A recent article in the Washington Post discusses the rise in the incidence of skin cancer. It quotes two studies just published in a prominent journal maintaining that there is a steadily growing prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancers in the US.
While non-melanoma skin cancers are rarely fatal and easily treatable if caught early enough, they also aren’t totally devoid of risk. The article summarizes:
- A growth in the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers by over 4 percent a year
- A recent survey of 18,000 Seventeen magazine readers found that while 90 percent of them think it’s important to use sunscreen, just 12 percent apply it every day and only 30 percent use it at the beach
- The same survey found that 80 percent consider themselves more attractive with a tan.
A dermatologist interviewed for the article is quoted as saying, “The truth is that UV damage causes cumulative effects on the DNA in skin cells, and therefore, if someone limits UV exposure at age 30, that will have a beneficial effect over time”.
How to minimize your risk of developing skin cancer?
- Avoid going out in the sun during its peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
- If you can’t avoid UV exposure, seek shade, cover up with clothing or wear a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours if you are exercising or perspiring. Choose from a selection including Anthelios sunscreens, Keys Solar Rx or Ombrelle sunscreens.
- Protect eyes with sunglasses.
- Wear sunscreen every day year round to protect yourself against the development of skin cancer and also to protect skin from the aging effects of UV rays.
Read the full article here.
