Experts
estimate over 5 million cases of skin
cancer are diagnosed each year. These statistics combined with increasing new
cases each year prompt higher levels of awareness regarding skin cancer
prevention and treatment.
You
have a greater chance of dodging a skin cancer diagnosis yourself when you
educate yourself about various risk factors that lead to skin cancer. But did
you know that more than just too much tanning at the beach raises your odds?
Look at these three surprising factors that can increase your risk of skin
cancer.
Where
you physically work for a living or spend a large part of your life can
actually increase your likelihood of getting skin cancer.
People
who work outdoors all day are more prone to skin cancer simply because they are
exposed to more UV light than those who work indoors all day. Construction
workers, landscapers, farmers and ranchers, anglers, lifeguards, and
professional dog walkers are among the many occupations that take you outside.
Even
if you work indoors, some types of jobs can expose you to chemicals or other
materials that are likely to cause skin cancer. Pest control workers face
possible exposure to arsenic present in some types of insecticides. Make sure
you protect yourself appropriately if you work in mining or industrial settings
that have industrial tar, paraffin, coal, and oil.
If
your occupation is not prone to raise your skin cancer risk, look at where you
live in the world. Certain areas experience thinner ozone layers to block UV
rays or receive more direct, intense UV rays. Some examples include higher
altitudes, countries along the equator, or areas with year-round sun like the
Southwest.
People
with a family history of this cancer have an increased risk.
One
hereditary type of melanoma has been traced to a chromosome mutation called
p16. The resulting unregulated cell growth is found in 40% of family cases.
Parents with this genetic mutation have a 50% chance of passing it onto their
children.
Additionally,
other ways exist to inherit the likelihood of skin cancer. Because malignant
skin cancer starts in your pigment-producing skin cells, your fair or freckled
skin you inherited from your parents is more susceptible to harmful UV rays.
Blondes and redheads experience similar vulnerability as well.
The
sunscreen you apply to your skin to block UV rays may cause skin cancer.
Growing evidence suggests certain chemicals in many sunscreen products may
increase your risks.
Vitamin A compounds like
retinol and retinyl palmitate are proven photocarcinogenics. Vitamin A
derivatives react to the sunlight and become toxic after a person applies the
sunscreen their skin. Another ingredient found in sunscreen, oxybenzone, reacts
the same way to sunlight. Both of these ingredients produce free radicals that
harm DNA cells and hasten ageing.
Sunscreen
might just hurt more than it helps. During the last 30 years of heavy sunscreen
emphasis, skin cancer rates have doubled.
Sunscreen
does more than contain potentially toxic ingredients. As it blocks UV rays,
sunscreen effectively blocks healthy doses of Vitamin D your body uses to help
absorb calcium and regulate your immune system. Experts recommend you opt to
stay indoors or cover up with clothes and a hat. Otherwise, carefully read your
sunscreen product label.
If
you are at a higher risk for skin cancer, visit San Antonio Skin & Cancer Clinic to
learn how we can help you with diagnosis and treatment options. We are also
happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have. We look forward
to hearing from and serving you and your medical needs.
210-614-3575
