Sunscreens are safe if you have breast cancer

There is no evidence that sunscreen increases the risk of breast cancer (or other cancers), but not using sunscreen does increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is even more common than breast cancer, which is why it’s important to apply sunscreen when you’re exposed to excessive sunlight. Rumors are circulating online that ingredients in some sunscreens may increase the risk of breast cancer, but that is not true.

Strict criteria

There are two types of sunscreen: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and reflect the sun’s UV rays, preventing them from damaging the skin. Chemical sunscreens work differently: they contain substances that penetrate deeper into the skin and absorb UV rays, preventing them from causing damage. The most well-known ingredients are avobenzone and oxybenzone. All of the ingredients mentioned have been extensively tested for efficacy and safety. They meet strict criteria. Therefore, you can safely use both mineral and chemical sunscreens: they do not increase the risk of breast cancer and do reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Chinese online stores

Sunscreens are available everywhere: from supermarkets to pharmacies. Prices can vary widely, but the effectiveness and safety of these products are exactly the same. SPF 30 is SPF 30, and SPF 50 is SPF 50—whether you buy them at Kruidvat or at a pharmacy. The only differences are in spreadability, scent, and packaging. You can sometimes find sunscreen even cheaper in Chinese online stores, but these products aren’t tested according to the same strict criteria. On the contrary. Test-Aankoop tested 15 sunscreens sold on Temu, AliExpress, or Shein and came to the shocking conclusion that some of them contain sun filters that are banned in Europe because they are carcinogenic, while others contain no sun filter at all and offer absolutely no protection.