melanoma
PositiveTip for
Wealth May Buy More Skin Cancer
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Young women in higher socioeconomic groups get more melanoma.
A California study has found that girls and young women who live in wealthier neighborhoods enjoy more recreation in the sun. As a result, they have a higher risk of melanoma, an often-deadly skin cancer. Researchers suggested that this segment of the population can afford to buy more time at the beach, on the ski slopes, tennis courts and even gardening--thus increasing their exposure to UV-B.
PositiveTip: When in the sun for any extended period of time, use adequate sun-blocking creams on exposed skin to reduce the risk of melanoma.
Ban Teens from Tanning Beds
Posted by Elvin Adams on
Sunlight is one of God’s special blessings. It is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. But too much sun can also harm the skin. Hazards related to excessive UV exposure from tanning beds are outlined in a 30-page technical report just published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In the United States, a million people visit tanning salons every day. Many clients are teenagers, especially females. One national survey revealed that as many as 35% of 17-year-old girls use a tanning bed.
PositiveTip for
Daily Sunscreen Use Delivers Benefits
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Fewer melanomas develop with daily use of sunscreen.
Excessive sun exposure over a period of years is a known risk factor for melanoma (a malignant skin cancer). Sunscreens were developed to help prevent sunburns which are associated with melanoma risk. Now Australian researchers have shown in a large 14 year, community-based study that melanoma risk was reduced by 50% in those who used sunscreen (SPF16) daily compared to those who used it on a discretionary basis.
PositiveTip: Twenty minutes daily of noon-time sun exposure may be good for Vitamin D levels, and daily use of sunscreen seems to reduce the risk of melanoma, especially in sunny areas of the world.