Sunscreens May be Speeding up Skin Cancer

Vitamin A and its derivatives found in some sunscreens appear to be the culprit ingredients responsible for accelerating skin cancer growth. Since skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US according to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is reason for concern.

According to AOL News  (May 23) the Food and Drug Administration conducted a year long Vitamin A sunscreen study which showed that “tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in Vitamin A laced sunscreens than animals treated with a Vitamin A free sunscreen.”

But the shocker is that this study took place some 10 years ago and the results were never released to the public. And why would the FDA not release this information? Why would manufacturers be allowed to continue to add Vitamin A to their sunscreen concoctions given the results of this study?

Not surprisingly, the FDA is denying these reports. But as luck would have it, AOL reported that there are documents in existence from the FDA and the National Toxicology Program (the federal government’s principle evaluator of substances that raise public health concerns), that show that the FDA conducted the Vitamin A research.

When a spokesperson for the FDA was questioned further, she indicated that: “We have thoroughly checked and are not aware of any studies.” She said she checked with bosses throughout the agency and found no one who knew of the vitamin A sunscreen research being done by or on behalf of the agency.

This is almost laughable if it wasn’t so desperately irresponsible. It conjures up images of the spokesperson running from FDA to FDA office and asking the “bosses” if they knew about the vitamin A sunscreen study, only to come up empty handed. Is that how matters are handled at FDA offices? Apparently so.

And thank goodness for our favorite watch dog group, Environmental Working Group (EWG) who has been saying that our best defense sun damage is actually not sunscreen but additional clothing like hats and clothing and remaining in the shade.

And here’s yet another “spin” on this issue.    According Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, Editor, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in her article Are Sunscreens Safe? She states that “sunscreens were never developed to prevent skin cancer.” In fact, states Dr. Draelos, “there is no evidence that sunscreens prevent skin cancer in humans and sunscreens had never been proven to prevent aging.” If no health or beauty benefits, why bother?

Confused? Who wouldn’t be?  Everyone’s using sunscreens and skin cancer rates are increasing. What are we to do?

Have a look at this video which talks about the best sunscreens that are available based on EWG’s report.

Source:  AOL News