Skin Cancer Awareness

Explanation
. There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is a sign of damage to your skin. As this damage builds, it can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Explanation
True. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. That’s why it’s so important to apply sunscreen every day. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.

Explanation
The most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can be cured if caught early and properly treated. When melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is detected before it spreads

Explanation
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even places where the sun doesn’t shine. This can include the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, inside the mouth or nose, and on the genitals.

Explanation
. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. However, skin cancer in people of color is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which can make it more difficult to treat. Skin cancer in people of color is most often found on areas of the body that are not typically exposed to the sun. For example, the bottom of the foot is where 30 to 40 percent of melanomas are diagnosed in people of color.

Explanation
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. SPFs higher than 30 block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays. All SPFs last the same amount of time and should be reapplied approximately every two hours and after swimming and sweating.

Explanation
While limiting sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer, you can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher every day. Tanning booths cause skin cancer with harmful UVA and UVB rays.