Beyond the Beach: A Guide to Summer Sun Safety With Matthew Hadfield, DO
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2025-08-21
As we recognize Summer Sun Safety Month, oncology clinicians are uniquely positioned to translate seasonal awareness into year-round cancer prevention. In this interview, Editorial Board member Dr. Matthew Hadfield, Medical Oncologist at Brown University, distills practical guidance on ultraviolet (UV) biology and carcinogenesis, the role and safety profile of sunscreens, actionable counseling strategies for diverse patient populations, and the power of prevention.
UV Light and Its Role in Skin Cancer
Dr. Hadfield emphasizes the importance of understanding UV light and its carcinogenic potential. “UV rays are light that is emitted from the sun, and UVA rays are different than UVB rays,” he explains. While UVA rays are more prevalent, UVB rays penetrate deeper and can directly damage DNA. This DNA damage, if not perfectly repaired by cellular mechanisms, can result in mutations that lead to skin cancers such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. “While it’s fun and great to be on the beach in the summertime—especially here in Rhode Island—UV light is damaging your DNA,” Dr. Hadfield cautions.
How Sunblock Works
Sunblock serves as a critical barrier against UV radiation. Dr. Hadfield describes it as “an opaque barrier to try and prevent the UV light from penetrating into your skin and impacting your DNA.” He notes the distinction between traditional zinc-based sunblocks, which act as physical barriers, and newer chemical-based formulations. Addressing recent concerns about chemical sunblock entering the bloodstream, Dr. Hadfield stresses that the benefits of sunblock in preventing sunburn and skin cancer far outweigh any theoretical risks, but for those concerned, physical barriers or zinc-based products are excellent alternatives.
Practical Tips for Sun Safety
For clinicians, Dr. Hadfield recommends proactive patient counseling. “We know that sunburns are linked to risk for cancer,” he says, highlighting the importance of early detection and vigilance. He encourages patients to monitor their skin for new or changing moles, using the ABCDE criteria: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter over 6mm, and evolving characteristics. “Catching it early is the best way to treat it prior to it turning into something that could become more invasive,” he advises. Even patients with a history of significant sun exposure can benefit from adopting sun safety practices now.
Photosensitivity and Medications
Certain patients, such as those with photosensitive conditions or on medications that increase sun sensitivity, require extra caution. “Certain antibiotics can expose you to being more at risk of burning as well as having a photosensitivity at baseline,” Dr. Hadfield notes. He urges clinicians to remind these patients that “being more cautious is always better than being less cautious,” especially since sunburns in these populations can be more severe and increase cancer risk.
Emerging Therapies and the Ongoing Importance of Prevention
While new therapies for UV-induced skin damage are emerging, Dr. Hadfield maintains that prevention remains paramount. “Being vigilant with the sunblock, sun barriers, and also keeping an eye out to see if you have any new moles or anything changing is honestly better than any emerging therapy, in my mind,” he states. He encourages regular skin checks and prompt dermatology referrals for concerning lesions.
Parting Messages for Summer Sun Safety Month
Dr. Hadfield’s final message is clear: “Reducing sun exposure and UV exposure will reduce the risk of burns, which will reduce the risk of cancer. It’s just about finding the method you’re most comfortable with.” He reminds clinicians and the public alike that sun safety is a lifelong practice, especially during the summer months.
Key Takeaways
- UV radiation causes DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer; both UVA and UVB rays are harmful.
- Sunblock remains a cornerstone of prevention.
- Early detection through self-examination and the ABCDEs of melanoma is critical.
- Patients with photosensitivity or on certain medications need extra counseling.
- Prevention is more effective than any emerging therapy; vigilance saves lives.
About Dr. Hadfield
Matthew Hadfield, DO, is a Medical Oncologist at Brown University/Legorreta Cancer Center, with a pending faculty appointment at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University. He recently completed his Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Brown University. Dr. Hadfield’s clinical and research interests are in phase 1 clinical trials and developmental therapeutics, as well as cutaneous malignancies and immunotherapy-related adverse events.