The month of May is marked by the beginning of warm, sunny days spent outdoors, hence its recognition as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness month.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Listed below are some facts and statistics on skin cancer that may make you think twice before leaving the house without sunscreen:
- In the U.S. more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and more than two people die from this disease every hour
- More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined
- At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for skin cancer
- When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%
The facts are shocking, and they show just how common it is to develop skin cancer after spending time outside. But what about inside? Some people believe tanning beds are safer than sunbathing because you’re not directly exposed to the sun. However, tanning beds are just dangerous.
- Indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10-15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity
- More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. are linked to indoor tanning
- More people develop skin cancer due to indoor tanning than develop lung cancer due to smoking
While we can’t avoid the sun in our daily lives, we can implement some habits to limit sun exposure. To prevent skin cancer, ideally you should:
- Seek out shade, especially between 10am and 4pm
- Avoid tanning and do not use tanning beds
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even if your job keeps you inside most of the day
- For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Examine your skin head to toe every month to check for new, growing, or darker moles
- See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam
