August 5, 1999

First this week came a study that suggested sunblock might actually contribute to skin cancer by giving people a false sense of security in the sun.

Now a new study suggests that sunburns might actually prevent skin cancer.

For years we've been told to fear the sun, because it could lead to skin cancer.

Now come doctors who say a sunburn did the opposite in mice-- by triggering the A protein that causes skin to peel.

Dr. Laurie Owen-Schaub/University of Texas: "This protein can offer protection by eliminating those pre-cancerous cells before they become skin cancer."

Does this mean a sunburn protects against cancer?

One million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and more than 7,000 people die annually from melanoma.

But researchers at the University of Texas in Houston say their study doesn't mean sunburn is good. Even though a burn might rid the body of precancerous or cancerous cells in mice, doctors say too much sun still does proven harm to people.

Even so, one of the treatments for skin damage is induced peeling, whether by laser or chemicals. Doctors say those treatments do reduce the risk of cancer.

Dr. Thomas Nigra/Washington Hospital Ctr.: "It would be nice to have a peeling effect that wasn't the sun that caused it."

Researchers say this latest study does offer new clues into how the body naturally deals with sun damage.