Five Myths about Skin Cancer

Did you know that the latest research is showing that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer people are diagnosed with!

While the types of skin cancer vary around the world, no one is truly safe from skin cancer! Don't stress too much, as this form of cancer is also one of the most treatable forms if caught early. It is simply important to understand the true risks involved with getting skin cancer and what you can actually do to protect yourself.

To help with this quest, we are going to discuss five myths about skin cancer and de-bunk them for you.

Myth #1: Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.

FALSE! Anyone with skin is susceptible to getting skin cancer. This means that if you have dark skin, medium-toned skin, or pale skin, you are still at risk of developing this type of cancer. In fact, while more light-skinned people seem to be diagnosed with skin cancer, it is the darker-skinned people that have a higher death rate from skin cancer. This is because diagnosis normally takes place too late in the process to be able to properly treat and defeat.

Myth #2: Vitamin D is too important to give up the tanning bed.

FALSE! Yes, Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients you can give yourself. But this does not mean that you should put yourself at risk of UV exposure from tanning beds. If you are unable to get Vitamin D from sunshine naturally, consider taking a Vitamin D supplement instead of putting yourself at risk under the big harmful lights of a tanning bed.

Myth #3: Higher SPF sunscreen provides more protection.

FALSE! While SPF is an important factor in allowing sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, having the highest level of SPF does not foolproof you from avoiding the harmful rays that can cause skin cancer. While it aids in a little bit more protection, it is not 100% accurate. You still need to be conscious of how much time you spend in the sunshine even if you are wearing sunscreen.  

Myth #4: Being tan prevents sunburns, and thus prevents skin cancer.

FALSE! While we understand how people have come up with this logic, it is deceiving. Just because you are tan does not mean you are able to avoid the risk of getting sunburnt. In fact, the reason you got a tan at all is that your skin cells have gone into protection mode to combat the UV rays you have been exposed to. While you may have a tan, too much time in the sun can still lead to a sunburn, that can lead to skin cancer.  

Myth #5: You can't get sunburnt if it is cloudy

FALSE! This one is deceiving, but UV rays are actually the most harmful on a cloudy day. This is because when the clouds come over, people neglect the same skincare they would do in the sunlight. But the UV rays can still get through the clouds and to your skin on a cloudy day and inflict the same damage that can lead to skin cancer. So do not let your guard down on a cloudy day-stay consistent with your skin protection!

While skin cancer is a common cancer, it does not have to be! We hope these five myths have shown that with consistent care for your skin, not letting your guard down despite the weather and not believing you are immune to getting skin cancer, you will drastically increase your chances of not being an added number to the staggering statistics of people diagnosed with skin cancer.

Show your skin some love and protect it every single day!