Sunscreen may increase cancer risk

A recent study conducted by The Environmental Working Group has presented information that possibly hundreds of popular sunscreen products may carry with them the risk of cancer. Stating that using sunscreen may indeed increase the speed at which malignant cells develop for skin cancer.

The EWG has linked vitamin A to an accelerated growth in skin legions, as well as skin tumors. A certain form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate – which is found in about 41% of sunscreens, will indeed slow skin aging, but at the same time will increase the risk of cancer when it is used on skin that is exposed to sunlight.

While this comes as surprising news to the public, the EWA claims that the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has known about the supposed link for over 10 years, yet has done nothing about it. The FDA of course denies knowing any of this.

Should either of these current events really be surprising to anyone? There are constant cancer studies, with new results popping out all the time. Conversely, the FDA is always accused of not relaying to the public the harms of certain products. While the public probably will – and should, take precautions, what will a majority of the world really do? Stop wearing sunscreen?

When this is all said and done, the effects will be minimal, and this story will be forgotten. Out of the 500 or so sunscreen products available, the EWA is only recommending 39 of them. What common product will be linked to cancer next? I am sure we will find out soon enough. Enjoy your summer!