Featured Review: Sun protection to prevent basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

One randomised trial has been done to date that compares different ways of using sunscreen and physical barrier methods to protect against common non-melanoma skin cancers. The quality of evidence to date is low but the review team urge caution in changing behaviour on the basis of the review findings.Keratinocyte cancer is a more common but less serious type of skin cancer than melanoma. It comprises basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The main risk factor for keratinocyte cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is a component of sunlight. The incidence of this type of cancer has increased since the 1960s and costs of treating it are high because as much as 95% skin cancers are of this type. Applying sunscreen and physical barrier methods, such as sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and avoiding direct exposure to sun by   searching for shade when outdoors are often advised to stop this type of cancer from developing.A team of Cochrane authors based in Colombia and United Kingdom worked withCochrane Skin to investigate how different strategies such as topical sunscreen and physical barrier methods prevent the development of BCC and cSCC of the skin in adults and children, when compared with any type of control.One randomised controlled trial from Australia that evaluated two different strategies was found. In one of the groups people were instructed to apply sunscreen daily and in the other group they were instructed to...
Source: Cochrane News and Events - Category: Information Technology Authors: Source Type: news