CHAPTER 11: Photoprotection in the Prevention of Photodamage and Cutaneous Cancer

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, from the sun and sunbeds, is the main cause of skin cancer and the only cause of photoaging. Photoprotection involves a complex set of behaviours decreasing UV exposure by a wide range of means. The tools for photoprotection, especially sunscreens, have improved dramatically over recent years. There is limited evidence that photoprotection with sunscreen protects against skin cancer. Major barriers to good photoprotection remain, because photoprotection involves a complex set of behaviours, which are crucially dependent on psychosocial and societal factors.