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Myths About Skin Cancer -
Are You Really Safe?
by
Nicky Pilkington
Sara 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. Sara 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.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers
can be very humid, but most of the year is 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. Joseph doesnt
worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that
was when he was a child.
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Which of these
examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph
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 youre 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
Youre More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to
develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning
injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
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 of 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.
Find out more about
Mental Health at
healthandfinesse.com
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