Excessive tanning raises risk for skin cancer, says Parkland expert
Skin cancer can be avoided by following sun protection practices
Whether the “healthy glow” comes from sun exposure outdoors or an indoor tanning bed, a tan is not a sign of good health, say dermatologists. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – a good time to brush up on your SPF IQ, stock up on sunscreen, check out the latest fashions in sun-protective clothing and get the facts about skin cancer.
Physicians at Parkland Health & Hospital System caution that everyone from toddlers to seniors should be aware of the risk of skin cancer, but especially teens, whose skin may be extra-susceptible to damage because their cells are dividing and changing more rapidly than those of adults.
“Despite evidence that skin damage can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, too many people still think a tan makes them look healthier,” said Benjamin Chong, MD, Medical Chief of Dermatology at Parkland and Associate Professor of Dermatology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “We see too many cases of skin cancers that could have been prevented by minimizing UV exposure.”
The American Cancer Society reports that each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. An estimated 73,870 new cases of melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in 2015. Melanoma accounts for less than two percent of all skin cancer cases, but causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
Young people and teens are especially vulnerable to the tanning mystique. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) more than 80 percent of individuals 25 and younger believe they look better with a tan and only three in 10 teens say they “always” use sun block.
The AAD reports that teenage girls and young women are also the most frequent users of tanning machines, even though people who tan indoors are 74 percent more likely than non-tanners to develop melanoma.
“Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer,” said Dr. Chong. “And the myth that dark skin protects against skin cancer is not true.”
Studies reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation show that African Americans, Hispanic and Asian patients are less likely to seek treatment for skin lesions before the disease has reached an advanced stage. Detecting skin cancer early by watching for new or changing skin growths and reporting them promptly to a physician helps save lives.
While everyone is at risk for skin cancer, fair-skinned people are at higher risk. Preventing exposure to UV radiation is the best way to lower the risk of getting any type of skin cancer, including melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Chong recommends everyone take the following steps to lower their skin cancer risk:
1. Wear sunscreen and lip balm every day, year round, regardless of the weather. Select a product with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and that is labeled “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside.
2. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
3. Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
4. Wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
5. For additional protection, wear sun-protective clothing with a UPF ((Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 30 or higher
6. Avoid being out in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Check your skin regularly, watching for any changes or new growths.
8. Use cosmetics and contact lenses with UV protection.
9. Parents should protect their child's skin and teach children the importance of sun protection.
10. Avoid using tanning beds.
For more information about skin cancer, visit www.cancer.org. For more information about health services at Parkland, visit www.parklandhospital.com
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