Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps are the main cause of skin cancer and can also cause wrinkles, blotchy skin, and damage to the eyes. UV rays are considered so dangerous that the National Weather Service and Environmental Protection Agency developed a UV Index to forecast the overexposure of UV rays to help people determine proper protection for outside work or play. Taking into consideration clouds and other weather conditions, the UV Index predicts on a next-day basis using a scale of one to 15, with higher levels indicating a higher risk of overexposure.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and the three most common forms, melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell can be painful and even deadly. Statistics show that 65 to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by harmful UV rays, meaning that many cases could have been avoided. Melanoma is also considered to be the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it is more likely than others to spread the cancer cells to other parts of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 68,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma, and 48,000 are diagnosed with an early form of melanoma each year. Melanoma is rare in people with dark skin, but can still be found.
Two million people in the United States are treated for basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer each year and though both forms are not as likely to spread to other parts of the body, they can still be deadly if left untreated. Basal cell skin cancer is most commonly found in people with fair skin and most often on the face and places with sun exposure. People with dark skin are more commonly diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer and it is usually found in places with little sun exposure such as the legs and feet.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people are at higher risk than others and should take more precautionary measures to protect their skin. People who are more prone to skin cancer tend to have white or light-colored skin with freckles, red or blonde hair, and blue or green eyes.
Consider these helpful tips to protect your skin:
• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
• Check your skin regularly for changes.
