Save Your Skin!

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and a study published in Aprilindicates that between the 1970s and 2000s melanoma rates increased fourfold for men under 40 and a whopping eightfoldfor women under 40. The researchers attribute the increase to risky practices like using tanning beds, but a history of sunburns is also likely a factor. The good news is that fewer people are dying from melanoma, which indicates that people are noticing skin changes earlier, while they are easier to treat.
A sobering statistic from WebMD: “An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer.” That’s me, and since I know I’m at high risk (in addition to being fair-skinned, I had a number of severe sunburns in my youth), I see a dermatologist once a year for a skin check. I’ve already had two suspicious moles removed—both were pre-cancerous, thank goodness—and we are closely watching another one. My freshman-year college roommate had an even scarier experience, getting diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in her sophomore year of college. Thankfully, they caught it early enough that her doctor was able to remove it surgically, so she didn’t have to do chemo or radiation, but she has to see her dermatologist for a full-body scan twice a year for the rest of her life.
Certainly, fair-skinned people are at higher risk, but don’t think you’re off the hook if you have darker skin. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin cancer no matter what your skin color.
Reduce your risk by limiting your time in the sun, especially from 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (it should say “broad spectrum” on the label) and apply/reapply it frequently. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and if you’re going to be outside for a long time, put on a long-sleeved top and pants. Finally, check your skin for new moles or changes to old moles, and see a dermatologist promptly if you notice anything suspicious. The American Academy of Dermatology offers excellent resources to help you prevent and detect skin cancer. Check them out! (Bonus: These precautions will help you look younger, since sun damage is the primary cause of premature skin aging.)
A parting caution: Don’t forget to take a vitamin D supplement. Since you are shielding yourself from the sun, your skin won’t be able to produce vitamin D as effectively, and without supplementing, you will likely fall short (it’s tricky to get enough from diet alone).
Posted in appearance, cancer, dermatologist, look younger, melanoma, outdoors, sun exposure, tanning

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