False and misinterpreted information about sun protection and skin cancer is circulating on social media. Do sunscreens protect against melanoma, or do they actually increase the risk of skin cancer?

Warnings are currently spreading on social media about an alleged risk of skin cancer caused by sunscreens. Although ultraviolet rays are the main cause of melanoma and sunscreens block those rays, some advise against their use and portray sunscreens as a potential danger.

Is There Any Truth to These Claims?

Claim: "It is an indisputable fact that countries with the highest sunscreen usage also have the highest rates of skin cancer. The more sunscreen is used, the more skin cancer spreads," wrote a U.S.-based X platform user with 58,000 followers at the end of June.

On TikTok, too, videos can be found warning about the alleged skin cancer risk linked to sunscreen use.

DW Fact Check: False

These warnings are unfounded.

"There is no scientific evidence suggesting a link between increased cancer risk and the use of sunscreens," said Brittany Schaefer from the Connecticut Department of Public Health in a statement to DW.

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The X platform user cited the Connecticut Tumor Registry as a source in their post. Spokeswoman Schaefer explained that the claim is incorrect:

"The original cancer incidence data likely came from the CTR — the tumor registry from several decades ago — but the added commentary about sunscreen is not part of that data. We don’t know the source of the current graphic, but it did not come from CTR or the Connecticut Department of Health."

More Sunscreen, More Melanoma?

So why is the number of skin cancer cases rising globally, despite the increasing use of sunscreen? An international study by scientists from the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary, published in December 2023, proposed five hypotheses to explain the contradiction.

According to the Basel study, reasons for the misconceptions and myths about sunscreen and cancer risk include:

increased diagnostics
improved treatment methods
outdated scientific studies
irregular and improper use of sunscreen
climate change

High Incidence in Australia

Growing awareness among patients and doctors has led to more reporting and recording of skin cancer cases. Despite rising incidence, the global skin cancer mortality rate is declining thanks to better treatments, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund data from 2022, Australia had the highest age-standardized incidence rate of new skin cancer cases: 37 per 100,000 people annually, followed by Denmark (31.1), Norway (30.6), New Zealand (29.8), and Sweden (27.4).

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In terms of total skin cancer cases in 2022, the U.S. ranked first with 101,388 cases, while Germany, with the same incidence rate of 16.5, had 21,976 cases, placing it second.

Regarding deaths, the U.S. again ranked first in 2022 with 7,368 deaths, and Germany was fourth with 3,303 cases, behind China and Russia. This data shows that high incidence doesn’t necessarily mean high mortality.

Outdated Studies

Another possible reason for the rising number of skin cancer cases is that more people are spending time in the sun. Even when they use sunscreen, it doesn’t mean they use it correctly.

The lack of modern scientific studies contributes to outdated narratives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating sunscreens only in 2011. Earlier studies likely involved sunscreens with much lower protection levels than those available today.

Sunscreens – a Lucrative Market
But do people in countries with the highest skin cancer rates (New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the U.S.) actually use sunscreen more often, as claimed online?

It’s true that global sales of sunscreen are increasing. According to manufacturers, the market is expected to reach a value of USD 13.553 billion by 2028. The largest market is the U.S., followed by China and South Korea.

How sunscreen is actually used in practice is another matter. According to Australia’s Bureau of Statistics, 38 percent of people aged 15 and older use sunscreen regularly.

However, nearly 7 percent of respondents reported sunburns in the week before the survey. Among those aged 15 to 24, the figure was as high as 15 percent.

Sunscreen Only on Vacation

In the U.S., a Talker Research study from May this year showed that fewer than 41 percent of 2,000 respondents use sunscreen more than 60 days per year. Thirteen percent said they never use it.

In Germany, a country with high skin cancer rates, an online survey from August 2024 found that about 51 percent of people use sunscreen only in summer or when directly exposed to sunlight.

Sybille Kohlstädt, spokeswoman for the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, warns that due to a lack of reliable data, one should not draw incorrect conclusions:

"Unlike the available data showing the global increase in skin cancer, there are no national statistics that precisely track sunscreen usage and correlate it with cancer incidence."

In recent years, cortisol has increasingly been mentioned as the cause of numerous issues – from chronic fatigue and insomnia to the accumulation of fat tissue. Although it often has a negative connotation, this hormone plays a key role in the normal functioning of the body.

“Cortisol regulates the body's response to stress, blood sugar levels, metabolism, inflammatory processes, and even the sleep-wake cycle,” explains Dr. Erika Armstrong for Eating Well.

What Is Cortisol and Why Is It Important?

Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, and its levels naturally vary throughout the day – it is highest about 30 minutes after waking up and lowest at night. In stressful situations, cortisol levels rise rapidly to help the body react quickly – heart rate increases, blood sugar levels rise, and the body prepares for “fight or flight.”

The problem arises when cortisol remains constantly elevated, even without a real physical threat. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can seriously damage your health. According to Eating Well, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other inflammatory conditions.

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According to Dr. Armstrong, the only sure way to know if you have high cortisol is through laboratory testing. However, there are symptoms that may indicate a problem, reports Sombor.info.

Most Common Symptoms of Elevated Cortisol

1. Sleep Problems

If you have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night, cortisol might be the cause. “Cortisol should be low at night, but stress or a drop in blood sugar can increase it and wake you up,” says Armstrong. Research shows that higher cortisol levels in the evening worsen sleep quality.

2. Fat Accumulation Around the Abdomen

If you notice you're gaining weight in the abdominal area without changes in your diet or physical activity, a hormonal imbalance might be the cause. “Cortisol promotes fat storage around the stomach as a form of protection,” says the doctor.

3. Fatigue and Irritability

When cortisol is chronically high, you may feel mentally tense even when physically exhausted. “Cortisol can keep us alert while we feel completely drained,” Armstrong explains. In the long term, this condition can impair memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.

How to Naturally Lower Cortisol and Reduce Inflammation?

Reducing cortisol helps regulate inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic diseases. Here are some scientifically proven tips:

Anti-inflammatory diet: Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and dietary fiber.
Blood sugar stabilization: Eat regular meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber – this prevents cortisol spikes.
Stress management: Meditation, mindfulness techniques, and regular rest help reduce stress.
Healthy sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and relaxing bedtime routines.
Gut health: A balanced gut microbiome boosts immunity and reduces inflammation.

Nearly 60% of people have knee cartilage damage without any symptoms, which is usually discovered by accident.

The knee is the largest joint in the human body. It consists of the articular ends of the femur and tibia, which are covered with cartilage, articular bodies – menisci, ligaments, joint capsules, and surrounding muscles and tendons.

It is often exposed to injuries, both in athletes and recreational individuals, as well as in traffic accidents and various falls.

As a result of repeated minor injuries or injuries to the meniscus and/or cruciate ligaments of the knee, cartilage damage may occur over time, and in older people, it may even lead to the complete loss of cartilage. This can cause varying degrees of pain and knee deformity.

What Is Articular Cartilage?

It is a specially structured cartilage, called hyaline cartilage. Healthy cartilage is:

• shiny, whitish, smooth, elastic,
• allows smooth joint movements,
• acts as a shock absorber during walking, running, and jumping.

Like a sponge, it retains joint fluid, which is squeezed into the joint space during activity and enables smooth joint movement.

The knee essentially consists of two joints. One is between the femur and patella (patellofemoral joint), and the other is between the femur and tibia (tibiofemoral joint).

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How to Know If Your Knee Cartilage Is Damaged?

Studies show that nearly 60% of people have knee cartilage damage without any symptoms, which is often discovered accidentally during an MRI performed for another reason. Major contributing factors to cartilage damage include:

• genetic factors,
• living and working conditions,
• injuries,
• inflammatory joint diseases.

"Once damaged, cartilage begins to deteriorate irreversibly. It is a slow and long-lasting process and can remain unnoticed for a long time," says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vaso Kecojević for Stetoskop.

First signs that may indicate cartilage problems are:

• pain during movement,
• morning stiffness,
• audible sensations like clicking, creaking, scraping,
• difficulty straightening the knee after prolonged driving or sitting,
• trouble climbing stairs,
• difficulty squatting,
• joint effusion (swelling).

In later, untreated stages, knee deformity may occur, in the form of O- or X-shaped legs.

"Your orthopedist may suggest additional tests after the examination, such as X-rays or knee MRI," explains Dr. Kecojević.

How Does Knee Cartilage Deteriorate – Stages?

Knee cartilage deterioration happens gradually. In the first stage, softening occurs; in the second, cracks appear on the smooth surface; in the third, the cartilage thins; and in the fourth, full-thickness cartilage defects expose the underlying bone. This may be accompanied by:

• severe pain,
• joint effusion,
• limited movement.

"If your doctor diagnoses cartilage damage, treatment depends on the stage of deterioration," emphasizes Dr. Kecojević.

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How Is Damaged Knee Cartilage Treated?

Treatment usually starts with pain-relief medications, such as:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
• chondroprotectors – drugs that block the enzymes responsible for pain, retain fluid in the cartilage and microscopic collagen fibers, and inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes,
• various physical therapy procedures,
• injections into the knee containing structural substances (like hyaluronic acid).

"Excellent results in the first three stages have been shown by treatment with autologous conditioned blood plasma – Orthokine," highlights Dr. Kecojević.

Surgical techniques also exist for filling cartilage defects using grafts from o

One in six people in the world suffers from loneliness, which – along with social isolation – can lead to the development of numerous physical illnesses, ultimately resulting in 871,000 deaths annually worldwide, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) commission.

Loneliness increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, the development of diabetes, depression, anxiety, and, ultimately, suicide, the WHO reported.

It has been recorded that lonely teenagers are 22 percent more likely to achieve lower grades in school compared to their peers who are not lonely. At the same time, lonely adults find it more difficult to get and keep a job – reports N1.

The impact of loneliness is not only individual but also social – reflected in billions of costs for the functioning of healthcare systems and job losses.

The co-chair of the WHO commission, Vivek Murthy, defines loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships we need do not match the ones we have.” In contrast, social isolation represents an objective state of having fewer contacts, relationships, or interactions.

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According to the report, in today’s world, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents live in social isolation.

The causes of this include numerous illnesses, poor education, low income, lack of opportunities for social interaction, living alone, and excessive reliance on digital technologies.

Murthy emphasizes that for thousands of years, people have been accustomed to communicating not only with words, but also with facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, or even silence – forms of communication that are lost when people rely solely on mobile phones and social media.

Dementia is one of the most challenging diseases of modern times, and the number of people affected is constantly rising worldwide.

Experts warn that, along with proper brain care—which includes mental exercises, physical activity, and a healthy diet—it is also very important to know which foods should be avoided.

Scientific research shows that certain types of food can increase the risk of developing dementia and accelerate cognitive decline – reports klix.ba.

Foods That Can Increase the Risk of Dementia:

Processed Meat

Processed meats, such as salami, sausages, and others, contain high levels of sodium and trans fats, which are harmful to the cardiovascular system. A study published in the journal *Neurology* showed that people who consume more than a quarter portion of red meat daily have a 13% higher risk of developing dementia.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Foods rich in added sugars, preservatives, artificial colors, and other chemical additives are classified as ultra-processed. A 2022 study published in *JAMA Neurology* indicates that individuals whose daily caloric intake consists of more than 20% of such foods experience a 25% faster cognitive decline.

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Spicy Food

People who consume more than 50 grams of chili peppers daily are nearly twice as likely to experience a decline in cognitive abilities.

Alcohol

A study published in 2023 in *JAMA Network Open* found that moderate alcohol consumption—one drink per day—can reduce the risk of dementia by 21%. However, those who drink three or more drinks per day have an 8% increased risk.

Artificially Sweetened Drinks

Additionally, individuals who consume at least one artificially sweetened drink daily have a three times higher risk of developing dementia.

Added Sugars

Excessive sugar intake is linked to insulin resistance, which can negatively affect brain function. People who drink between one and seven sweetened beverages weekly have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.

Recommended Diet for Preserving Cognitive Health

To reduce the risk of dementia, experts recommend a diet rich in:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel

Nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade emphasizes that food rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants can protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of dementia.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common and well-known blood test that doctors use to assess general health and detect various disorders, including infections.

When it comes to distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections, certain CBC parameters provide key insights – reports Sombor.info.

Key CBC Components Related to Infection

Leukocytes – These cells help our body fight infections. The total white blood cell count shows whether there is an infection present in the body.

Neutrophils – A type of white blood cell that is most commonly elevated in bacterial infections.

Lymphocytes – Another type of white blood cell, typically elevated in viral infections.

Monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils – Other types of leukocytes that provide additional insight into our immune response.

Differences in CBC Results for Bacterial and Viral Infections

Total White Blood Cell Count:

Bacterial Infections – Often cause an increase in the total number of white blood cells. This is known as leukocytosis.

Viral Infections – May not significantly increase the total white blood cell count and can sometimes lead to a decrease (leukopenia).

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Neutrophils:

Bacterial Infections – Usually cause an increase in neutrophils, especially immature ones (known as band neutrophils). This phenomenon is called a "left shift."

Viral Infections – Typically do not cause an increase in neutrophils and may even decrease their absolute number.

Lymphocytes:

Bacterial Infections – Typically do not cause an increase in lymphocytes.

Viral Infections – Usually lead to an increase in lymphocytes. This is known as lymphocytosis.

Example of a Bacterial Infection:

A patient with a bacterial infection may have a high white blood cell count, a large number of neutrophils, and possibly an increased number of immature neutrophils (bands).

Example of a Viral Infection:

A patient with a viral infection may have a normal or slightly reduced white blood cell count, with a higher proportion of lymphocytes.

Why Is This Important?

“Understanding these differences helps doctors decide on treatment and therapy plans. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are not,” explains biochemist Mr. Sonja Šuput for Stetoskop.

The misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, which is why properly identifying the type of infection is crucial.

“Although CBC results can provide important clues for treatment, they are just one part of the diagnostic puzzle. Clinicians consider these results along with symptoms, physical examination findings, and other test results to make a comprehensive diagnosis,” she adds.

Summer without the sea isn't real summer for many, but if you've ever spent a day at the beach, gone swimming, and felt your skin tight and dry afterwards, you're not alone.

While most of us accept this as “normal after the sea,” science has now explained exactly why this happens and what you can do to save your skin that same evening.

Salt Equals Skin Dehydration

New research published in the journal "Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials" reveals what actually happens when we bathe in saltwater.

Scientists analyzed how freshwater and seawater affect the skin, and the results are clear: seawater significantly increases skin stiffness and creates what they call “drying stress.” In short, that’s why our skin feels tight, dry, and sometimes peels after swimming in the sea, reports Index.hr.

“Salt draws moisture from the upper layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, causing it to feel dry and tight,” explains study author Dr. Guy K. German, professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University in New York.

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Salt Damages the Skin’s Natural Barrier

But it's not just dehydration. Dermatologists point out that salt disrupts proteins on the skin's surface, making it rough, sensitive, and prone to peeling.

“Microscopic salt crystals remain on the skin and continue to draw moisture even after you've dried off,” says Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Mount Sinai Hospital. He adds that frequent exposure to saltwater can cause irritation, inflammation, and severe dryness.

Dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney notes that this further damages the skin's protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to UV rays, allergens, and bacteria.

What to Do Right After Swimming in the Sea?

If you thought beach showers were just for rinsing off sand, think again. Rinsing with fresh water right after swimming in the sea helps your skin recover.

“That’s why many beaches have showers—use them immediately after swimming in the sea,” says Dr. German.

When you get home, shower with a gentle soap. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.

Choose lotions with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help retain moisture and restore your skin’s barrier function.

You can also protect yourself before heading to the beach.

“Before applying sunscreen, first use a rich moisturizer,” advises Dr. Rodney.

The goal is to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, so the salt will have a harder time drying it out.

Autism is a mysterious disorder that begins in early childhood and disrupts many aspects of development, making it difficult for the child to establish social relationships and communicate in a typical way.

What Causes Autism?

About fifty years ago, it was believed that autism was caused by inadequate parenting. It turned out that this belief was incorrect – writes the portal Biti roditelj.

Modern medical research points to clear biological causes of autism, which means that parents should no longer blame themselves. Biological factors include genetic influences, viral infections, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth that can cause subtle brain damage. It is often associated with signs of neurological impairment, intellectual disability, and certain pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy). The fact that autism is diagnosed equally often across different cultures suggests that social factors are unlikely to be the cause.

Do Children with Autism Come from Certain Social Strata?

Research has shown that this disorder occurs equally across all social classes. Likewise, it appears in all cultures. Data on the prevalence of autism from different countries indicate that 2–4 children out of every 10,000 develop autism, with 3–4 boys for every girl affected.

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Do Children with Autism Have Normal Intelligence?

There is a widespread belief that children with autism have normal intelligence. However, the fact is that when intelligence tests are administered, about two-thirds score below the average level.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

Autism is a behavioral syndrome, which means that it involves a group of abnormal behavioral patterns. A diagnosis of autism is made only when there is a combination of three key types of behaviors:

Abnormal social relationships and development
Inability to develop normal communication
Restricted and repetitive interests and activities

To make a diagnosis, all three symptoms must be present together, and they must appear by the age of 36 months.

How to Recognize the Signs of Autism?

The most important warning sign in identifying autism is the inability to establish social relationships with other people. Such behavior is often described with phrases like, “It seemed like he was retreating into his shell and living inside himself,” or “When he entered the room, he didn't notice people at all and immediately went to the objects…” A lack of eye contact, treating people as objects, absence of culturally appropriate behavior, lack of empathy, and resistance to changes in routine are characteristic signs of autism spectrum disorder.

In addition to social difficulties, language problems represent another major group of issues. These include abnormalities in speech such as echolalia (repeating words or phrases immediately after hearing them), metaphorical language, and blending words into new words.

The third area that helps in early identification of autism is a lack of imagination, often linked to obsessive behavior. These repetitive behaviors are noticeable, rigid, and persevering.

Problems with social development, communication, and flexible thinking are recognizable signs that should alert parents. A team assessment of the child is conducted in specialized institutions by a group of experts – a child psychiatrist, neurologist, speech therapist, psychologist, and ENT specialist – after which treatment guidelines are determined.

Marijana Petrović, specialist in medical psychology