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Journal of Cancer Education : the... Oct 2021Sunscreen use is an important aspect of sun protective behavior. Previous studies revealed deficits in sunscreen use. Our aim was to quantify sunscreen use in a...
Sunscreen use is an important aspect of sun protective behavior. Previous studies revealed deficits in sunscreen use. Our aim was to quantify sunscreen use in a nationwide representative study in Germany as well as to develop and test an item battery on reasons for none use of sunscreen. We analyzed data of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM; wave 4; n = 3000, aged 14-45). To describe those who only use sunscreen rarely or never, we used chi statistics and logistic regression analysis. In addition, we utilized a newly developed item battery on barriers to sunscreen use. Here, we used Cronbach's alpha to investigate reliability. In total, 20.7% reported using sunscreen rarely or never. Infrequent or none use of sunscreen was associated with male sex, immigrant background, none or rare sunbathing in summer, and current or past use of sunbeds. Participants with higher skin cancer risk (e.g., pale skin) were less likely to use sunscreen infrequently or never. The major reasons for not using sunscreen were inconvenience and no perceived need for applying sunscreen. Overall, internal consistency of the item battery on potential barriers to sunscreen use was very good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.865). We found deficits in sunscreen use especially in sunbed users, men, and individuals with immigrant background. Our results give important implications for future prevention and health promotion campaigns on sunscreen use.
Topics: Germany; Humans; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 32144653
DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01732-2 -
Australian Family Physician Jun 2016Recent media coverage has raised public awareness regarding the safety of sunscreens containing zinc (ZnO) and titanium (TiO2) nanoparticles. In Australia, the rates of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent media coverage has raised public awareness regarding the safety of sunscreens containing zinc (ZnO) and titanium (TiO2) nanoparticles. In Australia, the rates of skin cancer are among the highest in the world, and sunscreen is a commonly used protective agent against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. General practitioners (GPs) commonly manage skin cancer and may be faced with questions from patients regarding the safety of sunscreens.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to explain the role of nanoparticles in sunscreen, clarify the results of the literature regarding safety, and provide GPs with knowledge to assist in sun-safety discussion with patients.
DISCUSSION
Current evidence suggests that the likelihood of harm from the use of sunscreens containing nanoparticles is low; however, further research into this area is required. Sunscreens have been proven to reduce rates of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers; hence, their use in prevention should be encouraged.
Topics: General Practice; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Skin Neoplasms; Sunscreening Agents; Titanium; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 27622230
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the American Board of Family... 2011Many primary care providers advise patients to use sunscreen as a means to reduce their risk for skin cancer, especially cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Despite the... (Review)
Review
Many primary care providers advise patients to use sunscreen as a means to reduce their risk for skin cancer, especially cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Despite the availability and promotion of sunscreen for decades, the incidence of CMM continues to increase in the U.S. at a rate of 3% per year. There currently is little evidence that sunscreens are protective against CMM. A number of studies suggest that the use of sunscreen does not significantly decrease the risk CMM, and may actually increase the risk of CMM and sunburns. This paper discusses current information regarding the relationship between sunscreen use and CMM, and how providers may need to alter their advice regarding sunscreen use for CMM prevention.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Patient Education as Topic; Primary Health Care; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 22086817
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2011.06.100178 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Outdoor workers (OW) receive a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) compared to indoor workers (IW) which increases the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)....
BACKGROUND
Outdoor workers (OW) receive a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) compared to indoor workers (IW) which increases the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Regular sunscreen use reduces the NMSC risk, however, adequate sun-safety behavior among OW is poor. The main objective was to conduct method- and intervention-related elements of a future intervention trial among OW, based on providing sunscreen and assessing sunscreen use on group- and individual level.
METHODS
This pilot study was conducted at a construction site in the Netherlands from May-August 2021. Nine dispensers with sunscreen (SPF 50+) were installed at the worksite. OW ( = 67) were invited to complete two (cross-sectional) questionnaires on sun-safety behavior, before and after providing sunscreen. Stratum corneum (SC) samples for the assessment of UV-biomarkers were collected from the forehead and behind the ear from 15 OW and 15 IW. The feasibility of the following elements was investigated: recruitment, (loss to) follow-up, outcome measures, data collection, and acceptability of the intervention.
RESULTS
The first questionnaire was completed by 27 OW, the second by 17 OW. More than 75 percent of the OW were aware of the risks of sun exposure, and 63% ( = 17) found sunscreen use during worktime important. The proportion of OW never applying sunscreen in the past month was 44.4% ( = 12) before, and 35.3% ( = 6) after providing sunscreen. A majority of OW (59.3%, = 16) found sunscreen provision encouraging for sunscreen use, the dispensers easy to use (64.7%, = 17) and placed in practical spots (58.8%, = 18). Collecting SC-samples was fast and easy, and several UV-biomarkers showed higher levels for sun-exposed compared to less exposed body parts. There was no significant difference in UV-biomarker levels between OW and IW.
CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study revealed low sunscreen use among OW despite providing sunscreen, overall satisfaction with the sunscreen, and the sufficient awareness of the risks of UVR-exposure. Collecting SC-samples at the workplace is feasible and several UV-biomarkers showed to be promising in assessing UVR-exposure. The low participation rate and high loss to follow-up poses a challenge for future intervention studies.
Topics: Biomarkers; Construction Industry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Pilot Projects; Skin Neoplasms; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35433569
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.857553 -
Australian and New Zealand Journal of... Apr 2019Cancers of the skin are the most common cancers in humans, with Australia and New Zealand having the world's highest incidence. Primary prevention campaigns advise...
INTRODUCTION
Cancers of the skin are the most common cancers in humans, with Australia and New Zealand having the world's highest incidence. Primary prevention campaigns advise people to apply sunscreen to exposed body sites when outdoors. However, despite growing evidence that cumulative sub-erythemal exposures cause mutational damage, and trial data demonstrating benefit from daily sunscreen use, current policies do not consider the hazards of incidental (everyday) sun exposure. Thus, a Sunscreen Summit was convened to review the evidence and update the policies for people living in Australia and New Zealand.
RESULTS
After reviewing the benefits and risks of sunscreen application, the policy group concluded that people living in Australia and New Zealand should be advised to apply sunscreen to the face/head/neck and all parts of the body not covered by clothing on all days when the ultraviolet index is forecast to reach three or greater, irrespective of their anticipated activities. For planned outdoors activities, sunscreen should be used alongside other sun protection measures.
CONCLUSIONS
People living in Australia and New Zealand are now advised to apply sunscreen every day when the UV index is predicted to reach 3 or above. Implications for public health: Increased use of sunscreen as part of the daily routine to reduce incidental sun exposure will lead to decreased incidence of skin cancer in the future.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Consensus; Female; Humans; Male; New Zealand; Primary Prevention; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 30681231
DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12873 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreens can prevent skin cancer. However, a new law in Hawaii...
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreens can prevent skin cancer. However, a new law in Hawaii that limits sunscreen choices due to the belief that some UV (ultraviolet) filters may damage coral reefs may reduce sunscreen use and increase skin-cancer risk. Because of this, there is a need for measurement tools to help understand consumer behavior and determinants of sunscreen purchase and use. The objectives of this study were (1) to test new questionnaire measures relevant to the Hawaii Sunscreen Ban; and (2) to assess adults' knowledge, attitudes, and habits related to sunscreen in two other coastal states. This survey of adult residents of California and Florida was conducted in the summer of 2019. Newly developed scales addressed beliefs about effects of sunscreens on aquatic/marine environments and awareness of the Hawaii sunscreen ban. Respondents completed the survey twice to evaluate the test-retest reliability. Respondents ( = 162) were mainly female, White, and college-educated. New scales had moderate-to-high internal consistency and high test-retest reliability. Sunscreen use was high, sunburn was common, and knowledge and attitudes about sunscreen were modest. Most respondents did not know the specifics of the Hawaii Sunscreen Ban. In multivariate models, significant predictors of sunscreen use were being older, female, and having higher sunscreen knowledge. Sunscreen beliefs were not significantly associated with sunscreen use or sunburn. The findings support the use of the newly developed survey and suggest that more education about sunscreen and sunscreen ingredients is needed.
Topics: Attitude; Female; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35270371
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052677 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Aug 2023Individuals can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by minimizing ultraviolet sunlight exposure, though recent trends in sun-protective behaviors remain to be...
Individuals can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by minimizing ultraviolet sunlight exposure, though recent trends in sun-protective behaviors remain to be investigated. To evaluate sun-protective behaviors and sunburn among US adults. We analyzed data from the 2010, 2015, and 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional survey conducted by the US Census Bureau. Multivariable regression models were stratified by demographic variables and constructed to evaluate sun-protective behaviors and sunburn avoidance across time. From 2010 through 2020, US adults had significantly increased prevalence of seeking shade (p value, 0.003), wearing wide-brimmed hats (< 0.001), wearing long-sleeved shirts (< 0.001), using sunscreen (< 0.001), and avoiding sunburns (< 0.001) and significantly decreased prevalence of sun avoidance (< 0.001). Disparities in sun-protective behaviors also exist among different sexes, ages, education levels, and those reporting higher sun sensitivity. This cross-sectional study found that by 2020, US adults had an increased prevalence of wearing sun-protective clothing and sunscreen use, though decreased prevalence of sun avoidance. Although certain sun-protective behaviors have become more prevalent, the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise. Efforts to understand drivers of sun-protective behaviors and targeted intervention efforts are needed.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Behavior; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 36790452
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02547-z -
International Journal of Cosmetic... Oct 2011Protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major function of sunscreen lotions and UV-protective coatings for vehicles, homes, equipment and clothing.... (Review)
Review
Protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major function of sunscreen lotions and UV-protective coatings for vehicles, homes, equipment and clothing. Sunscreen formulations have been optimized to become protective over a broader spectrum of UV radiation and maintain greater photostability. They are comprised of organic and inorganic components that act as chemical and physical UV protectors, respectively. Some of the organic components are limited by their spectrum of protection and photostability. Studies using solid lipid nanoparticles, recently explored organic molecules, inorganic components and antioxidants attempt to further optimize UV protection. In this review, we examine traditional and emerging nanoparticle components and highlight novel ideas in UV protection which may provide pathways for future studies.
Topics: Nanoparticles; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 21507015
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00654.x -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Oct 2023Sunlight is required for vitamin D synthesis but is also responsible for various adverse effects on human skin, including photo aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. To avoid...
Sunlight is required for vitamin D synthesis but is also responsible for various adverse effects on human skin, including photo aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. To avoid this, regular use of sunscreens is recommended. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of a subset of our local population about exposure to sun and assess the attitude about the importance of sunscreen usage. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the dermatology outpatient clinic using a predesigned questionnaire filled by the participants. A total of 200 patients were selected, out of which 135 were females and 65 were males. Forty-nine percent of the participants claimed to use sunblock; however, the majority (54%) used it only occasionally. Fifty-one percent of the participants were not aware that exposure to sun can cause darkening of the skin but more than 100(50%) were aware that this exposure has multiple side effects on the skin. It was also observed that participants had good knowledge about the side effects of sunblock. The study results concluded that participants have good perception of the effectiveness and side effects of sunscreen, most of them used it occasionally. It necessitates the need for a health education programme.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Sunlight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Developing Countries; Skin Neoplasms; Perception
PubMed: 37876073
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.7752 -
Environment International Mar 2023Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and its major metabolite benzophenone-1 (BP-1) are widely used as UV filters in sunscreens and cosmetics to prevent sunburn and skin damage, or as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and its major metabolite benzophenone-1 (BP-1) are widely used as UV filters in sunscreens and cosmetics to prevent sunburn and skin damage, or as stabilizers to prevent photodegradation in many commercial products. As a result, their presence is ubiquitous in the environment, wildlife and humans. Based on endocrine disruption concerns, international regulatory agencies are performing a closer evaluation.
OBJECTIVE AND METHODS
This work aimed to comprehensively review the available human relevant evidence for safety issues in MEDLINE/PubMed in order to create a structured database of studies, as well as to conduct an integrative analysis as part of the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative.
RESULTS
A total of 1,635 titles and abstracts were screened and 254 references were evaluated and tabulated in detail, and classified in different categories: i) exposure sources and predictors; ii) human biomonitoring (HBM) exposure levels to perform a meta-analysis; iii) toxicokinetic data in both experimental animals and humans; iv) in vitro and in vivo rodent toxicity studies; and v) human data on effect biomarkers and health outcomes. Our integrative analysis showed that internal peak BP-3 concentrations achieved after a single whole-body application of a commercially available sunscreen (4% w/w) may overlap with concentrations eliciting endocrine disrupting effects in vitro, and with internal concentrations causing in vivo adverse female reproductive effects in rodents that were supported by still limited human data. The adverse effects in rodents included prolonged estrous cycle, altered uterine estrogen receptor gene expression, endometrium hyperplasia and altered proliferation and histology of the mammary gland, while human data indicated menstrual cycle hormonal alterations and increased risk of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Among the modes of action reported (estrogenic, anti-androgenic, thyroid, etc.), BP-3 and especially BP-1 showed estrogenic activity at human-relevant concentrations, in agreement with the observed alterations in female reproductive endpoints. The meta-analysis of HBM studies identified a higher concern for North Americans, showing urinary BP-3 concentrations on average 10 and 20 times higher than European and Asian populations, respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Our work supports that these benzophenones present endocrine disrupting properties, endorsing recent European regulatory efforts to limit human exposure. The reproducible and comprehensive database generated may constitute a point of departure in future risk assessments to support regulatory initiatives. Meanwhile, individuals should not refrain from sunscreen use. Commercially available formulations using inorganic UV filters that are practically not absorbed into systemic circulation may be recommended to susceptible populations.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Sunscreening Agents; Biological Monitoring; Benzophenones; Cosmetics
PubMed: 36805158
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107739