November 28, 2023 — The “sunscreen paradox” has been puzzling doctors lately. As more people use sunscreen, the incidence of diseases such as melanoma is increasing. skin cancer It’s going up.
The statistics regarding all types of skin cancer are alarming.
- Cases diagnosed with invasive melanoma have increased by 27% each year over the past decade.
- percentage of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) According to the National Library of Medicine, it is increasing at a rate of nearly 10% annually among all age groups in the country.
- ale medicine It is reported thatSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) The number of patients diagnosed in the United States is increasing to nearly 1 million annually.
- Even in that case, Merkel cell carcinomathe rare and aggressive skin cancer that caused the singer’s recent death. jimmy buffetteeth projected The number is expected to increase to more than 3,200 cases per year over the next two years.
Why did this happen? new research A professor at Montreal’s McGill University may have solved part of the mystery. Many people may think that using sunscreen gives them the freedom to tan and stay in the sun as much as they want.
“Patients tell us they think it’s safe to tan if they wear sunscreen, when in reality, it’s safe,” says James Ralston, M.D., director of McKinney Dermatology Center in McKinney, Texas. , there is no way to safely tan.” “Every time you get a sunburn, you damage your skin. This cumulative damage accelerates skin aging and increases your risk of all types of skin cancer.”
Additionally, other things you do may increase your risk of skin cancer without realizing it. The reality is that many diseases can be prevented with knowledge. “Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and it is also one of the most preventable cancers.” Shanti Shivendran, MD; Senior Vice President, Cancer Care Support, American Cancer Society;
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
according to MD Anderson Cancer Centersigns of illness include:
- New spots appearing on the skin
- Existing spots that change color, shape, and size
- Areas with itching or pain
- Wounds that do not heal or become scabs
- Shiny bumps that appear red or skin-colored
- rough, scaly areas of the skin
- Lesions with raised borders, a crusted center, or bleeding
- growths that look like warts
- A tumor that looks like a scar and has unclear borders
Who is at risk for skin cancer?
“Anyone can develop melanoma,” Ralston says.
She said people with more than 50 moles, large moles, or atypical moles are at increased risk. Also, if you have a blood relative who has had melanoma, if you tend to tan easily, have red or blonde hair, or blue or green eyes, or if you have excessive sun exposure or indoor tanning. If you have a history, you are at higher risk. You’re also at higher risk if you’ve previously been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a history of other cancers, such as breast or thyroid cancer, Ralston said.
As for other types of skin cancer, “people diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, in the future,” he said. .
Let’s take a look at five other ways you may be increasing your risk of skin cancer without realizing it, and how you can take the right steps to prevent it.
Not using enough sunscreen
“Very few people use more sunscreen than necessary,” he says. Dr. Vivian Bukey, a dermatologist practicing in San Antonio, Texas, and spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation. “To achieve SPF, you should apply two tablespoons (equivalent to a shot glass) of sunscreen all over your body and a nickel-sized amount on your face,” she says.
Covers areas that are often overlooked, such as around the eyes, above and behind the ears, hands, and back of the neck. Don’t forget your lips.
“I tell my patients to carry lip products with SPF so they can reapply after meals,” says Bukai. “Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.”
Not using sunscreen all year round
Many people only apply sunscreen during warm seasons. “I’ve heard of patients who didn’t wear sunscreen because it was a cloudy or snowy day,” Ralston says. “Some of the UV rays pass through clouds, which reduce their warmth. Without a warning sense of warmth, people are at increased risk of overexposure. ultraviolet lightespecially U.V.A.It is relatively unaffected by cloud cover. ”
There are also risks for those who enjoy winter sports. “Snow reflects 80 percent of the sun’s rays, making you more susceptible to sunburn,” Ralston explains.
Do not apply sunscreen indoors
“You can be exposed to sunlight in unexpected ways without realizing it,” says Shivendran. “For example, the sun’s rays pass through windows, so sitting near a window for long periods of time can increase your risk of skin cancer. To reduce this, you can also wear sunscreen indoors. It is important.”
This rule also applies if you’re in a car or sitting in a window seat on a plane, bus, or train.
“Standard window glass blocks UVB transmission, but not UVA,” Ralston says. “Car windows block some amount of UVA, especially if the windows are tinted. But even short car trips can cause significant sun damage when accumulated over years. Masu.”
you are a man
Second new McGill University study We found that men were more likely than women to doubt the usefulness of sunscreen and were less likely to get a new mole checked.
Men are also more likely to be exposed to UV radiation through outdoor recreation and work. Outdoor employment is an important factor. new research According to research by the World Health Organization, one in three people who work in the sun die from non-melanoma skin cancer. The bottom line is that men need to be just as diligent about their daily sun protection.
you don’t know your family history
It’s important to ask about your relative’s history of skin cancer. This information will help protect you and other members of your family. National Cancer Institute reported that 5% to 10% of all melanomas occur in families with multiple members diagnosed with skin cancer. This means that the risk of melanoma can be inherited. Melanoma Research Alliance have identified specific genetic genetic variations that may increase risk.
American Academy of Dermatology It states that the following people may benefit from genetic testing for melanoma:
- Having three or more melanomas that have spread or grown deep into the skin, especially before the age of 45.
- If three or more blood relatives on one side of your family have melanoma or pancreatic cancer.
- If you have two or more atypical moles called Spitz birthmark.
- If you have one or more Spitz nevi and one of your relatives has mesothelioma, meningioma, or ocular melanoma.
How can you prevent skin cancer every day?
“You can reduce your risk by avoiding the sun’s harmful rays and seeking shade during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” Shivendran said. “use broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen SPF is at least 30. There are also stylish, lightweight sun protection clothes that can be worn year-round. ”
If you make these movements a habit, you can easily prevent sunburn.