Imagine if there was a cream you could put on your breasts to prevent breast cancer," Holly Thaggard, whose friend battled skin cancer in her early 30s, suggests. "We’d do it without hesitation, right? So, why do we neglect using SPF daily, a cream that can shield our skin from cancer?" You’ve probably heard the sun safety message multiple times – I’ve certainly emphasized it throughout my beauty editor career. However, even I was taken aback when Holly, now the founder of the trendy sunscreen brand Supergoop!, made this passionate statement during dinner. She’s spot on. We’d go to great lengths to avoid breast cancer. Yet, our approach to sunscreen is surprisingly lackadaisical at best and downright careless at worst. Surprisingly, a recent survey found that just 22% of people in the UK apply SPF every day, with only half using it when it’s sunny. Quite shocking, isn’t it? It feels like we’re on the brink of reverting to the ‘70s when folks slathered themselves in baby oil. So, my emotions were mixed when news broke about a groundbreaking jab that could potentially prevent skin cancer. The new mRNA cancer jab for skin cancer, also known as melanoma, would be tailored for each individual. First, a sample of the tumor is removed and its DNA sequenced. Then, the jab would stimulate your immune system to recognize cancer cells and halt the disease from recurring. Having witnessed how melanoma skin cancer can spread, I feel equipped to discuss this topic. This new skin cancer jab operates similarly to immunotherapy, which is currently administered intravenously. My mother underwent immunotherapy for stage 4 melanoma, which started as a malignant mole and progressed to cancer that spread rapidly to various parts of her body, bringing her close to death within weeks. On one hand, I’m optimistic about this jab and the prospects for skin cancer survivors. The surge in skin cancer cases in recent years has made it one of the top 5 cancers affecting women in the UK. Data indicates that 46 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily in the UK, with rates projected to increase over the next couple of years. Immunotherapy saved my mother’s life, and that’s why I will always champion it. However, I’m concerned that some individuals might view this jab as a cure for skin cancer, leading them to sunbathe without SPF protection or use sunbeds. It’s early days for this jab. If it eventually becomes available through the NHS, it won’t function like a measles vaccine that prevents you from contracting the disease in the first place. You must already have a skin cancer diagnosis to receive the jab. Additionally, access may be limited, as specific criteria must be met for immunotherapy treatment of skin cancer. Despite being offered by the NHS, not every trust has access to oncologists specialized in this area or the necessary medications. Protection, rather than cure, remains crucial. I understand – sunscreen isn’t the most exciting topic. It’s not a flashy beauty trend on TikTok. But here’s the deal: it could save your life. Literally.
