Debunking myths about skin cancer
There was once a time when hearing that someone had cancer was rare, because cancer was not a prominent disease. However, today most people know someone who is suffering from cancer somewhere in their body. Skin cancer has become one of the most prevalent types of cancer.
What’s interesting is that while there are a lot of things that people don’t know about skin cancer, there are also a lot of myths associated with it. Here are some of the most common myths related to skin cancer:
• People with dark skin are not at risk for sun damage or skin cancer:
Lighter-skinned people are considered to be more prone to skin cancer, while darker-skinned people are safe. Although people with darker skin are comparatively safer, their skin is by no means completely safe from skin cancer or damage caused by the sun’s rays. People with darker skin also need to take care of their skin, especially when out in the sun, and they also need to invest in good quality sunscreen. In fact, darker people are in greater danger, because detecting skin cancer in them is much more difficult and, in many cases, the diagnosis comes a little late.
• Simply because there are not too many outdoor activities in the routine, they have a lower risk of skin cancer:
You may not be someone who spends hours outdoors, but you would obviously get out for a few minutes each day. This could be to send your child to school or buy groceries; it could even be the time it takes to walk from the parking lot to the mall. The sum of all these small amounts of times of sun exposure would be enough to cause skin damage. In fact, studies have shown that brief periods of time outdoors, between 10 am and 4 pm, are more than enough to cause squamous cell cancer. Although squamous cell cancer may not be as serious or serious as melanoma, it can become extremely difficult to treat if it is not caught early.
• Those who are in the snow, skiing or snowboarding, do not need to use sunscreen, since during the winter months, the sun is not strong enough:
The winter months are the most dangerous, as during the summers, people knowingly carry all required protection such as hats, clothing, and sunscreen. However, during the winter months, the sun provides a warm sensation that most people enjoy, but don’t realize that the sun is still powerful enough to cause damage. Also, when you are in the white snow, the sun’s rays tend to be reflected, which increases the chances of skin cancer. This is why sunscreen is so important in the winter months.
• If the day is cloudy, you can skip the sunscreen:
Just because the sun isn’t visible doesn’t mean it’s not there or can’t do any harm. Even when the sun is hidden behind clouds, ultraviolet rays can penetrate and cause a lot of damage to the skin. While you may not feel the heat of the sun as much, there is still a chance that you will get a sunburn. That’s why, even on a cloudy day, you want to make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing when you go outside.
• All sunscreens are the same:
While most people think that sunscreens that have a sun protection factor or SPF of 30 are the best, there are actually several levels to this protective lotion as well. Understanding the same is the first step in protecting yourself from the sun. For starters, if you don’t apply a lot of sunscreen or apply it incorrectly, even the strongest sunscreen may not be enough. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to slather on sunscreen, then it would make sense to invest in a higher grade. People who spend more time in the sun and tend to sweat a lot will need to apply more sunscreen.
• Only UVB radiation can cause skin damage and cancer:
Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can damage the skin, so look for a sunscreen that provides protection against both.
• Tanning will reduce the chance of getting skin cancer:
Just because you’re someone who tans and doesn’t get sunburned, doesn’t mean you won’t get skin cancer. The mere fact that you are tanning means that your skin has been altered. When the color of your skin changes, it is an indication of damage and studies have shown that the more tanned your skin, the greater the chances of getting cancer. When your skin has been exposed to the sun too much, there is an increase in the amount of melanin and this could lead to melanoma. Some of the other problems would include wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.
• Cut out a suspicious-looking mole and you’re safe from cancer:
A mole can look bad, and cutting it off could give you a cosmetic solution that makes you happy. However, in many cases, the mole is actually the first step towards skin cancer, so the moment you see a suspicious mole, it’s best to head to a dermatologist who will be able to decipher it.
