Clothes protect more than sunscreen alone, warns campaign against melanoma

Fundação Melanoma launched the “Prevenção Clothes” campaign in May, a month dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer. The initiative aims to demystify sun protection and promote clothing as the first and most effective barrier against ultraviolet rays. Especialistas warn that incorrect use of sunscreen can create a false sense of security, increasing, rather than reducing, the risk of developing the disease.

The campaign comes at a critical time, with the number of melanoma cases in Itália more than doubling in two decades, rising from 6,000 in 2004 to approximately 15,000 annually. Embora increased prevention efforts and the aging of the population contribute to these numbers, almost 9 out of 10 cases are directly linked to excessive exposure to UV rays, as oncologists point out.

Aumento alarming number of melanoma cases reinforces alert

The exponential growth in melanoma diagnoses highlights the urgency of more effective preventive strategies and greater public awareness. Paolo Ascierto, full professor of Oncologia of Universidade Federico II of Nápoles and president of Fundação Melanoma Onlus, details that the aging of the population is a relevant factor. Ele, however, emphasizes the direct correlation with exposure to ultraviolet rays, which cause significant damage to the skin.

Ascierto warns that a single sunburn every two years can triple your risk of developing melanoma, an alarming statistic. Ele emphasizes that the threat of UV rays is not restricted to hot, sunny days, remaining potent from mid-March to mid-October, even under cloudy skies or mild temperatures. Isso demonstrates that protection needs to be a constant practice, regardless of visible weather conditions.

Hábitos of clothing influences the location of skin cancer

The way people choose to dress, especially during the most sunny months, plays a crucial role in determining which areas of the body are most susceptible to melanoma. Existe a direct correlation between social habits related to clothing and the most common location of skin cancers, according to Ascierto. Essa observation highlights the importance of considering clothing as a public health tool.

A recent analysis conducted by Cancer Research UK, a British institution focused on cancer research, revealed notable differences in the risk of melanoma between the sexes. Nos men, about 40% of melanomas are diagnosed on the back, including the chest and abdomen. Já in women, more than a third of cases, specifically 35%, occur in the legs. Essas variations, explains Professor Ascierto, are a direct reflection of distinct seasonal behaviors. Men tend to go shirtless outdoors, while women often wear skirts and shorts that expose their legs, increasing the vulnerability of these areas.

Leia Também

India offers rescue for 80 Escobar hippos threatened with euthanasia in Colombia

JPMorgan director accused of sexual harassment and threatening junior colleague’s career

Sporting wastes a 2-0 lead and draws with Tondela 2-2 in Alvalade

The “sunscreen paradox” and the false sense of security

Pesquisadores of McGill University reinforces Fundação Melanoma’s warning, describing the dangerous “sunscreen paradox.” Esse phenomenon occurs when the use of sunscreen induces a false sense of security, leading people to expose themselves to the sun in a more risky and prolonged manner. The perception of being protected can negate the expected benefits of the product.

Recent Estudos confirm this worrying theory. Research published in the magazine *Cancers*, based on focus groups in the Atlantic provinces of Canadá, was cross-referenced with data from the UK Biobank, generating a surprising finding reported in *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention*. The results indicated that sunscreen use was associated with a more than doubled risk of developing skin cancer, a counterintuitive finding for many.

Paolo Ascierto interprets this data, explaining that “those who are more exposed to the sun tend to use more sunscreen, but not in adequate quantities or adopting other protective measures, thus exposing themselves to a greater risk”. Ele emphasizes that sunscreen is essential, but should not be interpreted as “a license to roast” in the sun. Most people apply an insufficient amount of product or do not reapply it for hours after the first application, exposing themselves to UV rays without the necessary barrier. Clothing, on the other hand, offers constant physical protection that does not expire, does not come off with sweat and does not depend on the amount or frequency of application, overcoming the limitations of moisturizer.

Roupas as the first line of defense: the five campaign tips

Fundação Melanoma proposes that prevention should be seen as a “costume” that everyone must learn to use correctly. Para assist the public in choosing appropriate clothing, Ascierto listed five practical and accessible tips. Adhering to these recommendations can make a significant difference in protection against ultraviolet rays.

• Cobrir yourself without suffocating:Opte for long-sleeved shirts made of linen or lightweight cotton, along with long, flowing pants. Cobrir arms and legs with natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe better than direct exposure to the sun, which can increase body temperature and the risk of burns.
• Usar dark and vibrant colors:Cores such as black, red or navy absorb UV rays more effectively than pastel shades or white. White, for example, offers less protection than black, as it reflects sunlight and allows part of the UV radiation to reach the skin.
• Proteger the eyes and surrounding area:Sun Óculos with standard filter lenses and wraparound frame are crucial. Lentes that are too bright or without adequate protection can be counterproductive, as they cause the pupil to dilate, allowing more UV rays to enter. Wider Modelos prevent reflected rays from sand, water or asphalt from penetrating, protecting the often neglected thin skin around the eyes.
• Utilizar a wide-brimmed hat:A hat with a brim of at least 7 cm is essential to protect critical and often forgotten areas, such as the ears, scalp (especially in men) and the back of the neck. Essa simple measure can considerably reduce exposure in these vulnerable regions.
• Procurar the UPF label on clothes:Assim Just as sunscreens have the Fator of Proteção Solar (FPS), many technical clothing now have the Fator of Proteção Ultravioleta (UPF). A garment with UPF 50+ is capable of blocking 98% of UV rays, offering an almost impenetrable barrier.

Fundação Melanoma’s message is unequivocally clear: melanoma prevention goes far beyond the use of creams. Awareness about how to properly “cover” your skin can become the first and most reliable line of defense against the most aggressive skin cancers, transforming everyday habits into powerful health tools.