From Suzanne Partridge, MD, medical oncologist with OHC; Medical News Today; The Skin Cancer Foundation
May 25, 2018
Suzanne Partridge, MD
Medical Oncologist with OHC
One of the most preventable cancers is skin cancer. And yet people still soak up the sun or use tanning beds. Why are people so willing to risk skin cancer when there is abundant evidence that says we should avoid it?
A recent study published in the journal Cell suggested that UV radiation causes the body to release endorphins – “feel-good” hormones – which makes sun exposure addictive. But Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation, told Medical News Today that many people simply favor a tanned body over health.
“Despite elevated awareness of the dangers of UV radiation, people still choose to ignore the dangers in the pursuit of what they consider to be a ‘healthy tan.’ This is particularly an issue among young people who tend to ignore health risks in favor of enhancing their social status and popularity. We know that tanning appeals to people who are interested in being included, and this is a primary driver for teens – being part of the ‘in’ crowd.”
Although 63 is the average age that people are diagnosed with melanoma, it is common in people younger than 30. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in young adult women.
“In the US, nearly 1 in 3 young white women ages 16-25 years engages in indoor tanning each year,” said Anita Blankenship, health communication specialist at the CDC. “These young women may experience pressure to conform to beauty standards, and young people may not be as concerned about health risks.”
“We need to change the perception that a tan represents beauty,” said Suzanne M. Partridge, MD, medical oncologist with OHC who specializes in the treatment of melanoma. “That’s going to be difficult with the imagery we see online, in movies, in print. But we have to start somewhere. I know the medical community has started talking more to their patients about protection and prevention. Hopefully campaigns like Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month will also help. I think the more we can educate people, the better our chances of greatly reducing the occurrence of skin cancer.”
It is estimated that more than 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year. Basal cell carcinoma is far more common than squamous cell carcinoma. About 80% of non-melanoma skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma type.
Melanoma accounts for about one percent of all skin cancers diagnosed in the United States, but it causes most of the skin cancer deaths. It is estimated that 9,320 deaths from melanoma will occur this year. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma has risen sharply over the past 3 decades. Most people with melanoma are cured by their initial surgery. Among all people with melanoma of the skin, from the time of initial diagnosis, the 5-year survival is 92%.
How to prevent skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. (Dr. Partridge recommends SPF 30 or higher.) Sunscreen alone is not enough, however. Here is a list of additional skin cancer prevention tips.
- Stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, and loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use a “broad spectrum” (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure the label reads “broad-spectrum” on the label.
- Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Check your skin your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
