Skin Cancer Affects One in Five

With summer time fast approaching, many people are getting ready to enjoy a little sun bathing, or baking as the case may be.  And this might be just the problem.  According to researchers, a recent study reveals that despite years and years of education on the risks of skin cancer, very few Americans engage in safe sun exposure.

The results from a national study showed that according to dermatologists and consumers there was a huge discrepancy between what is being recommended by experts and what people are actually up to.  This gap has proven that most people have failed to take home the message that has been propounded for several decades: namely, that unprotected and prolonged exposure to the sun carries a host of very serious risks.

What the study actually revealed was that although one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, only one in five actually utilized sunscreen daily.  This is the case despite the years of education on the matter. 

The fault is not a lack of education however, as apparently ninety-four percent of those surveyed were well aware of the fact that prolonged sun exposure was harmful and caused skin damage and skin cancer.  This fact reveals that although people are aware of the consequences, few are taking them seriously.

According to researchers, skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions.  The good news is that skin cancer, when detected early is 99 percent curable.  So people who are worried about their previous sun exposure or about a particular mark or mole on their skin should see their doctors or dermatologists to discuss it. 

Sunscreen is a simple solution to a very serious problem.  While most of us like to work towards a golden brown tan, the dangers of repeated sun exposure year after year should make us think twice about how we achieve it.  With so many alternatives on the market today, baking in the hot sun need not be the only way to achieve your golden goals. 

Making sure to apply a good dose of sunscreen in the summer is extremely important to preventing skin damage and disease.  Follow the instructions carefully and reapply after a few hours or after being in the water.  And while this is all particularly important during the summer months, dermatologists agree that a minimum of fifteen SPF should be applied 365 days of the year to exposed areas.

Taking care of your skin is important.  And although many more people are now drinking water and spending a small fortune on wrinkle creams and plastic surgery, it is hard to understand why so few take this simple precaution.  One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure so this summer be sure to protect yourself and your skin.  You can still enjoy those warm summer days, but just be sure to do so in a sun-safe way.