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
