SPF ≥ 15 sunscreens reduce melanoma risk

September 13, 2016

Abstract

Purpose 

To assess melanoma risk in relation to sunscreen use and to compare high– with low–sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens in relation to sunbathing habits in a large cohort study.

Materials and Methods 

We used data from the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, a prospective population-based study of 143,844 women age 40 to 75 years at inclusion with 1,532,247 person-years of follow-up and 722 cases of melanoma. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the association between sunscreen use (never, SPF < 15, SPF ≥ 15) and melanoma risk by calculating hazard ratios and 95% CIs. The population attributable fraction associated with sunscreen use was estimated.

Results 

Sunscreen users reported significantly more sunburns and sunbathing vacations and were more likely to use indoor tanning devices. SPF ≥ 15 sunscreen use was associated with significantly decreased melanoma risk compared with SPF < 15 use (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.83). The estimated decrease in melanoma (population attributable fraction) with general use of SPF ≥ 15 sunscreens by women age 40 to 75 years was 18% (95% CI, 4% to 30%).

Conclusion 

Use of SPF ≥ 15 rather than SPF < 15 sunscreens reduces melanoma risk. Moreover, use of SPF ≥ 15 sunscreen by all women age 40 to 75 years could potentially reduce their melanoma incidence by 18%.

Source:

Ghiasvand, R, et al. Sunscreen Use and Subsequent Melanoma Risk: A Population-Based Cohort Study.  Journal of Clinical Oncology. Published online before print September 12, 2016, doi:10.1200/JCO.2016.67.5934JCO September 12, 2016JCO675934
http://jco.ascopubs.org/conten...