#ShareTheFacts: Skin Cancer Awareness Month
- Danielle Pender
- May 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (2020), over 5 million people are diagnosed in the United States with skin cancer every year, making it the most prevalent form of cancer. Skin cancer usually forms from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, often from sunlight or tanning beds. The UV light alters the skin's DNA so that it cannot properly control skin growth, leading to cancer (Gardner 2018).
Risks for Developing Skin Cancer
Time in the Sun
The more time spent in the sun, the more exposure you have to natural UV light. Having 5 or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma. Time spent under artificial UV rays, such as tanning beds, also increases skin cancer risk (Skin Cancer Foundation 2020).
Light Skin, Eyes, and Hair
Pigment in the skin protects your cells from UV rays...the more pigment, the more protection. However, those with darker skin can still develop skin cancer. Bottom line, you should practice sun protection regardless of your color of skin (Gardner 2018).
Location
Warmer climates and higher elevation exposes people to higher amounts of natural UV rays. (Gardner 2018) You can always check the local weather for the UV index in your area.
Age
As people age, their sun exposure continues to accumulate. Most non-melanoma cancers will show up after the age of 50 (Gerdner 2018). At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin Cancer Foundation 2020).
Preventive Measures
Given the prevelance of skin cancer, here are some preventive measures you can take to lessen your odds of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the cancer you can see! Regularly plan skin exams at home and with a dermatologist (Skin Cancer Foundation 2020). More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. EVERY HOUR, but if caught early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats.
Avoid the sun in the middle of the day. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, even during the winter.
Wear sunscreen year round and on cloudy days.
Avoid tanning beds.
Animal-Free Options
We have a lot of outdoors enthusiasts here at Pill Clarity, so we made sure that there were animal-free options for sunscreen available on our marketplace!
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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References
Gardner, Stephanie S. “Skin Cancer: What Are the Causes of Nonmelanoma?” WebMD, WebMD, 6 Aug. 2018, www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/melanoma-guide/causes-skin-cancer#1.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Skin Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Feb. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605.
Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin Cancer Awareness Month.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2020, www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/.
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