(WOOD) GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — The most common cause of skin cancer in the United States is excessive exposure to UV radiation rays.
There are numerous natural and man-made sources of UV radiation.
According to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s medical director for utilization management, Dr. Crystal Lee, exposure need not be frequent in order to be hazardous.
The first misconception regarding skin cancer is that it cannot affect people who spend little time outdoors in the sun. However, UV rays can also be produced by some lighting and tanning beds.
The second myth is that those who tan quickly and evenly won’t develop skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan, according to Dr. Lee.
The third myth is that sunbathing in a tanning bed is safer than tanning outside in the sun. According to Dr. Lee, tanning beds greatly raise the chance of developing any type of skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Sunspots, freckles, and wrinkles are additional effects.
There are means of self-defense. Wear clothing that covers your skin, such as caps and light textiles, and apply sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Don’t forget to reapply as needed.