CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With summer right around the corner, some social media influencers are saying sunscreen causes cancer.
According to the Wall Street Journal, wellness trendsetters claim you can skip the sunscreen thanks to the sun's natural healing powers.
WCNC Charlotte looked into it.
THE QUESTION
Does sunscreen cause cancer?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, sunscreen does not cause cancer.
WHAT WE FOUND
You might need to keep an eye on kids' and teens' social media accounts to help them avoid this trend this summer.
"Sunscreen is definitely helpful, but it doesn't help if you get more sun exposure -- you can negate the effects by increasing the amount of time you spend in the sun," Dr. Richard White said.
A recall of some spray sunscreens could be fueling this skepticism. Johnson & Johnson recalled some Neutrogena sprays over the cancer-causing chemical benzene a few years ago.
As people get ready to spend time outside this summer, there are some statistics to keep in mind: The American Association for Cancer Research said more than 5 million people receive a skin cancer diagnosis every year. While melanoma makes up less than 5% of skin cancer cases nationwide, it accounts for the most skin cancer deaths.
Atrium Health doctors said you can help prevent skin cancer and protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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