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Skin Cancer Survivor Speaks Out Against Dangerous Sunscreen Myths
23 Jul
Summary
- Kelly Johnston's skin cancer journey spanning over a decade
- Her recent melanoma diagnosis in 2022, caught early and removed
- The rise in skin cancer rates and the push for awareness in Canada
Over a decade ago, Kelly Johnston, a 38-year-old content creator and model based in Owen Sound, Ontario, was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Since then, she has had other cancerous spots appear on her body, including melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer, which was detected on her left inner thigh in 2022.
Johnston's experience is part of a larger trend in Canada, where skin cancer rates are on the rise. Dermatologists and cancer organizations are now speaking out about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure and artificial sources, as well as the growing problem of medical misinformation spreading online about sunscreen.
Some social media influencers are promoting the idea that certain sunscreen ingredients are linked to cancer, a claim not supported by evidence. This misinformation is contributing to a concerning "anti-sunscreen movement" that is undermining scientific research and putting people's health at risk, according to experts.
Despite the clear benefits of sunscreen in protecting against UV exposure, a recent study found that Canadians are spending more time in the sun but using less sun protection, especially among younger adults. Experts warn that this trend, fueled by online misinformation, could have serious and even fatal consequences.
