Portuguese dermatologists debunk sunscreen myths linked to skin cancer

Dermatologist Maria Goreti Catorze, secretary‑general of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, explained that ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaches the skin even on cloudy days, so daily sun protection is necessary. She clarified that skin‑cancer risk is not limited to summer or outdoor activities, and that melanoma can affect young adults as well as older people.

A separate fact‑check addressed a viral claim that sunscreen causes skin cancer, citing a large 2023 review of 470,000 participants that found no causal link. The study emphasized that proper, regular use of sunscreen reduces UV exposure and lowers skin‑cancer risk, especially for people with fair skin. Both pieces stress that sunscreen is a preventive tool, not a cause of skin cancer.