In discussions amongst the public and the scientific community, doubts are repeatedly raised concerning the efficacy of sunscreens in preventing cutaneous malignancy. This article summarizes the most reliable references on UV protection and epithelial skin cancer and discusses the role of UV protection in melanoma prevention. We conclude that there is substantial evidence that UV protection is able to reduce the risk of actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma and probably also the risk of melanoma.