Don't rely upon the skin care practices and information of the past, rather stay current in the advice of today's leading skin care physicians and professionals. Refresh your knowledge today with these Skin Cancer Facts.
- Fact #1: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. And the number of people older than 50 years of age that are being diagnosed with skin cancer has risen significantly over the last ten years. Some of this is due to better detection and some is due to people living longer and being more exposed to the sun.
- Fact #2: Skin cancer can be treated and cured if it is detected early. Basal cell cancers, squamous cell cancers, and melanoma can be cured in the early stages when they are small and have not spread.
- Fact #3: Skin cancer is very dangerous and can spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer can spread to lymph nodes, organs, and bones.
- Fact #4: Skin cancer can affect people of all ages, young and old alike. Though the risk of skin cancer increases with age, young people are not immune to it. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults.
- Fact #5: Tanning beds are not a safe alternative to tanning in the sun. While sunlight is a natural source of UV rays, tanning beds and sun lamps also produce UV rays and can damage skin cells in as little as fifteen minutes.
- Fact #6: Skin cancer does not always start as sun burn or a sensitive, dark bump. Skin cancers take many different shapes, sizes, and colors. If you detect a bump or new spot on your skin that is changing in shape, color, or size, you should see your health care provider.
- Fact #7: Sunblock can reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. Studies show that a factor 50 or higher sunblock when used properly and with other sun protect measures will reduce the risk and delay the onset of skin cancer.
- Fact #8: Sunblock does not cause cancer. Despite recent rumors, there is no evidence that the use of sunscreen and sunblock products will cause cancer.
- Fact #9: People with dark skin and dark eyes need to worry about skin cancer too. It is a myth that dark skinned people cannot get skin cancer. Dark skin and dark eyed people are at lower risk of melanoma in such places as the legs, back and chest, but they have the same risk of getting skin cancer on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails. Melanomas in these areas actually affect dark skinned people more than light skinned people.
- Fact #10: You should see a dermatologist to have a full body exam on an annual basis, even if you are healthy and have no family history of skin cancer. If you had acne treatment as a youth or if you have fair, sensitive skin, your dermatologies may recommend more frequent visits.
