by Donna McMickens
With summer beating down on us soon, this information is invaluable!
1. SKIN CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES.
TRUE. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. and an estimated 9,800 people will die. More than 77% of these deaths will be from Melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer.
2. PEOPLE WITH NATURALLY DARK SKIN CAN’T GET SKIN CANCER.
FALSE. Anyone can get skin cancer. People with darker skin have more Melanin, a brownish pigment that serves as a buffer against UV rays. Having more Melanin lowers the risk of developing skin cancer, but does not eliminate it.
3. IF YOU TRY TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE SUN, YOU WILL NEVER GET SKIN CANCER.
FALSE. Even though there is a strong link between exposure to sunlight and skin cancer, you can still get skin cancer, even if you avoid the sun. Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, even places that are not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of your feet. Therefore, regardless of how much sun exposure you get, it’s important to regularly examine your skin for signs of cancer.
4. REDHEADS AND BLONDES ARE MORE LIKELY TO GET SKIN CANCER.
TRUE. Redheads and blondes have a two-fold to four-fold greater chance of developing skin cancer.
5. EXPOSURE TO SUN AS A CHILD DOES NOT MATTER BECAUSE THE SKIN REPAIRS ITSELF OVER TIME.
FALSE. Sun burns can do permanent damage to a child’s skin. Excessive sun exposure in the first 10-18 years of life increased your chances of developing skin cancer as a adult,
6. THE MORE MOLES YOU HAVE AT BIRTH, THE GREATER YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING SKIN CANCER AS AN ADULT.
TRUE. Most moles develop after birth, but some people are more with moles. “Birth moles” increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.
REMEMBER!!
EVERYDAY FOR
PROTECTION AGAINST UVA AND UVB RAYS. RE-
APPLY OFTEN!!
Check your skin often for any changes in moles or new lesions, or have your dermatologist assess you with an annual check-up!
Notify your physician of any moles or palms or soles of your feet.
Wear sunglasses to prevent over-exposure of harmful rays to protect eyes that could lead to eye conditions or injury.
Any questions, make you appointment today!
DONNA MCMICKENS, LPN
Aesthetic Director
LOUISISANA EYE AND LASER CENTER
318-561-0916 or 318.487.2020
Email: dmcmickens@laeyeandlaser.com
Schedule a Consultation at the Aesthetic Center: http://ow.ly/D8aD50CgvFB
Visit the Aesthetic Center at Louisiana Eye & Laser: https://laeyeandlaser.com/the-aesthetic-center/
