Nonmelanoma skin cancer
Cutaneous melanoma

Note: Separate PDQ summaries on Screening for Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Treatment, and Levels of Evidence for Cancer Screening and Prevention Studies are also available.

Based on fair evidence, reduction of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may reduce the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Sun exposure can be reduced by changing patterns of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to high-intensity UV radiation, and by using adequate amounts of sufficiently protective sunscreens or wearing protective clothing when exposed to sunlight.[1]

Description of the Evidence

1. Study Design: 1; Evidence obtained from randomized controlled trials.
2. Internal Validity: Fair.
3. Consistency: Fair.
4. Direction and Magnitude of Effect: Not applicable.
5. External Validity: Poor.

Based on poor evidence, avoidance of sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence, may reduce the incidence of cutaneous melanoma. Sunburn can be avoided by changing patterns of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to high-intensity UV radiation, by wearing protective clothing when exposed to sunlight, and by using adequate amounts of sufficiently protective sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a substitute for avoidance of sun exposure, and there have been conflicting reports as to the direction of effect of sunscreen use on the risks of developing melanoma.[1-3]

Description of the Evidence

1. Study Design: 3; Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control studies.
2. Internal Validity: Poor.
3. Consistency: Poor.
4. Direction and Magnitude of Effect: Not applicable.
5. External Validity: Poor.

References

1. Vainio H, Miller AB, Bianchini F: An international evaluation of the cancer-preventive potential of sunscreens. Int J Cancer 88 (5): 838-42, 2000.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Autier P, Doré JF, Cattaruzza MS, et al.: Sunscreen use, wearing clothes, and number of nevi in 6- to 7-year-old European children. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Cooperative Group. J Natl Cancer Inst 90 (24): 1873-80, 1998.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
3. Dennis LK, Beane Freeman LE, VanBeek MJ: Sunscreen use and the risk for melanoma: a quantitative review. Ann Intern Med 139 (12): 966-78, 2003.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

Back to Top

Next Section >