Wife’s dermatologist says sunblock causes cancer just cover up?

Posted by al6 @al6, 3 days ago

My wife has had a number of basil cell carcinoma’s removed and the dermatologist has scheduled another that she thinks looks like maybe melanoma. But she told her not to use sunblock that it can cause cancer and to just cover up. Anyone heard this?

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 2 days ago

@al6 I see your inquiry here is regarding your understanding of your dermatologist's statement about sunblock causing cancer. While it's true that covering up exposed skin areas to direct sunlight is important and helpful, I am unsure as to why your dermatologist is endorsing the notion that sunblock causes cancer. Perhaps this was relating to a past issue, around 2021, when some some sunscreens had been recalled due to unintentional contamination during the manufacturing process with the carcinogen benzene in products that were subsequently removed from the market. You may want to clarify this with her as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), strongly endorses the use of sunscreen as a vital part of sun protection. Alternatively, you might want to ask the doctor directly for the scientific rationale of her recommendation. If her answer does not align with your beliefs or findings, seeking a dermatologist who does is an option.

I can provide some background from Mayo Clinic, including the following:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/be-sun-savvy-and-protect-yourself-from-skin-cancer
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/myth-or-fact-coconut-is-an-effective-sunscreen
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
Does this information help answer your question?