Six Skin Cancer Myths
Reported July 15, 2008
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country. About one in 55 of us will get the most deadly form — melanoma — in our lifetime. Last year, more than 8,000 Americans died of melanoma. Now, six common myths about skin cancer.
We all love a sunny day, but do you know how harmful those rays can be? You might not think you’re at risk, but everyone is, which brings us to our first myth: only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.
“Darker skin types can be under diagnosed for skin cancer,” Michelle Pelle, M.D., a dermatologist at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, Calif, told Ivanhoe. In dark-skinned people, it often shows up under fingernails or on the soles of feet.
Another myth only burns lead to skin cancer. “No tan is safe,” Dr. Pelle said. “Every time you’re sun exposed, you’re damaging DNA.”
And what about lip gloss? A new study shows the shine may actually attract UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. “The lip is a very sensitive area of skin and tends to get burned more frequently,” Dennis L. Rousseau, M.D., Ph.D., a surgical oncologist at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, told Ivanhoe.
And tanning beds are not safer! Twenty minutes in a bed is equal to about four hours in the sun!
Another myth — your clothes protect against the sun. “A t-shirt might have an SPF of six to eight, which is not really adequate,” Dr. Rousseau said. So apply sunscreen — even under clothes. And use enough — about a shot glass-full for the entire body. Try non-glossy chap stick, cover up, and check yourself monthly for suspicious moles.
“Most normal moles have a uniform color, have fairly regular borders and are smaller than six millimeters in size,” Dr. Rousseau explained.
One last myth — it’s not just in your genes. Research shows less than 10-percent of melanomas are genetic. The majority are caused by something you can avoid the sun.
Recent research has shown women with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop breast cancer. Although vitamin D can be obtained from the sun, experts say you can also get it through proper nutrition, which is safer!
For More Information, Contact:
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
Orlando, FL
(800) 375-7761
http://www.floridahospitalcancer.com
