SPF & Cancer
With summer coming up, it is a reminder on how important daily SPF is.
A little bit about skin cancer…
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and the most serious – melanoma. Melanoma accounts for about 1% of all skin cancer cases but it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. In 2023, it is predicted that more that 89,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed.
Woman younger than 50 years of age have a greater chance of getting skin cancer than men. After the age of 50, men have a greater chance. This could be due to historical occupations, recreational exposure to the sun and indoor tanning beds in young woman.
A major risk factor for all types of skin cancer is skin colour. People who have lighter skin have a much higher chance of getting skin cancer than someone of a darker skin (Hispanic, Black, and Asian), however it is still possible for darker skinned individuals to get skin cancer. Additional risk factors include: advanced age, family history of skin cancer, and the presence of atypical, large and numerous (more than 50) moles.
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to be aware of your skin and check it regularly for changes. Any new lesions or changes in the appearance of a lesion should be evaluated by a doctor.
What you can do to prevent skin cancer
Most skin cancer cases and deaths are due to the over exposer to UV radiation and are therefore preventable.
How to protect your skin:
Wearing long sleeves
Hats
Sunglasses
SPF daily with reapplication after swimming, sweating, or spending any amount of time in the sun
Avoiding the sun at peak hours
SPF Spotlight
Broad spectrum SPF protects the skin from cancer as well as sunburns and premature aging.
At Divine MediSpa we have a great selection of medical grade SPF protective products, just ask at your next visit for a sample
Sunscreen Benefits:
Advanced UVA/UVB filters
Elegant, lightweight textures
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Powerful antioxidants to brighten, protect, and diminish the signs of aging