Aug 18, 2012

Quick Facts: Skin Cancer


-Melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) kills 8,700 Americans every year

-Skin cancer effects 2 million people in the United States every year

- Caucasians are at a higher risk for skin damage than those who have darker skin tones (but all people are at risk)

- Adolescent skin is more sensitive and vulnerable than adult skin

- Single blistering sunburn while young doubles the chances of getting melanoma later

- There is not that much of a difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30

- Skin cancer is twice as high in Arizona than Minnesota (Yep, you guesses it. Sunny places are higher for skin cancers)

- Tanning beds release 10 to 15 times UV radiation than a noontime sun

- Tanning weakens your skin’s elasticity – i.e., premature aging, sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and brown spots



- 10 minutes of sun is enough for your body to synthesize vitamin D

- California has banned anyone younger than 18 years of age from tanning beds

-Try wearing fabrics that block UVA and UVB rays to help protect your skin

- Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

- Wear sunscreen

- Get regular skin checks

- Old sunscreen  rules only focused on UVB. Now, the rules also focus on UVA rays (which protect against cancer)

- No sunscreen can completely block the sun or be completely waterproof (it must be effective for at least 40 minutes when wet)


Paturel, A. (2012). Shining a light on skin cancer. Current Health Teen, 38(6), 16-19.


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