Skin Cancer Myths… Are You Protected?
Sara spends much of her summer close to the beach. She lives in an exceedingly mild climate and is terribly athletic. She loves to swim, bike, and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her ‘golden glow’ whereas being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be terribly humid, however most of the year is mild or maybe below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been abundant of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn’t worry concerning sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember which was when he was a child.
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Which of those examples does one most associate yourself with? Did you recognize that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings concerning the hazards of sun exposure. We apprehend all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. However are YOU shielded from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:
– Myth: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly appreciate four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, ‘The Skin Cancer Answer’ states that “UVA penetrates a lot of deeply into the skin than UVB, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system.”
– Myth: Sporting Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection
85 % of UV rays will even make it through on cloudy days. Which means you are equally at risk within the automobile, walking the dog or letting your kids out to play at any time of year – even when you’re not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and thus covering up is suggested even when sporting sunscreen. Sunscreen conjointly wears off with sweat and water and ought to invariably be applied each 2 hours or when obtaining wet.
– Myth: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Shield You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or additional years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that almost all people receive concerning 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the danger of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now can reduce the chance, but not eliminate the harm already done.
– Myth: Having a Tan Suggests that You are More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less probably to develop cancer, but tanned skin is really broken skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the danger of skin cancer.
Thus how do you propose to guard your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun – especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF fifteen or higher and apply it at least thirty minutes before exposure and every 2 hours once that. Teach your youngsters smart safety habits and be sure you and they’re covered up when outdoors.
Have a good time and be safe.
Every year, 250,000 Americans are diagnosed with a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. What exactly is SCC?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of all cancers. Learn more about BCC.
