Cases of skin cancer have dramatically increased over the last few decades. A recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that skin cancer in adults aged 40 to 60 increased by nearly 800 percent between 1970 and 2009, especially among women aged 40 to 50. In addition, the Mayo Clinic reported an escalation of cases in women in their 20s and 30s.
As the steepest increase happened between 2000 and 2009, researchers believe that many cases could be attributed to the use of tanning beds, which became particularly popular in the 1980s and 1990s. This would also explain why women, who are more likely to use tanning beds than men, are experiencing higher rates of skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
Cumulative UV exposure tends to cause basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, the less serious types that make up 95 percent of all skin cancer cases. Severe sunburns, usually before the age of 18, on the other hand, may lead to melanoma, explains WebMD.
Who Is At Risk?
The top indicator of your risk for developing skin cancer is your skin type, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Those who have type I skin (those who always burn and never tan in the sun) are at very high risk for all types of skin cancer and should use sunscreen with a minimum SPF o f 30 as well as clothing with UPF 30 or more.
Even those with dark skin who never burn (type VI skin) are still at risk for skin cancer, particularly acral lentiginous melanoma, a highly virulent form of the disease. Those with type VI skin should lower their risk of skin cancer by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and seek shade during hours of direct sunlight.
Reduce the risk of skin cancer in later life for your family by always using appropriate sun protection for kids including sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.
Real Kids offers a variety of sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection for children at all ages and stages of childhood. Visit our website to purchase a pair for your child today!