Myths About Skin Cancer You Should Be Aware Of Before You Pass On the Sunscreen

My buddy Ben never wears sunscreen. Ever. We go back and forth about this all the time and he usually says the same thing. "There is no history of skin cancer in my family, my grampa never wore sunscreen, he was fine, my dad never wears it and he's fine!". I end up shaking my head and dropping the subject.

My gorgeous BFF Georgie tans weekly. We've been best friends for 35 years and I wouldn't know her without a tan. I do worry about her, but at least she gets her skin checked on a regular basis.

All skin cancer rates have skyrocketed over the last forty years, so  for anyone else that skin protection matters to here are a few things to think about:

• Genetics do affect your risk, but past sunburns and number of moles also matters. Only 35% of melanomas are linked to genetics. No one is immune to skin cancer!
• Tans are not healthy, it is your body trying to protect your DNA by producing pigment and the damage is permanent. Use self-tanners and save your skin & possibly your life!
• Get a skin check by a dermatologist. In a recent survey 76% of people responding had never, ever gotten one. Dermatologist Bruce Robinson, M.D. from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City says, " "Unlike other types of cancer, with skin cancer there's such an opportunity for early detection," So make an appointment.

If you need added incentive, research has proven that 90% of skin aging is due to sun exposure.So like the old Baz Luhrmann song said, "wear sunscreen". You're not too young, too old, too dark-skinned or protected by genetics, to get skin cancer. It happens to people everyday. For more info click here.