Following a widely circulated tweet questioning the link between sun exposure and melanoma, Dr. Emily Avitan-Hersh clarifies the scientific evidence and reinforces the importance of proper sun protection.
A viral social media post by one of Israel’s most widely listened-to podcasters, Matan Hakimi, sparked public debate last week after he wrote: “So you’re telling me that sunscreen was invented in the 1940s, people these days spend 90 percent of their time indoors, and melanoma rates have increased 6-fold since then…and we believe the sun causes it?” The claim quickly spread online and raised concerns about misinformation related to skin cancer prevention.
Dr. Emily Avitan-Hersh, director of the Department of Dermatology and head of the Skin Cancer Research Lab in the Leir Foundation Clinical Research Institute at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), addresses the issue, emphasizing that current scientific data does not support the narrative circulating on social media.
According to Dr. Avitan-Hersh, today’s lifestyle patterns contradict the assumption that people are protected from ultraviolet exposure. For example, according to the American Skin Cancer Society, nearly one third of adults in the United States of America (U.S.) reported at least one sunburn in the past year, which reflects ongoing habits of prolonged, unprotected time outdoors. She also noted that tanning beds, which did not exist in the 1940s, are conclusively linked to melanoma due to their reliance on ultraviolet light waves—a known carcinogen. This led to 43 states in the U.S. regulating or restricting the use of tanning beds for children under 18 since 2012; additionally, some 24 countries prohibit tanning bed use by minors.
Dr. Avitan-Hersh adds that while melanoma rates have risen, the underlying cause is uncertain and likely due to multiple causes: Damage to the ozone layer, which increases ultraviolet exposure, is one possible contributing factor. She also stresses that part of the increase in melanoma diagnoses is related to improved awareness and early detection. She continues, “Studies show an increase in diagnoses, more people being tested, and an increase in more superficial melanomas, meaning more melanomas are being detected at an early stage.”
Recent studies on sunscreen safety indicate that consistent, proper use can significantly reduce skin-cancer risk – with up to a 70% decrease in melanoma and about a 40% reduction in non-melanoma skin cancers. However, incorrect use of sunscreen is extremely common and undermines its protective effect, especially when too little is applied or when it isn’t reapplied during long periods in the sun. On the other hand, protective clothing and hats can reduce melanoma risk by approximately 40% and are an important part of comprehensive sun protection.
Dr. Avitan-Hersh acknowledges that some sunscreen ingredients pose an environmental concern, particularly near beaches, but she also clarifies that there is no evidence of harm to human health. Minor reductions in vitamin D levels can be addressed easily through diet or supplements.
Her conclusion is clear: Ultraviolet exposure is a well-established risk factor for melanoma, and sunscreen remains a proven, effective tool for prevention when used correctly.
Based on a Hebrew language article that appeared in Ynet.
