Misinformation is common these days when it comes to understanding skin cancer. Get the facts on these myths:
• Only UVB radiation can cause skin damage.
- False. Both UVA and UVB cause sunburns and damage skin, possibly leading to skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that provides protection from both, called “broad-spectrum.”
• You don’t need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.
- False. Even under cloud cover, it is possible for the sun to harm your skin and eyes and cause long-term damage. It is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, even in cloudy weather.
• People who tan easily and rarely burn will not get cancer.
- False. There is no such thing as a healthy suntan. Any change in your natural skin color is a sign of skin damage. Evidence suggests tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. The increase in skin pigment called melanin, which causes your skin to tan, is a sign of damage. Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage.
—Source: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, May 2016
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