Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and yet there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding this disease.
At Innovative MedSpa, we believe that education is key to prevention and early detection of skin cancer. In this blog post, we’ll be debunking some of the most common skin cancer myths.
Myth #1: Only fair-skinned people are at risk for skin cancer.
FACT: While fair-skinned people are at a higher risk for skin cancer, anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of their skin color. Unfortunately, due to the misconception that skin cancer only affects fair-skinned individuals, skin cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage in people with darker skin tones, which can lead to a poorer prognosis.
Myth #2: You only need to wear sunscreen at the beach.
FACT: The sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, which means that you can still get sun damage even on a cloudy day or while you’re indoors. Aside from sunlight, these rays can be seen in artificial sources as well. It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re not spending a lot of time outside.
Myth #3: Tanning beds are a safer way to get a tan.
FACT: Both sunlight and tanning beds emit UV radiation, which can damage your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. In fact, tanning beds are said to emit approximately 12 times more UVA than natural sunlight! UVA rays can damage the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which can lead to premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Myth #4: Skin cancer only affects older people.
FACT: Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age, although the risk does increase as you get older. Although it is extremely rare, melanoma has been passed to an unborn child from maternal Melanoma deposits present in the placenta.
Myth #5: If a mole doesn’t look unusual, it’s not cancerous.
FACT: Not all cancerous moles look unusual. It’s important to get any new or changing moles checked by a dermatologist.
Don’t put it off any longer – take charge of your health and schedule a skin exam with your primary care provider today.
At Innovative MedSpa, we believe in providing our clients with as much accurate and up-to-date information about skin cancer as possible. By debunking these common skin cancer myths, we hope to help you better understand this disease and take steps to prevent it. If you have any questions or concerns about skin cancer or your skin health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you stay healthy and protected, all-year-round!
