Skin cancer cases have increased steadily since the 60s when Swedes started traveling on charters to sunny destinations. Now researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a trend break when they studied data from the Swedish melanoma registry.
– Around 2015, the curves for the incidence of melanoma turn downward, says Hildur Helgadottir, senior physician and associate professor in oncology.
The fact that the reduction can only be confirmed now is partly due to the fact that it can take many years before sun damage develops into cancer and partly to the fact that the researchers want to be sure that it is more than a temporary reduction.
The study is published today in the scientific journal JAMA Dermatology. The researchers have not mapped the reason for the reduction in skin cancer, but they put forward four possible explanations.
“It used to be common for children to burn themselves”
The main theory is that the information campaigns for safe sun behavior that started in the 90s have actually had an effect, especially when it comes to protecting children from the sun.
– Before that, it was very common for children to burn themselves. You often saw children who burned themselves several times, had scales and blisters. They almost thought it was “strengthening”, says Helgadottir.
Fewer sunbeds, indwelling and darker pigments
Another factor is that access to solariums has decreased drastically. Since 2018, there is an 18-limit on tanning beds and many bathhouses have removed the tanning beds.
The researchers also believe that sitting indoors due to increased mobile and computer use has affected young people’s exposure to sunlight. According to the study, another partial factor may be that today in Sweden there are more individuals with darker pigmentation who can withstand the sun better.
Sweden first in Europe
Australia and the United States have also reported a reduction in the incidence of skin cancer, and Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom, among others, have noted a stabilization in the number of cases. However, Sweden is first in Europe with a reduction.
– It is probably primarily due to the fact that in Sweden we have such good health population registers where we can look at such relationships almost in real time.
Young people chase UV hours
This summer, there have been reports of young people who, contrary to recommendations, use the UV index to get as tan as possible.
However, Hildur Helgadottir believes that skin cancer cases will continue to decrease and eventually even reach adults over 50. But it all depends on how well we protect ourselves, she notes.
– The main message is that sun-safe behavior has an effect.
Ten questions about sun protection – the doctor answers