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5 Common Myths about Skin Cancer

Believe you are immune to skin cancer? It is the most prevalent kind of cancer in the USA. That is not all: it is also one of the easiest to avoid. Excessive time spent in the sun or on tanning beds is primarily responsible. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are two of the most treatable forms of skin cancer. One kind, however, malignant melanoma, is scary. The good news is that your chance of developing skin cancer may be lowered. Knowing the dangers you face, and the steps you may take to avoid them is essential. Learn the truth behind some of the most common myths about skin cancer by seeing a board-certified dermatologist, like Matthew B Quan M.D., who can help you better protect yourself against the potentially deadly condition by doing Skin Cancer Examination stockton ca.

  1. The disease seldom affects persons with dark skin

This kind of cancer may affect anybody at any time. The risk of developing skin cancer is the same for persons of any race or ethnicity, including those of African descent, Latino origin, or Asian background. Even though those with darker skin tones have a greater risk of dying from skin cancer, the disease is more common among those with lighter skin. Because physicians and patients may not think about the likelihood of skin cancer forming on darker skin until it is too late, it is typically identified later, at a more advanced level.

  1. Skin cancer is not a fatal illness

In the United States, melanoma and other types of nonepithelial skin cancer are predicted to claim the lives of more than 11,900 individuals in 2018. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, responsible for the vast majority of cases.

  1. A tanning bed is safer than the sun’s U.V. radiation

Tanning beds expose users to U.V. radiation, which may cause premature aging, skin cancer, and discoloration. One in five Americans may get skin cancer from sun exposure. Tanning beds and sun lamps pose health risks due to their emitting ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation. Tanning beds and sunlight are strongly discouraged by dermatologists. Evidence suggests they may raise your risk of melanoma.

  1. People who spend a lot of time in the sun are the only ones who ever get skin cancer

While anybody may get skin cancer, the risk increases with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Medical disorders and drugs that weaken the immune system or improve your skin’s sensitivity to the sun can raise your risk of developing skin cancer, in addition to a history of the disease. Applying sunscreen on days when you may be exposed to U.V. rays, such as those with haze or light cloud cover, or broken shadow, is essential.

  1. Most cases of skin cancer occur in the elderly

Preventative measures are valuable at any age. Melanoma is the most prevalent cancer among young adults aged 25–29 and the second most common malignancy in those aged 15–29. When exposed to sunlight at an early age, a person increases their chances of developing skin cancer later in life. It is particularly true if you had severe sunburn when you were a kid. Several factors besides age might affect the likelihood of developing skin cancer. U.V. exposure throughout one’s life, particularly throughout infancy and early adulthood, seems to be the most critical component.

Skin cancer has become pretty standard in recent years. Luckily, when noticed early, it is treatable. However, it would help if you distinguished facts from fiction to make accurate decisions.