Skin Cancer and Sun Safety: How Much Do You Really Know?

When summer arrives, it can be a drag having to think about skin cancer and sun safety. But, you know you should. According to the National Cancer Institute there were over one million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009 and 68,720 cases of melanoma skin cancer, the more deadly form.

Fortunately, most types of skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the world – can be prevented with easy sun safety methods. But, how much do you know about protecting your skin? Test your knowledge in Core Content Media’s Skin Cancer and Sun Safety Quiz.

Start testing your knowledge with these question:

1. TRUE OR FALSE: Sunscreen is the only sun protection you need?

False. Sunscreen may be your best defense against damaging UVA and UVB rays. But, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, you need a little more than the creamy stuff for full protection. You should avoid peak sunlight, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Wear lip balm and sunglasses, and if you’ll be outside for a while, wearing sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat is a good idea. Seek out shade whenever you can. Also keep your tanning bed sessions to a minimum. Several studies, including one by the Dartmouth Medical School, indicated that tanning bed users had a higher risk of certain types of skin cancer.

2. TRUE OR FALSE: Fair-skinned people are the only ones with a higher risk of skin cancer?

False. Fair-skinned people produce less melanin, a pigment which helps to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. So, they’re more at risk for skin problems, including skin cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that darker-skinned people are safe; they should still protect their skin.

Also, the American Cancer Society states that if you are an athlete, work outdoors, have an autoimmune disease like lupus, or have freckles or irregular moles, your risk for skin cancer may also be higher.

3. TRUE OR FALSE: A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 is all you need?

True and false. If you’re just sitting around outside near a shaded area, SPF 15 will get the job done. But if you’re outside for a long period of time, or working or playing in the sun, go for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Also, according to Cancer Research UK, children have sensitive skin so they are more likely to burn; a higher SPF is a better choice for them.

To brush up on your sun safety as the hot season arrives, check out the rest of Core Content Media’s Skin Cancer and Sun Safety Quiz http://corecontentmedia.com/health/test-your-skin-cancer-and-sun-safety-iq/.

Tags: Cancer, Know, Much, Really, Safety, Skin