Summer, has at last come and we are all looking forward to spending more time outdoors, lying on the beach, soaking in the sunshine, and getting a beautiful tan. Nothing can compare with these summer sunny pleasures! What about a proper protection from the other, ugly side of sun exposure; skin cancer?
According to the AAD, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Research estimates that non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, affects more than 3 million Americans a year and more than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma.
The greatest risk factor for all types of skin cancer is exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet light. Approximately 95 percent of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure. Increasing intermittent sun exposure in childhood and during one’s lifetime is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma.
Good news is that the exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
So, going to the beach on your long weekend? Don’t forget to pack your SPF 30+ sunscreen! Please visit the AAD website to find out how to select a proper one.
