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Reduction of solar keratoses by regular sunscreen use
S C Thompson1, D Jolley, R Marks
1Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, Carlton, Australia.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|October 14, 1993
Summary
Regular sunscreen use effectively prevents solar keratoses, a precancerous skin lesion. This study suggests sunscreens may reduce long-term skin cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Skin cancer incidence and mortality are rising globally.
- Ozone depletion concerns promote sunscreen use, yet evidence for skin cancer prevention is limited.
- Solar (actinic) keratosis is a recognized precursor to squamous-cell carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use in preventing solar keratoses.
- To assess the impact of sunscreen on the development and remission of actinic lesions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 588 adults aged 40+ in Australia.
- Participants applied either SPF 17 broad-spectrum sunscreen or a base cream daily during one summer.
- Application targeted the head, neck, forearms, and hands.
Main Results:
- The sunscreen group showed a decrease in solar keratoses (-0.6/subject), while the base-cream group showed an increase (+1.0/subject).
- Sunscreen users had fewer new lesions (rate ratio 0.62) and more remissions (odds ratio 1.53).
- A dose-response relationship was observed between sunscreen usage and lesion outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents the development of solar keratoses.
- Findings imply that regular sunscreen application may reduce long-term skin cancer risk.