Exposing the Myths About Skin Cancer
Watching Out for Your Health? Beware of these dangerous myths about skin cancer!
It's no surprise there are so many myths about skin cancer. As soon as something's in the news, myths start cropping up on the Internet, in the newspapers, and -- especially in the case of something like skin cancer -- in poorly researched women's health magazines. You owe it to your health, though, not to believe these common myths about skin cancer.
1. Having a tan protects your skin.
I can't count how many times friends of mine, before leaving on a vacation for somewhere hot and tropical, have said they have to tan to protect their skin from burning. Does this sound familiar? "I'm so pale -- I have to tan before I leave."
This is one of those myths about skin cancer people believe because on the surface, it makes sense: if your skin is accustomed to the sun, you're less likely to burn, right? Unfortunately, tanned skin is damaged skin. Repeated tanning is almost as bad as burning in terms of risk for skin cancer. I mean, your skin is changing color. Think about that for a minute.
The best protection against sunburn in a tropical climate is repeated application of a high SPF sunscreen.
2. Putting on sunscreen at the beginning of my day at the beach will protect me.
I'll never forget how drastically I had myths about skin cancer exposed when I visited Thailand. This was the most painful lesson: after a single sunscreen application in the morning, I proceeded to rinse it all off in the water and get a sunburn so bad it almost blistered.
Sunscreen comes off with sweat, water, and time -- even the waterproof and sports varieties. If you want it to be effective, you should reapply every two hours and immediately after going in the water.
3. You're only at risk of sunburn when it's hot.
Obviously, a hot, sunny day is a high-risk day for sunburns: like many myths about skin cancer, this one has roots in the truth. But UV rays can penetrate clouds. It doesn't even have to be sunny, much less hot, to get a sunburn. The same applies in the dead of winter: if you're skiing, you're exposing your face to sun and wind, and you should always wear sunscreen.
These are three of the many skin cancer myths in circulation out there. Remember, it's your responsibility to protect your own health and the health of your family by learning the truth regarding myths about skin cancer -- and any other cancers, too!
