A recent study that has appeared in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology links an ingredient in suncream to an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
According Medical Daily the study suggests that 'zinc oxide' undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules, called free radicals, when exposed to sunlight.
Lead researcher Dr Yinfa Ma of Missouri University of Science and Technology suggests that these free radicals could damage cells or the DNA contained within them, which could potentially increase a risk of skin cancer.
Ma also found that the longer zinc oxide is exposed to sunlight, the greater the potential damage to human cells.
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In a statement, Ma said: "Zinc oxide may generate free radicals when exposed to UV (ultraviolet) sunlight and those can kill cells."
However, Dr Kat Arney, Cancer Research UK’s science information manager, said that as details of this study are not yet available, we can tell little about the safety of zinc oxide from the piece of work.
“We do know that getting sunburnt increases the risk of skin cancer – a painful sunburn once every two years can triple the risk of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
“The best ways to enjoy the sun safely are to cover up with clothing, and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its strongest - between 11 and 3. We also recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF15.”
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Skin Cancer Breakthroughs
Aspirin Could Protect Women
Aspirin may protect women from the most dangerous form of skin cancer, research has shown.
The longer a woman takes the painkiller, the lower the risk of melanoma, scientists discovered.
Read more <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/11/health-aspirin-cuts-skin-cancer-risk_n_2851426.html">here</a>.
Vitamin A 'Could Prevent Skin Cancer'
Taking daily vitamin A supplements could protect against deadly melanoma skin cancer, scientists claim.
According to researchers from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, a compound found in vitamin A, (Retinol), is vital for protecting against skin cancer.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/03/02/daily-vitamin-could-prevent-skin-cancer_n_1315778.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
Skin Cancer Drug 'Almost Doubles Survival Times' In Patients
A twice-daily skin cancer drug almost doubles the survival times of advanced cancer patients, American scientists have discovered.
Researchers from the Jonsson Cancer Center at the University of California, found that advanced melanoma cancer sufferers lived on average of 16 months after receiving the vemurafenib drug.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/23/skin-cancer-drug-zelboraf-doubles-survival-times_n_1295896.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
'Radioactive Paint' Could Cure Skin Cancer Tumours In Two Hours
Italian scientists have discovered a new, non-surgical skin cancer treatment using radioactive 'paint' which could save up to 3,000 lives a year - and can be done in as little as two hours.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/06/cream-could-cure-skin-cancer-in-two-hours_n_1189136.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
Young People 'Encouraged' To Use Sunbeds
A cancer charity has warned that four in 10 young people under the age of 25 are being 'encouraged' to use sunbeds by their friends.
The Cancer Research UK discovered that 26% of 18 to 24-year olds have been given the push to use sunbeds by friends or a family member when using it for the first time.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/19/young-people-encouraged-to-use-sunbeds_n_1215361.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
Skin Cancer Tablet That Costs 5p
A tablet costing a mere five pence a day could be the key to stopping deadly cancer tumours developing, recent research published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has found.
Scientists from Ohio State University and Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark looked at the records of 4,000 people battling severe forms of cancer.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/10/10/the-5p-beta-blocker-pill-that-helps-prevent-cancer-growth_n_1003011.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
'Encouraging' Skin Cancer Gene Discovered
Scientists have said an "encouraging" discovery has been made in the fight against the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
A team from the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow said it has proved that a specific gene, P-Rex1, must be present before malignant melanoma can spread in a patient.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/02/skin-cancer-study-makes-new-gene-discovery_n_1124964.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
One In Six Women Believe Fake Tan Protects Against Sun Damage
Millions of women are putting their lives at risk because of a mistaken belief that a spray tan will protect them from the sun's harmful rays.
One in six women believe that fake tan acts like a sunscreen while nearly half think their foundation and make-up provides them with UV protection.
<strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/09/20/one-in-six-women-believe-fake-tan-protects-against-sun-damage_n_971918.html" target="_hplink">Read the full story here</a></strong>.
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The Huffington Post UK | By Sarah O'Meara Posted: 09/05/2012 11:50 Updated: 09/05/2012 11:52