Can Living in the Sunshine State be Deadly?

According to the American Cancer Society, a Florida resident is diagnosed with skin cancer every two hours. Each year more than one million people are diagnosed with basal or squamous skin cancer. These statistics are proof that those hours of sitting out in the sun or spending too much time in a tanning bed, can lead to skin cancer. Read on to find out more about the types of skin cancer, causes and methods of prevention.
There are three types of skin cancer: basal, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma causes 90% of all skin cancers. If caught early, it can be treated. But if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body causing a lot of damage. Squamous cell appears in the form of nodules on the face, ears, mouth and lips. It is also easy to treat if found early. Melanoma is a rare type of skin cancer but is associated with most of the skin cancer deaths.
Skin cancer is usually caused by too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. These rays can also come from a tanning bed. Individuals who are fair skinned or Caucasian, have natural red or blond hair, a family history of skin cancer and many moles on the skin are more at risk for developing skin cancer. Speaking of moles, you need to on the lookout for moles that look suspicious. The best way to do this is to use the ABC method.
A- ASYMMETRY- Moles that are not symmetrical can usually be a sign of trouble. Be sure to have any mole that appears to be different on one side checked out by your doctor.
B- BORDER- Examine a mole’s border. If a mole has an irregular border, then you need to show it to your doctor.
C- COLOR- Normal moles are usually one color. If you see one that appears to have multiple colors, then that is a red flag that you need to see a doctor ASAP!
Now that you have a little bit more information about skin cancer, you might be wondering if it can be prevented. The answer is yes.
Always wear sun block. Be careful about reading the different sun block labels because a new study has linked anti-aging sun blocks that contain Vitamin A with contributing to an increased risk for developing skin cancer. Sun block with an SPF of 15 or higher should be sufficient. Be sure to apply sun block 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours when spending time outdoors.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the times of the day that the rays are the strongest.
Stay in the shade. This will help to keep you cooler and prevent skin cancer.
Wear protective clothing such as hats to limit your sun exposure.
Remember the sun is not all bad. It can be a good source of vitamin D but too much exposure can put you at risk for skin cancer. So follow these tips and enjoy the Florida sunshine!