Cancer vs. Sunlight

My mum had melanoma and it wasn’t from the Sun.

In 2007 my mum was diagnosed with melanoma that had branched and spread to multiple locations in her body. The cause was a mole that she had attempted to remove multiple times located at (her preferred) skirts-length hemline on her left knee. She was incredibly lucky. They found the clusters that had spread and the source. Operated and removed them. With only needing to experience radiation therapy and constant check ups. It did not return.

What is cancer? ‘Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.’[5] According to the National Cancer Institute (2021), cancer is caused through genetic changes in our body that can be a result of damage to DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment, errors during cell division or inherited from our parents.

In Australia, we have a regulatory administration called the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA have tested the active ingredients in sunscreens to assure the user that they do not contribute to cancer. Society’s Whispers investigated the first active ingredient listed, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor which has been banned for use in Japan, UK and USA. Australia approved the use of it up to 4%, however it has been documented to leave lasting impression in the body. This was the case for several of the active ingredients that were found to contribute to one-lasting-thing or another - not cancer though.

Our investigations were halted when it became clear that inactive ingredients were not readily available for public research. According to the TGA (2020), inactive ingredients are only made available for some medications. It’s those pamphlets that come in the box.

In the 80s it was discovered that both UVA & UVB absorption contributed to skin cancer. This is when active ingredients that had considerable “blocking” qualities were introduced into sunscreen. [1] The same ingredients that were found to have lasting presence in the body and could contribute to other issues.

What we did find, is that Zinc Oxide has significant blockage qualities against both UVA & UVB type sunlight. It also has the lowest impact on the skin for short term reactions and long term active ingredient absorption impacts[9]. Some brands of sunscreen for sensitive skin and infants have only Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient.

Since 1982, the Australian Government Cancer Australia reports that statistically cases of skin cancer have almost doubled per 100,000 people (to 2020). [2]

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.

Health Direct Australia (2024) state that, ‘[Vitamin D deficiency] is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.’ You can acquire vitamin D through sunlight exposure or food, however, food alone does not prove to be enough. [3]

According to several sources, vitamin D is essential for absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus. It has also been found through studies to assist in reducing cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation. [7] Further studies continue to investigate the vitality of vitamin D as they have discovered receptors for its absorption in multiple organs and lymph nodes.[7]

What do you think? The chemicals we absorb through our skin have been found to have long-term effects and can be quite harmful in a variety of other ways. Whereas, in Australia, we are taught to be “sun-smart”. The majority of us know many methods such as, shade, hats or long-sleeves. As Vitamin D is imperative for our system we need to implement ways to ensure we are receiving this absorption and employing “sun-safe” mentalities. Personally, I utilise a 20 minute minimum rule I came across. It is recommended that for 20 minutes every day, your hands, feet and face are to be exposed to the sun - without sunscreen.

Sunscreen doesn’t prevent the possibility of skin cancer. Though, vitamin D and sun exposure in moderation might contribute to decreasing the likelihood.

I also want to note that my skin stung for an hour and a half after this amount of sunscreen on my face. That can’t be good for you.