Top 5 Myths about Skin Cancer


Tina spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a  mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and  play games outdoors. Tina knows the dangers of the sun and so she  opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure  to apply sunscreen every day before heading out. 

Rahul lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be  very humid, but most of the year are mild or even below freezing  during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much 
of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor  activities or at his job. Rahul doesn't worry about sunscreen  and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when  he was a child. 


Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did  you know that Tina and Rahul are both at risk of developing skin  cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun 
exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen  and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these  myths and facts: 

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun 

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more 
deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system." 

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection 

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or  letting your children 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 so covering up is  recommended even when wearing  sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and 
should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet. 

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You 

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80  percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.  Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double  the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will  reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done. 

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected 

Dark-skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but the tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures  the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer. 


MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days 

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that  you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.  

So how do you plan to protect 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 with SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered  up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe. 

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any  disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

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