WHILE THE SUMMER sunshine feels good on bare skin, be careful not to go unprotected outdoors for too long. At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It now accounts for 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed worldwide, and more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than are diagnosed with all other cancers combined.
But how can that be, when we are seeing more safe-sun campaigns and public education around skin cancer? It's mainly due to better detection and one more big health improvement: "The longer you live, the higher your chances are of eventually developing a skin cancer," says Deborah S. Sarnoff, a New York City dermatologist and president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. Fortunately, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
Skin cancer is grouped into two types: malignant melanoma and nonmelanoma. The nonmelanoma type, which includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is the most common. The main risk factor for both types is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, so as we age, skin cancer can appear-typically on the areas that are most often exposed to the sun.
"That includes the face, ears, scalp and neck," says Clare Tait, a dermatologist based in Perth, Australia, the country with the world's highest rate of melanoma, according to World Cancer Research Fund International.
Fair-skinned people with blue eyes and blond hair, and those who have a family history of melanoma or already have a lot of moles, are at higher risk. But people with darker skin can develop skin cancer too.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July - August 2023-Ausgabe von Reader's Digest US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July - August 2023-Ausgabe von Reader's Digest US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Cookies for Forgiveness
My blowup was half-baked. The apology wasn't
Puff the Magic Pastry
It always rises to the occasion
New Year's Traditions Around the World
1 MOST OF US spend the final seconds of each calendar year watching a nearly 12,000-pound geodesic sphere descend over Times Square in New York City.
Mom's Wall-Sign Wisdom
She never met a plaque or bumper sticker she didn't quote
Protect Your 'Holiday Heart'
This joyful time of year can also be dangerously stressful
Heroes of the Holidays
It's not just Santa Claus bringing the holiday magic this season. As you'll see, he's got elves all over.
The Man Who Looks After His Wife's Ex
For him and his bride, \"in sickness and in health\" meant something really special
How Risky Are Those Holiday Cocktails, Really?
The latest recommendations about drinking and your health
HOW ONE KENTUCKY TOWN SAVED ITSELF
Downtown Hazard had lost its small-town mojo to drugs. Former addicts are helping to bring it back.
Dream It, Do It, Done!
Your bucket-list goals, accomplished