(J Clin Oncol. Posted online December 6, 2010) It may seem like captain obvious – but I hope this motivates patients to use proper sunscreen and reduce the melanoma cancer rate by a whopping 50%.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have reported the results of a study, which confirms that individuals who are diligent about regular sunscreen use are much less likely to develop melanoma. Researchers studied 1,600 Australian adults, beginning in 1992. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received standard advice to use sunscreen, and the other group was given sunscreen along with detailed instructions and supervision for 4 years. A decade after the trial ended, only 11 of the supervised patients developed melanoma, as opposed to 22 who only received standard advice about sunscreen and protective clothing.
The researchers reported that, in addition to the 50 percent reduction of melanoma, the risk of invasive melanoma was reduced by 73 percent.
