessary, but it is important to understand the risks behind UV overexposure and to get checked early if you have concerns.
People with deeply-pigmented skin can also get skin cancer. But there is no evidence to suggest that this occurs because of sunburn or exposure to the sun.
One enzyme plays a key role in how tumor cells replicate and divide indefinitely. Identifying the genes that give these cells their immortality could provide new drug targets to treat cancer.
Rising concern about possible environmental damage from the active ingredients in sunscreens could have ripple effects on public health if it causes people to use less of them.
While sunscreen has the potential to reduce skin cancer for light-skinned people, it has never been shown to do the same for Black people. Yet that distinction is lacking in public health messaging.
Newly reported study findings suggest a link between eating more fish and dangerous skin cancers. But the findings are based on observations only and more research is needed.