Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation

Absolutely not! Indoor tanning is far more dangerous than the sun; devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10 to 15 times more powerful than the sun at its peak intensity.

Indoor tanning increases melanoma risk. Just one indoor tanning session before age 35 can increase a person’s melanoma risk by 75 percent. Further, tanning bed use has been shown to cause DNA damage across the skin surface, far beyond what sunlight causes. More info.

Yes, you need sun protection every day. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. UV radiation is present year-round, and you can still get sun damage and sunburn on an overcast day. Snow reflects the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk. More info.

Yes, they can. While window glass blocks UVB rays, UVA rays can still penetrate windows and lead to skin damage. Even minimal sun exposure that occurs during daily activities like driving or sitting by a window adds up over time. More info.

Yes, you should protect your skin during daylight hours all year long, regardless of your skin type or the UV index. Sun protection remains the single best method for reducing the risk of skin cancers. Note that the UV index was created to help people understand when they should avoid being outside. More info.

Yes, a type of melanoma known as acral lentiginous melanoma develops on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under fingernails (subungual). Skin cancers can also develop inside the mouth or on genital areas.

Yes, skin cancer can affect people of any age. In fact, melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in young adults. Women age 49 and under are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer, except breast and thyroid cancers. And men age forty nine and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer except colon and rectal cancers. More info.

Yes, skin cancer can affect anyone, of any skin tone. For people of color, skin cancer is often diagnosed later, when it is harder to treat. As a result, the prognosis is worse. There’s a lower public awareness of the risk of skin cancer among individuals of color and for health care providers, often a lower index of suspicion for skin cancer in patients of color. More info.

Absolutely not! There is no such thing as a solar callus; it is a made-up term. While you can obtain a limited amount of vitamin D from the sun’s UV rays the relationship between UV exposure and skin cancer is well documented and significant. The risks of unprotected sun exposure far outweigh any benefits. Instead of damaging your skin, get your vitamin D from sources like oily fish, fortified dairy products and cereals, and supplements. More info.

Yes, you must reapply sunscreen frequently to protect your skin. Reapply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. More info.

No, sunscreen alone does not protect you completely. Sunscreen is a key part of a broader sun protection strategy that also includes wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours. More info.

No, this claim is false; there is no evidence that sunscreen causes cancer. Sunscreen, has convincingly been demonstrated to prevent skin cancer. Further, we have abundant evidence that UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a main cause of most skin cancers. UV radiation is a proven Group 1 carcinogen. More info.

No, benzene is not normally found in sunscreen. Several years ago, some sunscreen and aerosolized personal care products were recalled due to benzene levels. These products were likely contaminated during the production process. Benzene is not intentionally added to sunscreen products. More info.

Yes, skin cancer is serious, and can be disfiguring and deadly. Melanoma, its most aggressive form, causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. More info.