Saving Your Skin

Most of us know that skin is our body’s largest organ. It protects our other internal organs, regulates our body temperature, helps us stay hydrated and even allows us to feel sensations like the touch of those close to us. Why then, are so many of us careless when it comes to caring for our body’s great protector? 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, representing 50 percent of all cancers in the United States. One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. And more new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year than breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer diagnoses combined. Skin cancer knows no bounds and has affected the lives of politicians, athletes and celebrities. People like Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, John McCain, Ewan McGregor, Anderson Cooper, Cybil Shepard, Bob Marley and Troy Aikman have all been diagnosed with this disease. 

Children aren’t exempt either. Less than 33 percent of young people practice sun protection, yet three percent of all pediatric cancers are melanoma. Diagnosis and treatment are delayed in 40 percent of these pediatric cases. 

So, what can we do to fight back against skin cancer and prevent this disease for ourselves and our children? Start by doing what you know is right. Convincing evidence shows that UV exposure does contribute to skin cancer formation. In fact, just one blistering sunburn more than doubles your risk for melanoma. Fake baking? Tanning beds increase your risk for melanoma by 74 percent compared to those who were subjected to outdoor UV rays. Even as little as four visits to the tanning bed per year will increase your risk by 11 percent. Follow these steps to lower your risk of developing skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm
• Look for shade - especially in the middle of the day
• Wear protective clothing
• Generously apply sunscreen (15 min before exposure/reapply)
• Caution near snow, sand and water (reflective surfaces)
• Get your Vitamin D safely (diet and vitamin supplementation)

Some of us are more at risk than others. But your level of risk shouldn’t determine your level of protection. Take care of yourself and your family by talking about skin cancer. Spread the word that beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t mean being altered by the sun. And carefully examine your skin and any moles on a regular basis. Consult your physician if you see any changes in the size or color of a mole, growth or spot; scaliness, oozing, bleeding of a bump or growth; spread of pigment beyond borders; or a change in sensation. 

^{_{Resources: American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation}}

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