Debunking Skin Cancer Myths
There was once a time when hearing that someone had cancer was rare because the cancer was not a prominent disease.
Be that as it may, today, most people know someone suffering from cancer in some part of their body. Skin cancer has become one of the most prevalent types of cancer.
It is interesting that while there are several things that people do not know about skin cancer, there are just as many 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:
It is considered that people with lighter skin are more prone to skin cancer, while people with darker skin are safe. Although people with darker skin are comparatively safer, their skin is not entirely safe from skin cancer or damage caused by the sun’s rays.
People with darker skin, too, need to take care of their skin, especially when they are stepping out in the sun, and they, too, need to invest in excellent quality sunscreen.
Darker people face greater danger because detecting skin cancer in them is much more challenging, and in many cases, the diagnosis comes a little too late.
• Simply because there are not too many outdoor activities in one’s routine, they have less risk for skin cancer:
You might not be someone who spends hours outdoors, but you would step out for a couple of moments each day. This could be to send your kid to school or purchase groceries; it might be the time you take to walk from the car park into the mall.
Adding up all these tiny amounts of times of sun exposure would be enough to lead to skin damage. Studies have shown that concise amounts of time spent outdoors, between 10 am and 4 pm, are more than enough to cause squamous cell cancer.
Although squamous cell cancer might not be as severe as melanoma, it can become tough to treat on the off chance that not caught in time.
• Those who are out in the snow, skiing or snowboarding need not wear sunscreen because, during the winter months, the sun is not strong enough:
The winter months are the most dangerous because, during the summers, people knowingly take all the required protection, such as hats, clothing and sunscreen.
Even so, during the winter months, the sun provides a sense of warmth that most people appreciate, but they need to realize that the sun is still strong enough to cause damage.
In addition, when you are out on the white snow, the sun’s rays tend to get reflected, leading to greater chances of skin cancer. This is the reason sunscreen is just as important in the winter months.
• Assuming the day is overcast, you can skip the sunscreen:
Simply because the sun is not visible does not mean that it is not there or cannot cause any damage. When the sun covers behind clouds, the ultraviolet rays can penetrate and cause much damage to your skin.
While you might not experience the sun’s heat as much, there is still the chance of you getting a sunburn. This is the reason, even on an overcast day, you need to make sure that you wear plenty of sunscreens and have protective clothing while stepping out.
• All sunscreens are the same:
While most people think that sunscreens with a sun protection factor or SPF of 30 are the best, there are several levels to this protective lotion too.
Understanding the same is the first step towards being sun safe. If you do not apply an ample amount of sunscreen or misapply it, then even the most impressive sunscreen might not be enough.
If you dislike slathering on sunscreen, investing in a higher grade will make sense. People who spend more time in the sun and tend to sweat a lot should apply more sunscreen.
• It is only UVB radiation that can lead to skin damage and cancer:
UVA and UVB are dangerous and can lead to damaged skin, which is why you need to search for a sunscreen that protects against both.
• Tanning will lessen the chance of getting skin cancer:
Simply because you get tanned and not sunburnt does not mean you won’t get skin cancer. The very fact that you are getting tanned means that your skin has been altered.
When the colour of your skin changes, it is an indication of damage and studies have shown that the more tanning on your skin, the greater the chances of you getting cancer! When your skin has been exposed to too much sun, there is an increase in the amount of melanin, which could lead to melanoma. Some of the other problems include wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation.
• Cut off a mole that looks suspicious and you will be safe from cancer:
A mole might look bad, and cutting it off could give you a cosmetic solution that makes you happy. Notwithstanding, in many cases, the mole is step one to skin cancer, which is why, the moment you see a suspicious mole, it would be best that you head to a be able dermatologist to unravel the same.
