Skin Cancer Myths… Are You Protected?

February 6th, 2010 by author

Sara spends much of her summer close to the beach. She lives in a delicate climate and is very athletic. She likes to swim, bike, and play games outdoors. Sara knows the risks of the sun and thus she opts for tanning salons to urge her ‘golden glow’ whereas being certain to apply sunscreen each day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a very cooler, northern climate. The summers will be very humid, but 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 will remember which was when he was a child.

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That 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 tend to have all heard the warnings about the risks of sun exposure. We tend to know all concerning 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 an exceedingly tanning bed is roughly resembling four hours within 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, will cause skin cancer, and might suppress the immune system.”

– Myth: Carrying Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays will even create it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally in danger in the automotive, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year – even when you are not at the beach. In fact, you’re sometimes less attired at the beach and so covering up is suggested even when sporting sunscreen. Sunscreen additionally wears off with sweat and water and should continuously be applied every 2 hours or when obtaining wet.

– Myth: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Can Defend You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most individuals 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 currently can reduce the chance, but not eliminate the damage already done.

– Myth: Having a Tan Suggests that You’re A lot of Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is really broken skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and will increase the danger of skin cancer.

Thus how do you propose to shield your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun – particularly for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it a minimum of 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children sensible safety habits and be certain you and they are covered up when outdoors.

Commemorate and be safe.