Mole Mobile Fights Against Anti-Sunscreen Movement with Sun Safety

In recent months, a trend has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers are spreading misinformation about sunscreen, claiming it causes cancer or vitamin D deficiencies. This dangerous trend has sparked an anti-sunscreen movement, putting public health at risk.

In response to this misinformation, Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile, presented by Neutrogena®, a Kenvue brand, continues to take action to educate Canadians about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

Debunking the Myths

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll, the national chair of the Mole Mobile and a Melanoma Canada board member, addresses these claims head-on. “This anti-sunscreen movement is so dangerous because we know eighty to ninety percent of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation,” she explains. “To my knowledge, there is no published data that sunscreen causes cancer. In fact, it’s the exact opposite

The Reality of Skin Cancer in Canada

Skin cancers are more common than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined in Canada. Each year, over 91,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma and skin cancer. This is one of the many reasons why practicing sun safety year-round is important.

How We Are Taking Action

The Mole Mobile is traveling across British Columbia and Quebec until the end of September, bringing expert advice from health care professionals and sun safety resources directly to communities. The mobile units provide Canadians with the opportunity to take a skin cancer risk assessment, understand the real risk of UV exposure, and learn sun safety best practices and how to identify early signs of skin cancer. Visitors also receive a skin health care package and resources to take home. This initiative highlights the importance of early detection and prevention of melanoma and skin cancer.