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Life Tips 01/07/2025 17:04

Woman's endometrial canc3r diagnosis prompts suspicion of sunscreen as a cause

Many people go outside to use sunscreen to protect their skin. However, be mindful of this to avoid harming your health.
A 59-year-old woman in Taiwan (China) was diagnosed with stage III endometrial cancer and was found to have high levels of environmental hormones in her body. Functional medicine nutrition expert Dr. Liu Ba Ren revealed that after reviewing the woman's lifestyle, he suspected the prolonged use of sunscreen as a possible cause, since most sunscreens contain benzophenone-3, an environmental hormone. Long-term exposure to this substance can interfere with the body's hormone system, potentially increasing cancer risk.
Family doctor, Dr. Tran Tam My, agreed with this hypothesis. She shared on her personal page, "Years ago, I discovered that the benzophenone-3 levels in my body were 100 times higher than normal. Looking back at my lifestyle, I realized that although I rarely used sunscreen, I applied a small amount of foundation every day, which contained sun protection ingredients. If I hadn’t tested, I would never have thought this could be the cause."
Dermatologist Dr. Zhao Qiu Ming explained that sunscreens are divided into chemical and physical types. Benzophenone-3 is commonly used in chemical sunscreens because it effectively protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Therefore, most sunscreens contain this ingredient.
“Physical sunscreens do not contain benzophenone-3, which is why some doctors recommend them. However, each type has its pros and cons. For instance, physical sunscreens often contain titanium dioxide. Recent studies suggest that nano-sized titanium dioxide particles might be genotoxic, potentially damaging DNA and increasing cancer risk.”
Regardless of the sunscreen type, proper cleansing remains essential. Thoroughly removing any leftover chemical components from the skin can significantly reduce the risk of absorbing environmental hormones. Dr. Zhao also emphasized, "Additionally, it’s important to choose sunscreen products from reputable brands and avoid those with unclear ingredients. When applying sunscreen, make sure to use a thin, even layer to minimize the burden on the skin."
Dr. Nhan Tong Hai, Head of Toxicology at Chang Geng Lin Khou Hospital in Taiwan, stated that if one must spend extended periods outdoors, it’s better to prioritize physical sun protection methods, such as umbrellas and long-sleeve clothing, to completely avoid exposure to environmental hormones. “However, in daily life, there are too many sources of environmental hormones and plasticizers (phthalates). If people are concerned, they can visit a hospital for a urine test.”
Furthermore, boosting metabolism is an effective detoxification method. Dr. Nhan recommended drinking plenty of water and consuming more fruits and vegetables to help the body eliminate toxins. Dr. Tran Tam My added that B vitamins, selenium, and zinc are excellent for the liver and kidneys, aiding in the detoxification of plasticizers. Additionally, indole and sulforaphane compounds found in cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale) help convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble ones, enhancing the liver’s detox function.

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