Sunscreen doesn't cause cancer. Why do those claims keep spreading?
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Social media posts falsely claim sunscreen causes cancer, sparking concern among health experts.
- Experts worry these baseless claims could deter people from using sunscreen and protecting themselves from UV radiation.
- Skin cancer rates continue to rise, making the spread of misinformation particularly dangerous.
Baseless claims that sunscreen causes cancer are spreading widely on social media, raising concerns among health experts as skin cancer rates continue to climb. These false assertions could discourage people from using vital sun protection, leaving them vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The proliferation of misinformation online is particularly worrying given the increasing incidence of skin cancer. Health professionals are concerned that the public might be swayed by unsubstantiated claims, leading to a dangerous reduction in sunscreen use. This could have serious consequences for public health, as UV radiation is a known carcinogen.
BBC Verify's Marco Silva reports on the spread of these unfounded claims. The article highlights the potential public health crisis brewing as social media platforms become conduits for dangerous health myths. The emphasis is on the need for accurate information to combat the rising tide of skin cancer.
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.