Skin cancer is the most prevalent among the malignant diseases in the U.S. Although it is also the most easily treated cancer, the disease kills thousands of Americans every year and scars countless others. The key to skin cancer prevention is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun.
The truth behind your suntan
Though considered glamorous and an indication of good health, a suntan is actually an injury to the skin. The darkening effect associated with a suntan is caused by the release of melanin, the substance that gives the skin color, for the purpose of countering this skin cell damage. Constant damage will often lead to the abnormal growth of skin cells, which is the basis of skin cancer. More than two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and excessive exposure to sunlight is the underlying factor in the majority of these cases.
At all costs – use sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer
The use of a sunscreen is important to any sun safety regimen. Unlike tanning products, which will enhance the effects on the skin of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, a sunscreen is designed to block or reflect them. Most skin cancer dermatologists recommend a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15. Men and women should also wear hats with wide brims and UV-blocking sunglasses. UV rays are particularly strong between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is the period to seek shade.
As bad as the sun is on the skin, artificial tanning devices are much worse and should be avoided. According to one survey, the increased use of tanning beds and units are responsible for more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. every year.
The primary warning sign of any skin cancer is a visible growth or discoloration, or a mole or sore that does not appear to heal. Regular skin checks are important for everyone, and anything suspicious should be immediately examined by a dermatologist, who can be the best defender in the war against skin cancer.